USPS Shipping Module incorrect weight and rate display

[meeganlair]

Recently experienced a USPS shipping module anomaly where it added too much weight while calculating rates.

 

For example, an item weighing .25 lbs was showing up as 3.5lbs on the checkout_shipping.php page during the checkout process.

This is caused by two variables unavailable from the Admin site that could be changed in the database if you wish. The variables and defaults are below.

 

For 2.2MS2 Only

 

SHIPPING_BOX_WEIGHT (defaults to 3 as in 3lbs) and

SHIPPING_BOX_PADDING (defaults to 10 as in 10%).

 

To edit values, find the respective configuration_key fields in the configuration table and edit the configuration_value. They will be added to your product's weight at weight calculation time. For more information on their usage see the file /catalog/includes/classes/shipping.php, method quote()

 

peace

m

[zzfritz]

This is not an 'anomaly' but a feature known as 'tare weight' representing the added weight of packaging.<p>You shouldn't have to edit the database table; it should be set in admin => Configuration => Shipping, where you set the store's Postal Code, Country Code and maximum package weight.