Australia Post Postage Assessment Calculation API

-- HikaShop version -- : 2.3.5
-- Joomla version -- : 2.5.14
-- PHP version -- : 5.3.1
-- Browser(s) name and version -- : Firefox Ver 34.0.5
-- Template = Siteground -J16-42 City View template
Hi HikaShop Support,
Australia Post developed a new version of their Postage Assessment Calculation API (PAC) last year and it has many more Shipping Services & insurance options available then just the ‘Express, Standard, Air, Sea” services that are shown in the current Hikashop Australia Post Shipping Plugin.
Please see these url’s for further details of some of the new features of the new PAC api.
developers.auspost.com.au/apis/pac/tutorial/domestic-parcel
developers.auspost.com.au/apis/pac/refer...l-domestic-calculate
developers.auspost.com.au/apis/pac/refer...cel-domestic-service

It also uses different URLs to calculate & return the freight cost and delivery days for the different services required. e.g.
Domestic parcels=
$calculateRateURL = auspost.com.au/api/postage/parcel/domestic/calculate.json ?
International parcels=
$calculateRateURL =https://auspost.com.au/api/postage/parcel/international/calculate.json?
rather than the existing url from the older API that Hikashop is currently using e.g.
$url=' drc.edeliver.com.au/ratecalc.asp ?';
I might add the older version API is still working at this time.

I will be using Australia post prepaid 500g & 3kg plastic satchels to send my goods and these 2 shipping services are available in the newer Australia Post PAC api and will also return the delivery days as well.
I have developed my own Australia Post Freight Estimator module using this new PAC api to allow my prospective customers to quickly get the freight costs of the cart items, just by entering a delivery postcode without having to login.
Please see attached pic.

My Questions are please:
1) Is there any relatively easy way for me to reconfigure the current Hikashop Australia Post Shipping Plugin to use these 2 PAC api service codes for my purposes?
service_code" => 'AUS_PARCEL_REGULAR_SATCHEL_500G'
service_code" => 'AUS_PARCEL_REGULAR_SATCHEL_3KG
2) Do Hikashop have any plans to redevelop the current Hikashop Australia Post Shipping Plugin to utilise the newer enhanced PAC API?

If I have to setup & use 2 instances of the Hikashop Manual Shipping based on cart weights to achieve the above configuration for my checkout (which I have tested), maybe I have to add some of my own code to the shipping view to return the delivery days from Australia Post PAC API and place it next to the checkout Manual shipping cost.
Thanks
Shane

Hello,

1. Yes but as you said you'll have to change the code of the Hikashop Australia Post shipping plugin

2. Yes I'm currenty redevelopping the actual Aupost plugin to take into account the new limitations.
Regarding the use of the 2 api I'll add it on our todo list.

Hi Mohamed,
Regarding your redevelopment of the current Australia post plugin, when that is finished, will it be released with the next version of Hikashop or will it be available as a downloadable plugin before the release of the next Hikashop version ?

In the meantime I will have to work out some code modifications for my own purposes , so i can get my website working & published.
Thanks for the reply.
Shane

Hi,

Regarding your redevelopment of the current Australia post plugin, when that is finished, will it be released with the next version of Hikashop or will it be available as a downloadable plugin before the release of the next Hikashop version ?

We don't have a fixed date about it as I'll completely change the structure of each shipping methods but I'll try to take into account the new Aupost services .

I will be very interested to see this development; as accurate postage costs are one of the main drivers on making a online sale here in Australia
I would really appreciate your development on this as no doubt others will too

Hello,

I have a client that is only using Australia Post express prepaid satchels. I am having some problems configuring the shop with the right postage.

After reading this post, it looks like you are working on this? Any time frame or solution for a work around?

Thank you
Kind regards
Lene

Hello,
I already developed it through the last Hikashop version.

I have a client that is only using Australia Post express prepaid satchels. I am having some problems configuring the shop with the right postage.

Can you give me more information about your issue and about the "Australia Post express prepaid satchels" ?

Hello,

Thanks for getting back to me. A bit more information about the system and issue:

I am using Joomla version 3.3.6 and HikaShop Business: 2.3.5.

The satchels that I am referring to from Australia Post is listed here,many people use these prepaid satchels:
auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/prepaid-satchels.html

I have Australia Post set to Express Post only, but it automatically comes up with the price for the other Express Post envelopes.

When I test it gives a price of $9.90, that price matches up with this table:
auspost.com.au/media/documents/expresspo...tas-T1-31mar2014.pdf

The website is under development, but you can view and test it here:
101.0.115.100/~irlendys/index.php/store

I have attached the Australia Post setup.

If you need further information please let me know.

Thanks
Regards
Lene

Hi Mohamed & Lene,
Lene's issue is the same as my issue that I described at the very start of this topic. The Australia post API was changed last year and now includes many more options, one of which is the "Prepaid Satchels" option for various size bags. Mohamed you will find all the information about the new Australia post API (PAC) & links to the Australia Post developer website which also details the new Australia Post server address to use for accessing this new API, in my original post.
Cheers
Shane

Hello,
@lt635 :

The satchels that I am referring to from Australia Post is listed here,many people use these prepaid satchels:
auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/prepaid-satchels.html

There is not "Prepaid satchels" feature on the Australia post shipping method, but to do that you can actually use the manual shipping method with a fixed price for each package dimension/weight.

I have Australia Post set to Express Post only, but it automatically comes up with the price for the other Express Post envelopes.

When I test it gives a price of $9.90, that price matches up with this table:
auspost.com.au/media/documents/expresspo...tas-T1-31mar2014.pdf

The Australia post is actually only sending your packages dimensions/weight and displaying what Australia post is returning through that API url : drc.edeliver.com.au/ratecalc.asp

@shanem :

Thanks for your feedback, I'll add it on our todo list then .

Hello,

OK, I will add some manual postage to the shop.

Thanks
Regards
Lene