Modstop FedEx Module

[laserdisc_king]

I've got a FedEx module (uncompiled) from modStop that does not function fully. It works for most FedEx services such as Standard Overnight, Ground, and Priority Overnight, but it does not work for FedEx Express Freight services. It does have the options for Freight services and I have them enabled, but they just don't function. I'm working with FedEx to try and diagnose the problem. They told me to capture the output of the module (what's being sent) and email it to them for review. My host informs me that I need a developer to add logging functions to the FedEx module so that it writes everything it sends and receives to a file. Any takers?$$ :confused:

[dotCOM_host]

Well, this particular problem has been documented just a few days ago. Modstop's own domain name expired and they didn't renew it, which means any FedEx shipping rate lookups were failing since stores couldn't connect to modstop.com

For the time being, a simple workaround is to have your host manually hardcode the hostname modstop.com in the server's hosts file and point it to 204.10.71.108 - just keep in mind that this may change or be turned off if Modtop stops paying their hosting fees. Your best bet is to switch to a supported FedEx shipping module, like the one from Viking Coders. Not only does it work very well, but it comes from a company that does offer support, unlike Modstop which disappeared from the face of this planet ~4 years ago and noone has been able to reach them since.

[laserdisc_king]

Thanks Remik, but that is not the problem. The module works fine for most of the other FedEx services, like Ground, Overnight, etc., but not for the express freight services. FedEx Express Freight is for packages over 150 lbs.. I already knew about modstop not renewing their domain (it has been renewed now) and had my host fix that. I'm not a developer, that's why I need someone who can incorporate a script into this module so that it logs what it is sending and receiving.

[laserdisc_king]

Viking's module is compiled. I need uncompiled.

[dotCOM_host]

Well, I don't think they renewed the domain just yet - it's still listed as expired May 23, 2006, and still resolves to a parked page at GoDaddy... as does the DNS for it.

If you already have the temporary fix implemented - chances are that the modstop server simply doesn't have freight shipping tables on it so lookups may be failing because of that. They do not relay requests to FedEx servers, they simply store their own tables on their own server and your store looks up only what's already in modstop databases. If the freight rates aren't there, you won't be able to look them up........

[laserdisc_king]

Oh, I guess I can view their site now because I made an edit to my "hosts" file on my system. :D

Their site says, "
The FedEx Shipping Module connects your store to the FedEx web site for calculation of shipping costs." So, I don't think it relies on tables. :cool:

[dotCOM_host]

I think they are using their own site as a form of proxy to relay requests to FedEx, or, they store some tables on their servers. I don't know the full details and chances are few people without access to the source code or their server would be able to tell for sure. Either way, I think the modstop FedEx module is on its very last legs so it would be in your best interest to consider alternatives and find a more reliable way to calculate the rates.

[Vic - WolfPaw Computers]

It does need tables, those tables are hosted on ModStop's server unfortunately.

You really should consider upgrading to Merchant v4.24. Not only for speed, but more availablility of modules, bug fixes, and security patches. Not to mention v4.13 and earlier is not supported by MIVA at all anymore.

[julie_thompson]

I used the Modstop FedEx Module up until a few days ago when I opted for the Viking FedEx Advanced Module. When I used the Modstop FedEx Module I never could get the module to return a rate for freight no matter what I did. And this was before their domain name expired. I sell dumbbells which can total over 100lbs and no matter what I tried, I couldn't get the freight to work. And forget about submitting a support ticket.... at least I never received a response.

I'd take Remik's advise, find another shipping module before Modstop's FedEx finally takes its last breath...