7.3. Shipping Calculation Modes

There are eight ways that shipping cost may be calculated. The method used depends on the first character of the cost field in the shipping database.

N.NN (digits)

If the first character is a digit, a number is assumed and read directly as the shipping cost.

e

If the first character is an e, a cost of zero is returned and an error message is placed in the session value ship_message (i.e., [data session ship_message] or $Session->{ship_message}).

f

If the character f is the first, Interchange will first interpret the text for any Interchange tags and then interpret the result as a formula. It is read as Perl code; the entire set of Interchange objects may be referenced with the code.

i

Specifies a chained shipping lookup which will be applied to each item in the shopping cart.

m

Specifies a chained shipping lookup which will be applied to the entire shopping cart.

u

Calls the UPS-style lookup. Can pre-define as many as desired. Though if want to do the hundreds available, it is best done on-the-fly.

x

If an x is first, a number is expected and is applied as a fixed multiplier for the accumulated criterion (@@TOTAL@@).

A-Z

If the first character is a capital letter, calls one of the 26 secondary UPS-style lookup zones. (Deprecated now that zones can be named directly).