Shipping by Zones in Zen Cart

Several people have asked how to set shipping based on Zones. This is really a very simple process that is made out to be harder than it seems. If I can do it, anyone can. lol

Here's how:

1. Log into your Zen Cart Admin.
2. Under "Modules" choose "Shipping."
3. The last option is "Zone Rates," choose it.
4. Choose Edit.
5. "Do You Want to Offer Zone Rate Shipping?" Click "True."
6. Now choose your calculation method: by Weight, Price or Item.
7. If shipping is taxable in your state, now choose "taxable goods."
8. Now choose your Tax Basis. (Most will choose "Store" as taxes only have to be collected on items that are sold within the same state. If you're unsure about your requirements, check with your state Department of Revenue.)
9. If you're doing Zen Cart, you understand Sort Order by now. I left mine at "0" as this is the only method of shipping that I offer.
10. Now you're ready to set "Zone 1" countries. For these, I opted for U.S. and its territories. Enter the country codes for the all countries you are willing to ship to for a certain fee. My countries for Zone 1 include: US, PR, UM, VI (U.S., Puerto Rico, United States Minor Outlying Islands, and Virgin Islands) For a detailed listing of country codes see http://ftp.ics.uci.edu/pub/websoft/wwwstat/country-codes.txt
11. Now you're ready to do the Shipping Table.

If basing on price you want to follow this example: 5.00:5.00 - which translates to $5.00 in sales in equals $5.00 shipping. Essentially, it's sales:shipping. The next step is to determine the next pricing; ie, 10.00:15.00 - which translates to $6.00 to $10.00 purchases will be charged $15.00 shipping. You keep following this rule for as long as you choose. There's no limit.
Or, if you prefer to do it based on number of items, you'll want to follow a no. of items:shipping formula like this: 5:5.00 - which translates to 5 items equals $5.00 shipping. Followed by something like this: 10:9.00 - which translates to 6 to 10 items will cost $9.00 shipping.
Lastly, if you prefer to do shipping based on weight, you can start with something like this: 5:5.00 - which translates to 5 lbs equals $5.00 shipping. And continue as with the previous two options. However, when using this option, BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE INCLUDED A WEIGHT FOR EACH PRODUCT.

12. At this point you are ready to go to your Zone 2 countries. Follow Step 10 above. This is where I included countries such as the UK, Canada, Austrialia, etc. If you do not ship outside the U.S., insert "00" and you're done.
13. Once you've followed the steps for Zone 2, follow Step 11 for setting your shipping charges. Sames rules apply in
Zone 2 as in Zone 1.
14. With Zone 3, if needed, follow Steps 10 & 11 once again.

Good luck and have fun!