update ... i've dropped the bcse mod altogether and switched over to the mod in post
239. the store is based in the u.s. - still getting shipping methods not found error .... but, it works like a charm for canadian postal codes. no idea why that would be.
considering this mod mentioned in post 271
http://xcartmod.com/cart/home.php. anyone other than swamp-industries given it a try? don't want to sink any money into it without a bit more feedback.