Your answer is logical. But it seems to me that there should be more information on all the constraints in using a shipping provider in the documentation of ecart (I may be naive but I understood that it would handle the shipping quotes.).
From what I have seen on the UPS site, it seems that I can keep using the "test access key" when we go live. To be verified with them. I even think that the test key, for this particular purpose can access the production site; so the rates would be ok.
As for using ecart, it does not help me very much. I cannot have one and only one "service type". STANDARD was suggested to me earlier. But I have done some tests and it is not available in France, Hawai-USA to name just a few exemples. So I will have to code-and-code all kinds of exceptions. Might as well get on it. Or find another solution.
PLUS, there are all kinds of limitations on the size and weight allowed for STANDARD.
1) Failure (Hard): The maximum per package weight for the selected service from the selected country is 150.00 pounds.
2) Failure (Hard): Package exceeds the maximum length constraint of 108 inches. Length is the longest side of a package.
3) Failure (Hard): Package exceeds the maximum size total constraints of 165 inches (length + girth, where girth is 2 x width plus 2 x height).
108 + ((2x8)+ (2X108))