diff --git a/shipping/uc_quote/uc_quote.module b/shipping/uc_quote/uc_quote.module
index 11eb179..a930b4b 100644
--- a/shipping/uc_quote/uc_quote.module
+++ b/shipping/uc_quote/uc_quote.module
@@ -59,15 +59,6 @@ function uc_quote_menu() {
 }
 
 /**
- * Implements hook_init().
- */
-function uc_quote_init() {
-  global $conf;
-  $conf['i18n_variables'][] = 'uc_quote_err_msg';
-  $conf['i18n_variables'][] = 'uc_quote_pane_description';
-}
-
-/**
  * Implements hook_theme().
  */
 function uc_quote_theme() {
diff --git a/shipping/uc_quote/uc_quote.variable.inc b/shipping/uc_quote/uc_quote.variable.inc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..95a50df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/shipping/uc_quote/uc_quote.variable.inc
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+<?php
+
+/**
+ * @file
+ * Variable module hook implementations.
+ */
+
+
+/**
+ * Implements hook_variable_group_info().
+ */
+function uc_quote_variable_group_info() {
+  $groups['uc_quote'] = array(
+    'title' => t('Ubercart shipping quote settings'),
+    'access' => 'administer store',
+    'path' => array('admin/store/settings/quotes'),
+  );
+  return $groups;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Implements hook_variable_info().
+ */
+function uc_quote_variable_info($options) {
+  $variables['uc_quote_err_msg'] = array(
+    'type' => 'text',
+    'title' => t('Shipping quote error message', array(), $options),
+    'description' => t('The error message shown to a user when a problem is encountered while generating a shipping quote.', array(), $options),
+    'group' => 'uc_quote',
+    'default' => t("There were problems getting a shipping quote. Please verify the delivery and product information and try again.\nIf this does not resolve the issue, please call in to complete your order.", array(), $options),
+  );
+  $variables['uc_quote_pane_description'] = array(
+    'type' => 'text',
+    'title' => t('Shipping quote pane description', array(), $options),
+    'description' => t('Message to indicate to users that a shipping quote can be updated automatically on address change, or manually by pressing a button.', array(), $options),
+    'group' => 'uc_quote',
+    'default' => t('Shipping quotes are generated automatically when you enter your address and may be updated manually with the button below.', array(), $options),
+  );
+  return $variables;
+}