Carrier adjustments are a frustrating reality of shipping that most shippers will have to deal with from time to time. These adjustments can affect your shipping costs and delivery timelines. This article can help you understand what adjustments are, why they occur, and offer ways to minimize their impact on your business.
Carrier adjustments are charges billed by the carrier after the parcel has shipped if the carrier finds a difference in the rate that was initially paid versus what should have been charged.
Adjustments most frequently occur when the weight, dimensions, and packaging details on the label do not match your actual package. They can also occur for oversized packages, packages that require additional handling, or if the selected service or mail class is not valid for the package.
During shipping, overhead scanners and scales automatically verify package dimensions and weight. If there are differences from the initial information provided, adjustment charges may occur. For size discrepancies, carriers typically require a drop-off receipt or significant evidence to consider dispute claims. Adjustment dispute resolutions are ultimately decided by the carrier. Review individual carrier terms of service for additional details.
Entering accurate information for each shipment and pulling in weights from a scale using ShipStation Connect will help avoid adjustments related to inaccurate shipment configurations, which are the most common types of adjustments.
Other possible reasons for adjustments include:
-
A package that is an unconventional shape, like a cylinder or tube
-
Package dimensions exceed the service or carrier maximum
-
The package triggers dimensional weight pricing but no dimensions were entered prior to purchase
-
Saturday deliveries
-
The package is packed in something other than cardboard, such as wrapped in plastic or encased in metal
-
The recipient address is incorrect or incomplete
-
The label was attached incorrectly, so the barcode could not be scanned
-
The package must be returned due to incorrect Harmonization codes or missing IOSS
-
Residential or out-of-area deliveries
-
Fuel surcharges or Peak surcharges
Automate Shipping Workflows to Avoid Adjustments
You can configure shipments with various automated methods to take the guesswork out of your shipping process. For details on using different types of automation, please review the product defaults, service mapping, and automation rules articles.
When shipping with a ShipStation Carrier, if the carrier that delivers the parcel determines any of these adjustment reasons apply to your parcel, it could result in the carrier issuing a rate adjustment. When this occurs, ShipStation will apply the carrier's adjustment to your ShipStation Balance.
ShipStation will automatically debit the difference between the original label price paid at the time of label creation and the price of the final label from your ShipStation Balance once the carrier has sent us the corrected label fee. Please be aware that adjustments can result in a negative balance if the adjustment is greater than your available funds.
ShipStation applies an Adjustment Processing Fee (APF) when discrepancies are identified by a carrier after label creation for the package. These discrepancies lead to additional administrative and other costs for ShipStation. The Adjustment Processing Fee helps to partially cover these costs so that we can continue to offer you competitive rates and reliable service.
Why would this adjustment happen?
Carrier adjustments are charges billed by the carrier after the parcel has shipped IF the carrier finds a difference in the rate that was initially paid versus what should have been charged. The APF is a processing fee in addition to the carrier surcharge for the difference in parcel dimensions or weight.
Some examples of scenarios that would incur an Adjustment Processing Fee include:
-
Incorrect weight or dimensions: The actual weight (or dimensions) of a package exceeds what was input during the label creation process.
-
Incorrect zones: The destination zone of the package is mislabeled, and that changes the routing and delivery.
-
Incorrect package type: The package type selected during the label creation process does not match the physical characteristics of the package.
Adjustment Processing Fee (APF)
Discrepancies are typically identified by the carrier during the carrier routing process. If a discrepancy is identified on a package, you will be charged the carrier cost adjustment amount in addition to an Adjustment Processing Fee.
-
Fee: 20% of the adjustment amount
-
Minimum Charge: $0.50
-
Maximum Charge: $5.00 per shipment
How you view ShipStation Carrier adjustments currently differs depending on whether your account is US-based or based in any other ShipStation home country. Keep in mind that no matter which country your account in based in, the adjustments you see will only be for ShipStation Carrier shipments.
For US accounts to view adjustment reports:
-
Click the Actions menu
next to the USPS option. Choose View Reports.
This will open a new tab in your browser to the account reports screen.
-
Click the Balances option.
-
Change the report type to Transactions if not selected already.
-
Find the date of the transaction to view any corresponding adjustments.
-
Click on the Adjustment ID link to see the adjustment details.
For accounts not based in the US, adjustment will appear on the Balance tab of the Transaction History page, typically within a few weeks of the original label's ship date.
-
Click Transaction History.
The Transaction History page will open and display your balance history in a grid.
-
View your adjustments by reviewing the Type, Credit, and Cost columns of the Balance Tab.
The Type column will describe the type of transaction.
If you owe additional funds for a label, you will see "Adjustment" in the Type column and the amount debited in the Cost column.
-
Click on the date to view the transaction details, which will include the adjustment reason and cost.
If you feel an adjustment has been applied to your account incorrectly, contact ShipStation support and provide the following information about the shipment and adjustment transaction:
-
Tracking number
-
Charge amount
-
Dispute Information (including adjustment reason and package dimensions)
-
Proof against the adjustment. This can include photo evidence and invoices.
We've listed many of the common adjustment reasons and details for various ShipStation Carriers below. While this is not an exhaustive list of all carriers or potential adjustment reasons, it covers many of the most common adjustment reasons to help guide you in your shipping workflows.
For more details about the types of adjustments a carrier may apply, please visit the carriers' websites.
|
Charge Type |
Services Affected |
Available Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Fuel Surcharge |
All Services |
Fuel prices can change frequently, which affects transportation costs. To account for this, DHL applies a variable fuel surcharge that may increase, decrease, or be removed based on current fuel price trends. |
|
Peak Surcharges |
All Services |
During periods of high transport demand from the Far East to the West, carriers may apply a variable surcharge in addition to the standard shipping rate. |
|
Remote Pickup |
All Services |
DHL applies when the pickup location is remote and the transport charges are billed to the account holder at the destination or in a third country. |
|
Remote Area Surcharge |
All Services |
DHL applies this surcharge per shipment when the delivery location is considered remote. A remote location may include distant islands, highlands, or any postal code, suburb, or town that is difficult to access, infrequently served, or located far from major service areas. |
DPD from ShipStation is available to UK and Germany-based ShipStation accounts.
|
Charge Type |
Services Affected |
Available Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Handling Charge |
DPD Classic Road & DPD Domestic |
|
|
Non Coms Handling Charge |
DPD Domestic |
|
|
DPD EU Export Return |
DPD Classic Road |
A return that charges for parcels that are returned from the following European countries to UK:
|
|
DPD Unsuccessful EU Export |
DPD Classic Road |
Returns of parcels if unable to export. For example, if incorrect details are provided such as:
|
Evri from ShipStation is available to UK-based ShipStation accounts.
|
Charge Type |
Services Affected |
Available Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Relabeling |
EvRi Domestic |
|
|
Undelivered / Return to Sender |
EvRi Domestic |
|
|
Light & Large Rate |
EvRi Domestic |
Packages with dimensions over 120cm or 245 cm girth or with a weight greater than 15kg Weight. Light & Large Surcharges are based on the surcharge less the cost of the label purchased. |
|
Proof of Delivery (POD) |
EvRi Domestic |
|
Charge Type |
Available Details |
Services Affected |
|
Courier Pickup Charge |
FedEx from ShipStation accounts do not support Pickups. If you have scheduled a pickup through your own FedEx account and then add additional FedEx from ShipStation packages, that pickup will incur a charge of $4.00 PER PACKAGE. |
All Services |
|
Fuel Surcharge |
For most services, FedEx includes a fuel charge as part of the label cost. FedEx updates this cost weekly, depending on the fuel prices at the time of label purchase. Occasionally, there are discrepancies between the calculated fuel-price rate and what FedEx charged at the time of label purchase. If the fuel-charge amount differs from what was charged to the merchant, ShipStation will adjust the amount (charged or refunded) for the merchant when we receive the FedEx invoice. To avoid fuel charge discrepancies, please consider using a FedEx service that does not apply a fuel charge:
|
All Services |
|
Demand Surcharges |
During times of elevated volumes, high demand for capacity, and increased operating costs across our network, FedEx will implement Demand surcharges. Demand surcharges are determined for each market based on regular assessments of shipment volume and capacity within our network to accommodate. FedEx reserves the right to reassess and/or reinstate the Demand Surcharge at its sole discretion. |
All Services |
|
Delivery Area Surcharge (DAS) |
A delivery area surcharge applies to package shipments destined to select U.S. ZIP codes. The applicable delivery area surcharge will be determined based on the destination ZIP code and whether the shipment is sent to a commercial or residential address. Some ZIP codes are designated by the tier level of “extended” or “remote.” In addition, a delivery area surcharge applies to FedEx shipments destined for areas in Alaska and Hawaii that are remote, sparsely populated, or geographically difficult to access. See the FedEx Additional Shipping Charges page for a list of ZIP codes where this surcharge applies. A maximum charge may apply for shipments receiving FedEx multiweight pricing. For FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery shipments that exceed 70 lbs. and are destined to an Alaska ZIP code that receives the delivery area surcharge, the applicable fee will be 3.5 times the Alaska commercial or Alaska residential charge. Delivery times are extended by 2–5 days (based on location) to Alaska ZIP codes that are assessed this surcharge. |
All Services |
|
Additional Handling Surcharge |
For U.S. Package Services, the Additional Handling Surcharge rates are determined based on the shipment's zone. A surcharge applies to any package that: Dimension 1) measures greater than 48 inches along its longest side; 2) measures greater than 30 inches along its second-longest side; 3) measures greater than 105 inches in length and girth — the length and girth is length plus (two times the height) plus (two times the width); *Rating will be based on the greater of the package’s actual rounded weight or dimensional weight, subject to a 40-lb. minimum billable weight. Weight 4) has an actual weight greater than 50 lbs. (U.S. Package Services); • has an actual weight greater than 554 lbs. (International Package Services); Packaging Is in non-standard packaging, including any package that: 5) is not fully encased in an outer shipping container; 6) is encased in an outer shipping container not made of corrugated fiberboard (cardboard) materials, including but not limited to metal, wood, canvas, leather, hard plastic, soft plastic (e.g., plastic bags), or expanded polystyrene foam (e.g., Styrofoam); 7) is encased in an outer shipping container covered in shrink wrap or stretch wrap; 8) is encased in a soft-sided pack (e.g., courier packs, poly bags, and bubble mailers) that exceeds 18 inches along its longest side or 13 inches along its second-longest side or 5 inches in height;6 9) is round or cylindrical, including (without limitation) mailing tubes, cans, buckets, barrels, tires, drums, or pails; 10) is bound with metal, plastic, or cloth banding, or has wheels, casters, handles, or straps (e.g., a bicycle) (including packages where the outer surface area is loosely wrapped, or where the contents protrude outside the surface area); or 11) could become entangled in or cause damage to other packages or the FedEx sortation system. Package shape and dimensions may change during transit, which can affect the package’s dimensional weight and surcharge eligibility. If the dimensions change during transit, FedEx may make appropriate adjustments to the shipment charges at any time. This surcharge applies per piece, even if multiple pieces are bundled in a shipment. We reserve the right to assess additional handling charges for packages that require special handling or that require FedEx to apply additional packaging during transit |
All Services |
|
Dimensional Weight |
🇨🇦 To calculate the dimensional weight for your intra-Canada and U.S.-bound packages, multiply the length by width by height of each package in inches and divide by 139 cubic inches per pound. If multiplied in centimeters, divide by 5,000 centimeters per kilogram. |
Intra-Canada and U.S.-bound Services |
GlobalPost from ShipStation is available to US, Canada, Australia, and UK-based ShipStation accounts.
|
Charge |
Services |
Available Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Weight Adjustment |
GlobalPost Economy Int'l |
If max weight is exceeded |
|
Under/Oversized |
GlobalPost Economy Int'l |
If max size limit is exceeded |
|
Unreadable barcode |
GlobalPost Economy Int'l |
Handling and relabeling fee |
|
Handed to EvRi driver |
EvRi services |
Handling fee when package is handed directly to EvRi driver, not dropped off |
ParcelForce from ShipStation is available to UK-based ShipStation accounts.
|
Charge Type |
Services Affected |
Available Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Return To Sender |
All Domestic services |
|
|
Booking in Slot for Delivery Point |
All Domestic services |
|
|
Oversize Parcel |
Express 24 & Express 48 |
Parcels that are greater than 30 kg and have a combined length & girth greater than 300cm, and must not exceed 150 cm in length. |
|
Saturday Delivery |
All Domestic services |
|
|
Packaging Repair / Repackage |
All Domestic services |
|
|
Manual Handling |
All Domestic services |
Items between 110cm and up to 150 cm or with a second largest dimension greater than 70cm will always be processed manually, incurring an additional charge. Items up to 110 cm in length or where the second largest dimension is 70cm or below may need to be processed manually if they are not packaged correctly. See ParcelForce Worldwide's guidelines on packaging and manual handling. |
|
Incorrect or incomplete address |
All Domestic services |
Royal Mail from ShipStation is available to UK-based accounts.
|
Charge Type |
Services Affected |
Available Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Incorrect Weight Declared |
All Services |
The actual weight of the package exceeds or is less than what was input during the label creation process. |
|
Incorrect Dimensions Declared |
All Services |
The actual dimensions of the package exceeds or is less than what was input during the label creation process. |
|
Incorrect Package Type |
All Services |
The actual package dimensions exceeds the maximum for the package type input during the label creation process. |
UPS from ShipStation is available to US, Canada, and UK-based ShipStation accounts.
|
Charge Type |
Services Affected |
Available Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Address Change |
All Services |
If a shipment’s address is incorrect or incomplete, UPS will try to obtain the correct information using details from the shipper or receiver. Even if an address has been validated, UPS may update it if it can’t be used to complete delivery. An Address Correction fee will be charged to the shipper for any updates or completions made. |
|
Additional Handling |
All Services |
|
|
Large Package Surcharge |
All Services |
For U.S. domestic shipments, including U.S. to Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico to Puerto Rico:
For all other shipments:
|
|
Over Maximum Limits Charge |
All Services |
Packages with an actual weight of more than 70kg, or that exceed 274cm in length, or exceed a total of 400cm in length and girth combined [girth = (2 x width) + (2 x height)], are not accepted for transportation. If found in the UPS small package system, they are subject to an additional charge Packages exceeding 400cm in length and girth combined are also subject to the Large Package Surcharge |
|
Saturday Delivery |
All Services |
|
|
UK Border Fee |
All Services |
Packages between Northern Ireland and Great Britain |
|
Alternative Address |
All Services |
|
|
Remote Area Surcharge |
Ground Saver® |
A $15 surcharge may be applied at the time of label creation for Ground Saver® deliveries to certain remote ZIP codes in Alaska, Hawaii, and the contiguous U.S. To see a list of applicable ZIP Codes, download the UPS Area Surcharge ZIP Code Listing. |
|
Unlawful Drug Fee |
All Services |
UPS will implement a $1,000 per-package surcharge for shipments containing illegal drugs. This fee applies only to shipments that violate drug laws in the origin, destination, or any location in transit. The surcharge does not apply to legally permitted pharmaceuticals or other authorized substances. |