What are Shipping Adjustments and How to Avoid Them

Get tips to avoid extra shipping fees by carrier adjustments.
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Last update:

February 28, 2024

In the complex world of logistics and shipping, 'shipping adjustments' can often appear as unexpected hurdles, impacting both the efficiency of delivery and the bottom line for businesses and individual shippers alike. At first glance, these adjustments might seem like minor inconveniences, but they have the potential to cause significant disruptions and additional costs if not properly managed. 

What exactly are shipping adjustments, and more importantly, how can you steer clear of them to ensure a smooth and cost-effective shipping process? This article delves into the intricacies of shipping adjustments, shedding light on their causes and offering practical strategies to avoid these unexpected fees. 

Understanding Shipping Adjustments

A Shipping Adjustment is when an incorrect shipping label is generated due to inaccurately inputted shipment information, causing a shipping carrier to readjust the shipping information to get the package to its final destination and ensure correct shipping costs are paid. 

In most cases, the carrier will double-check the shipping label details of your package and the actual package sent, and charge you additional fees for any inaccuracies found. 

Here are the 5 major reasons for shipping adjustments:
  • Package weight
  • Package dimensions
  • Non-matching Ship from/to Zipcode
  • Incorrect package type
  • Incorrect service type

How to Avoid Adjustment Fee

Read on for an explanation of each and how they can be avoided.

Package Measurement 

All shipping carriers employ advanced electronic imaging technology to precisely measure parcels as they move through their distribution centers. This high-tech equipment can detect measurements with remarkable accuracy, even to fractions of an inch

When your package is re-measured by the carrier, the dimensions will be in the highest position. For example, if the box is 10 inches around the perimeter and 10.25 inches in the center (perhaps your package is stuffed), the package will measure 10.25 inches. Providing slightly larger measurements than your initial estimate can help ensure that any minor discrepancies do not result in additional charges.

Dimensional Weight

Dimensional weight (also known as volumetric weight) is the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. 

  • Dimensional Weight is the amount of space a package takes up in a truck or airplane during transit.
  •  Dimensional Weight Pricing charges a higher rate for larger packages that are very lightweight.

This is the DIM weight formula:

DIM weight = package length in inches x package width in inches x package height in inches / DIM divisor

This formula helps carriers optimize space and charge appropriately for the volume that packages occupy, ensuring efficient use of transport capacity.

Special Handling

Carriers will consider whether or not they will charge an adjustment fee based on how the package is packaged, for example, if your item is packaged in an irregular way, perhaps triangular or with extra bumps. Most shipping centers use conveyor belts to move packages efficiently. 

However, large or unusually shaped items can't travel this route as smoothly. They require removal from the conveyor belt for special handling. This extra step can lead to additional charges, reflecting the increased effort and resources needed to transport your package safely to its destination.

In conclusion, accurate package measurement and optimal packaging can avoid unnecessary shipping adjustment fees. ShipSaving offers significant shipping discounts, helping you save costs and ensuring an economical, efficient shipping process. Utilize ShipSaving to achieve a balance of cost-effectiveness and shipping efficiency effortlessly.

Sign up for a free ShipSaving account and save on shipping costs today!

Written on:

February 8, 2024
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