Shipping Adjustments: Prevention Guide
Shipping adjustments are retroactive charges when package details differ from what was declared. They can add 20-50% to your shipping costs.
What Causes Adjustments?
| Reason | Frequency | Typical Charge |
|---|
| Wrong weight | 40% | $3-15 |
| Wrong dimensions | 35% | $5-25 |
| Address correction | 15% | $18-21 |
| DAS missed | 5% | $4-16 |
| Service change | 5% | Varies |
How Carriers Detect Discrepancies
| Method | Stage |
|---|
| Automated scales | Pickup/dropoff |
| DIM scanners | Sorting facilities |
| Random audits | Throughout network |
| Address verification | Pre-delivery |
Weight Adjustment Thresholds
| Carrier | Tolerance |
|---|
| UPS | ±0.5 lb or 3% |
| FedEx | ±0.5 lb or 3% |
| USPS | More lenient |
Dimension Adjustment Rules
| Carrier | Measurement Method |
|---|
| UPS | Length × Width × Height |
| FedEx | Same (round up to inch) |
Prevention Strategy 1: Accurate Measurement
Weight:
- Use calibrated postal scale
- Weigh packaged item (not just contents)
- Round up to nearest 0.5 lb
Dimensions:
- Measure at widest points
- Include any bulges
- Round up to nearest inch
Prevention Strategy 2: Address Validation
| Issue | Prevention |
|---|
| Wrong ZIP | Use address validation |
| Suite missing | Verify with customer |
| City/State mismatch | Auto-correct tools |
| Business vs residential | Verify address type |
Prevention Strategy 3: DAS Awareness
Check DAS before shipping:
- Lookup destination ZIP
- Include in rate calculation
- Alert customer if needed
Address Correction Fees
| Carrier | Address Correction Fee |
|---|
| UPS | $18.50 |
| FedEx | $21.00 |
| USPS | Usually none |
Disputing Adjustments
Valid dispute reasons:
| Reason | Documentation Needed |
|---|
| Scale calibration | Recent calibration certificate |
| Measurement error | Photos with ruler |
| Carrier mistake | Original paperwork |
atoship Protection
Our platform helps prevent adjustments:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|
| Address validation | Reduces corrections |
| DAS identification | No surprises |
| Weight alerts | Accuracy prompts |
| Dimension calculator | Built-in tool |
Cost of Adjustments
| Monthly Adjustments | Annual Cost |
|---|
| 10 packages | $600-1,800 |
| 50 packages | $3,000-9,000 |
| 100 packages | $6,000-18,000 |
Best Practices Checklist
| Task | Frequency |
|---|
| Calibrate scale | Monthly |
| Check dimension tools | Monthly |
| Review adjustment reports | Weekly |
| Address validation | Every order |
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