📦 Shipping Reconciliation: Understanding Adjustments to Your Shipping Costs
Last updated May 12, 2025
Shipping costs shown at the time of label purchase are estimates. After the carrier processes the shipment, the actual cost to deliver the package may vary. These differences—called shipping reconciliations—may result in adjustments to your final billing.
Why Do Shipping Adjustments Happen?
Carriers audit shipments after they’ve been dropped off or picked up. If there are any discrepancies between the label details and what was actually shipped, they may apply additional charges. Common reasons include:
| 🚩 Issues | 🔍 Explanation |
| Incorrect weight/dimensions | If the actual weight or size is larger than declared, the carrier charges extra. |
| Wrong package type | Selecting “flat rate” but using your own box will trigger a correction. |
| Bad or incomplete address | Delivery re-routes or manual corrections lead to fees. |
| Wrong origin/destination address | Using incorrect ZIP codes causes mis-rating. |
| Incorrect drop-off location | Some services require drop-off at specific facilities. Wrong location = surcharge. |
| Expired or reused labels | Using labels after expiration or reusing them is not allowed. |
| International duties/taxes | Customs charges assessed post-delivery are billed back. |
🧾 How Adjustments Show Up:
Members will see billing adjustments directly linked to the original shipment:
🧮 Carrier adjustment line items in your billing history
📎 Reference to original label purchase
📅 Adjustment usually appears within a few days of delivery
✅ Tips to Avoid Extra Charges:
| 🛠️ Best Practice | 💡 Why It Helps |
| Weigh and measure your package accurately | Prevents overage fees for dimensions and weight |
| Use the correct packaging | Matches the rate you paid for |
| Double-check shipping addresses | Avoids rerouting or correction fees |
| Drop off at the correct location | Prevents non-compliance charges from carriers |
| Don’t reuse or delay using labels | Labels can expire and cannot be reused |
| Research international duties if applicable | Prepares you for possible post-delivery fees |
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