If you notice a difference between the rate you expected and the amount on your carrier invoice, here are the most common reasons.

Dimensional (DIM) weight pricing

Carriers charge based on whichever is greater: the actual weight or the dimensional weight. Dimensional weight is calculated from your package dimensions. If your package is large but light, the DIM weight may be higher than the actual weight, resulting in a higher charge.

Residential delivery surcharge

Carriers charge extra for deliveries to residential addresses. If an address that looks commercial is classified as residential by the carrier, you will see this surcharge.

Address correction surcharge

If the address on your label has errors (wrong ZIP code, missing apartment number), the carrier may correct it and charge an address correction fee.

Peak and demand surcharges

During busy shipping periods (holidays, major sales events), carriers add temporary surcharges on top of standard rates.

Zone differences

Shipping rates are based on the distance between origin and destination (zones). If the zone calculation differs from what you expected, the rate will differ.

What to do

Check the shipment details in CommerceShip to see the full cost breakdown including surcharges. If you believe there is an error, contact us through chat with your shipment ID and we will investigate.