If your parcel weight is more than what is stated on the shipping label, most courier companies will issue a surcharge for the overweight package or send it back to the pick-up address. Below we talk in more detail about what happens if you put the wrong weight on your shipping label. We also provide our insider top tips for avoiding the unpleasant scenario of your parcel weighing more than what is stated on the shipping label.
There are a few scenarios that can happen if the prepaid label is wrong, and the package weighs more than the shipping label:
- The package will not be collected if it is clearly overweight.
- The package will be collected but a surcharge will be issued.
- The package will be sent back to the sender.
You may also be interested in:
- How to weigh a package without a scale
- Standard shipping dimensions and weight
- Shipping large parcel
I have the wrong weight on the shipping label of the parcel. Will the courier collect the parcel?
What will happen if the parcel is heavier than the label will depend on how big of a weight difference there is. Let us examine the two scenarios:
- The package is clearly overweight – the driver will refuse to pick it up. Courier companies plan the pick-up schedule based on the information they receive. If you put the wrong weight on the label, the driver may not have enough space in his van to transport an overweight package.
- The package is not noticeably overweight – the driver will pick it up. In the event that the parcel weighs more than the weight range you have paid for, the courier will return it to the sender’s address or issue a surcharge to deliver the overweight package to the recipient
Did you know that couriers calculate the final price based on several factors? Read more about it:
- Calculated price based on volumetric weight
- Calculated price based on dimensional weight
Putting the wrong weight on the shipping label is a mistake that can happen to anyone. Maybe those old scales at home are inaccurate or you make a simple miscalculation. Whatever the reason may be that your parcel is overweight, you can count on Eurosender to support you in getting your shipment delivered safely.
Will the courier weigh the parcel upon collection?
Most courier drivers do not bring scales to weigh parcels upon collection. Parcels are weighed later at the local depot.
It is important that you are as accurate as possible with the parcel information at the booking stage. If you ship an overweight package, you risk losing a lot of time and money.
What should I do to avoid surcharges for an overweight package?
- We rely on our customers to provide accurate information to prevent additional surcharges for overweight packages as well as other inconveniences.
- Before placing your order, check the shipment dimensions for our various services to ensure that you book the right service for your shipment size.
- Remember that the dimensions and weight must include the packaging.
- The parcel dimensions and weight you insert when placing your order on the Eurosender platform are forwarded to the courier company assigned to transport your shipment.
Read more about:
- Other reasons for courier surcharges
- How to ship heavy parcels
- How to weigh a package without a scale
I have booked shipping with Eurosender and my parcel weighs more than stated on the shipping label. What should I do?
If you realise before the pick-up that your package is overweight, contact our customer support team for advice.
In most cases, the simplest solution is for you to divide the contents of the overweight package into two separate packages and book another order for the second package. This option usually works out cheaper for you than adding a second package to your existing order.
Are there any solutions for online sellers?
At Eurosender, we cater to a wide range of customers who ship for private and commercial purposes. Read more about the benefits we can offer for your online marketplace. Whether you are shipping small boxes or bulky items on pallets, if you follow our guidelines above, you will prevent your package from weighing more than the shipping label. Register for free and get some of the best prices on the market for your online store’s logistics needs.
FAQs
My Parcel Weighs More than Stated On the Shipping Label. What Now? - Eurosender Blog. If your parcel weight is more than what is stated on the shipping label, most courier companies will issue a surcharge for the overweight package or send it back to the pick-up address.
What happens if your package weighs more than the label? ›
If it's heavier, you'll most likely want Priority Mail®; otherwise, you could be inadvertently underpaying the amount of postage due. If that happens, the package may come back to you, requiring it to be reshipped (and delaying delivery time), or the customer may be liable for paying the difference in postage.
What happens if my parcel is too heavy? ›
If the weight or volume isn't accurate, the following issues may occur: The courier may refuse the collection. Your shipment may be withheld at the facilities of the transport company.
Does parcel weight have to be exact? ›
Please be as accurate as possible when weighing and measuring your parcel. If this information is not accurate it could result in extra charges or your parcel being returned. We recommend you use kitchen/bathroom scales to weigh your parcel and a tape measure or ruler to measure the dimensions.
What happens if my UPS package is heavier than the label? ›
The UPS incorrect weight shipping charge applies when the weight of a package is different than what you indicated at the time of shipping. UPS recommends rounding up to the next full pound when weighing your packages to avoid being charged for an incorrect weight.
How strict is the USPS about package weight? ›
USPS Retail Ground pieces may measure up to 130 inches in combined length and girth (but will be charged oversized prices). Regardless of the size of the mailpiece, the maximum mailable weight of any mailpiece is 70 pounds. Some classes of mail have lower weight limits.
How strict is USPS on letter weight? ›
The maximum weight for letter-size pieces is 3.5 ounces. The $0.17 nonmachinable surcharge applies to all First-Class Mail letters weighing up to the maximum weight of 3.5 ounces, with one or more nonmachinable characteristics.
Does USPS accept heavy packages? ›
The maximum weight for a USPS package is 70 lbs. Also, there are some things that you can't send at all (prohibited) and other things you can only send under certain conditions (restricted). Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) might be prohibited or restricted.
Will the post office take heavy parcels? ›
How can I send parcels that are a larger size or weight? If your parcel's over the size or weight of a medium parcel, you'll need to send it via Parcelforce Worldwide (up to a maximum of 30kg and maximum size of 2.5m and 5m length and girth combined).
How heavy is too heavy for a package? ›
Size and Weight Limits
Packages can be up to 150 lbs. Packages can be up to 108 inches long. Your specific shipment may have different package size and weight limits. Packages above certain size and weight combinations may require freight shipping services.
Once you've bought a label it is valid postage, and any changes to the label might make the postage paid be the wrong amount. If you've made a mistake and need to change the address, weight, dimensions, or anything else, the only option is to request a refund from USPS or UPS for that label and start over.
How accurate does USPS weight have to be? ›
UPS, FedEx, and USPS rounds weight up, and scales are quite accurate, generally within +/- . 1 ounce.
Why are parcels weighed before sending? ›
The cost of shipping is primarily determined by the weight and dimensions of the parcel, which means that any inaccuracies could result in additional charges or delays in delivery.
What if my package weighs more than shipping label Facebook? ›
If the actual weight of your package exceeds the package weight you selected you are responsible for any additional postage costs. . If you purchase a Return Label from Facebook, Facebook will charge the credit card we have on file or that you provide, as applicable in accordance with our Community Payment Terms.
What happens if dimensions are wrong on UPS? ›
What Happens If Package Dimensions Are Wrong? If your package dimensions don't match your labels, then the mislabeled packages will be subject to a shipping correction fee. Then, if the average correction during an invoice week exceeds $5.00 per package, you will also have to pay a shipping charge correction audit fee.
Does UPS charge by weight of package? ›
Rates are based on the total actual weight or the total dimensional weight of all packages in a shipment, whichever is greater.
What happens if there is not enough postage on a package? ›
If it was delivered to a post office, it will be sent back to the return address. Typically, they circle the stamp area with a pen and/or leave a note explaining insufficient postage. The letter is left in the mailbox of the return address.
What happens if a shipping label is incorrect? ›
If you find an error in your label, print a new label with the correct address and request a refund. Any item with a manually-altered online label will be returned to you.
What if my package is heavier than label fedex? ›
If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, charges based on the dimensional weight will be assessed. To calculate it: Multiply length by width by height in inches. Divide by 139 for U.S., Puerto Rico, and international shipments.
