How to Calculate and Dispute Additional Weight Charges
You Will Learn:
How to calculate the actual and volumetric weight of a shipment.
How the chargeable weight is determined for shipping cost calculations.
The reasons for additional weight charges.
How to dispute additional weight charges and the requirements for your dispute to be accepted.
What Are Additional Weight Charges?
These are additional fees that may be applied to a shipment when its weight exceeds the weight allowance included in the shipping rate. These charges are based on the chargeable weight determined by the shipping carrier and the carrier's applicable rate for each additional kilogram.
The shipping carrier measures the shipment and verifies its actual or volumetric weight. This may take place at any stage of the shipping process. Based on the measurement results, the shipment cost may be updated, and the applicable difference in charges may be deducted from the merchant's wallet.
How Is the Chargeable Weight of a Shipment Calculated?
The chargeable weight is determined by comparing the shipment's actual weight with its volumetric weight. The higher of the two is used to calculate the shipping cost.
1. Actual Weight
The actual weight is the physical weight of the shipment measured using a scale. It includes the weight of the products and packaging.
2. Volumetric Weight
Volumetric weight is calculated based on the shipment's dimensions (Length × Width × Height), using the conversion factor adopted by the shipping carrier.
Domestic shipments: Volumetric Weight = Length × Width × Height ÷ 4,000.
International shipments: Volumetric Weight = Length × Width × Height ÷ 5,000.
Dimensions are measured in centimeters, and the resulting weight is expressed in kilograms based on the applicable conversion factor.
Example:
If the dimensions of a domestic shipment are 40 × 30 × 20 cm, its volumetric weight is calculated as follows:
40 × 30 × 20 ÷ 4,000 = 6 kg.
If the shipment's actual weight is 4 kg, the volumetric weight of 6 kg will be used as the chargeable weight, based on the conversion factor in this example and subject to the shipping carrier's policy.
When Are Additional Weight Charges Applied?
Additional charges may apply in the following cases:
The shipment's chargeable weight exceeds the weight allowance included in the shipping carrier's rate.
The dimensions or weight recorded by the merchant differ from the shipment's actual measurements.
The shipping carrier calculates a volumetric weight that is higher than the actual weight.
A discrepancy in weight or dimensions is identified during sorting, transportation, or verification by the shipping carrier.
If the shipment's weight and product details are correctly recorded in your store, any additional weight charges will be deducted directly from your wallet when the order status is changed to Ready.
The amount of these charges varies depending on the shipping carrier, the applicable rate, and the additional weight determined by the carrier.
How Can You Dispute Additional Weight Charges?
If you believe the additional weight charges are incorrect, you can submit a dispute request through Zid Support. Make sure to attach the required information and supporting evidence so the measurements recorded by the shipping carrier can be verified.
Follow these steps:
Identify the shipment: Prepare the order number or Air Waybill (AWB) number of the shipment for which you wish to dispute the charges.
Verify the shipment details: Check the actual weight and dimensions of the shipment recorded on your end.
Prepare supporting evidence: Attach a clear photo of the shipment on a scale showing its weight, along with clear photos showing the measurements of its length, width, and height. Alternatively, you can provide a video demonstrating the measurement process.
Submit your dispute request: Contact Zid Support, identify the shipment in question, explain why you believe there is a discrepancy in its weight or dimensions, and attach all supporting evidence.
Wait for the review outcome: The available information and supporting evidence will be reviewed, and the measurements may be verified with the shipping carrier when necessary. The acceptance of your dispute and any refund are subject to the verification results.
Note: A separate dispute must be submitted for each shipment, along with its specific requirements and supporting evidence, to ensure that each case can be reviewed independently.
What Are the Requirements for a Dispute to Be Accepted?
To help us review your dispute, make sure to provide all the following information:
Order number or Air Waybill (AWB) number.
Actual shipment weight in kilograms.
Shipment dimensions: length, width, and height in centimeters.
A clear photo showing the shipment's weight on a scale.
Clear photos showing the dimensions during measurement, or a video demonstrating the measurement process.
An explanation of the reason for the dispute and the discrepancy you have identified between your records and the shipping carrier's records.
The dispute must be submitted within 5 days from the shipment delivery date.
Please note that we may be unable to verify your dispute if the information is incomplete, the photos are unclear, or the required measurements are not visible.
Important Notes 💡
The higher value between actual weight and volumetric weight is used as the chargeable weight, in accordance with the shipping carrier's policy.
Volumetric weight calculation factors and pricing conditions may vary depending on the shipping carrier and service type. Please check the terms applicable to your shipment.
Additional charges are based on the rates set by the shipping carrier and are not necessarily calculated using the same method across all carriers.
We recommend entering accurate weight and dimensions for each shipment before generating the shipping label and taking the final packaging into account when measuring.
Submitting a dispute does not automatically guarantee a refund. The decision depends on the outcome of the review of the submitted information and supporting evidence.
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