Have you ever received a higher than expected shipping charge? Unexpected charges can be caused by: “Special handling” or “Address correction” Fee. These fees can result in significant changes to your shipping costs and frustration.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people are bothered by these fees because they aren’t sure what causes them or how to avoid them. Our team of experts provides a simple guide to understanding these charges and removing shipping costs from your bill.
About special fees
Special handling charges are essentially additional charges applied by the carrier when a package requires special care or deviates from standard handling procedures. Common reasons why packages are flagged for special treatment include:
- Packing accident: Shipping companies expect sturdy cardboard boxes. If your package is made of anything other than wood, metal, or sturdy cardboard, you may be subject to a fee. Similarly, excessive use of shrink wrap or flimsy boxes that break easily are red flags.
- Strange shape: The shipping company is designed to handle standard boxes efficiently. If you are shipping an oddly shaped item, such as something that won’t fit neatly into a mailing tube, barrel, or box, be prepared for extra fees.
- Loose cannon: Boxes that may contain loose objects such as nuts, bolts, or broken toys run the risk of damaging other shipments during sorting. Carriers may require special handling of all packages to ensure they arrive safely.
- Tie it tight: Packages that are secured with metal bands, plastic straps, or anything that can get caught in sorting machines are a safety hazard. Secure the load securely, but use a material that won’t snag or cause problems.
- Special needs: Items that are marked as “fragile” or have other specific handling instructions (such as “keep upright”) usually require special care. These are important for sensitive items, but may also incur extra fees.
It is important to note that special fees are usually imposed by the carrier after the package arrives at the depot. This means there’s no way to predict it in advance and you’ll end up with an unpleasant surprise in shipping costs. To avoid this unpleasant surprise, it’s important to be proactive about your packaging and shipping methods.
About address correction fee
Address correction fees are charged if the recipient’s address is incorrect. Be especially careful when entering your address, as even seemingly small mistakes can result in correction fees. Common causes of address correction fees include:
- Apartment number missing: For apartment complexes, the apartment number is very important for accurate delivery. Failure to do so may result in delays and correction fees.
- Missing buzzer number: Apartment number alone is not enough. Many buildings require a separate buzzer code, but the driver does not take the time to search the directory for the buzzer code. Must be listed on the waybill along with the unit number.
- Wrong street name/street type: Incorrect street names (such as “Street” written as “St.”) or missing street types (such as Avenue, Boulevard, etc.) confuse delivery drivers and result in charges. There is a possibility.
- Incorrect postal code: If the postal code is incorrect, your package will be tracked and sent and may incur correction fees.
- typo: Typos in the recipient’s name or company name can result in delays and fees. Please double check that everything is accurate.
How can I avoid special treatment and deal with amendment fees?
A little preparation is required to avoid frustration as well as extra costs such as special processing fees and address correction fees. This is extremely helpful in ensuring that your package arrives safely and without any unexpected charges.
Here’s our expert advice:
- Double (and triple) check your address. It may seem obvious, but this is the most important step. Before shipping anything, please take the time to ensure that the recipient’s address is 100% accurate.
- Employing technology: Many shipping platforms offer address verification tools. These tools can help you save time and money by catching errors like typos or missing information before you pay for shipping.
- Pack your belongings properly. Invest in durable cardboard boxes and high-quality packaging materials. Please secure the product properly to prevent it from moving during transportation. Packing like a pro can avoid the need for special handling and keep costs down.
- Check your carrier’s rules. Each carrier has its own guidelines for packaging and addressing. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the rules to avoid any surprises. Most carriers’ websites have comprehensive guides readily available.
The FlagShip team is here to help you navigate the world of shipping with confidence. Whether you’re an experienced shipper or just starting out, our customer service representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have about domestic and international shipping and our services in general. We want to make sure your shipping experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our team via email. support@flagshipcompany.com or by phone 1-866-320-8383.
