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Guides  /  Carrier Surcharges  /  The additional handling surcharge
Guide

The additional handling surcharge.

What triggers it, and how to avoid overpaying.

Additional handling is one of the most common, and most frequently misapplied, surcharges. Here is what sets it off.

Audit my surcharges

What triggers it

Additional handling applies when a package crosses thresholds for length, weight, packaging type, or shape, anything that can't move smoothly through automated sortation.

Why it is easy to overpay

Carriers measure and classify packages automatically, and they get it wrong. Borderline packages are frequently charged additional handling they don't qualify for.

How to control it

Audit every additional-handling charge against the package's real dimensions, and negotiate thresholds and discounts on the ones you legitimately incur.

← Back to the Carrier Surcharges guide

Frequently asked

What triggers an additional handling fee?

Exceeding carrier thresholds for length, weight, packaging, or shape, generally anything that can't run through automated sortation.

Can additional handling charges be disputed?

Yes. Misapplied additional-handling charges are common and can be disputed with the package's actual measurements, which is part of auditing.

Stop overpaying on handling

We audit and dispute misapplied fees automatically.

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