These adjustments can impact the final shipping charges for a shipment. The carriers pass these surcharges to Atomix up to 120 days after the shipment has shipped. We will pass this fee to our clients with the carrier explanation of these charges.
Why do Shipping Adjustments Occur?
Shipping adjustments occur due to various reasons, some more common adjustments are below:
Shipping Charge Corrections: If a carrier charges different dimensions or weight than what was initially recorded in the Atomix app, additional costs may apply.
Address Corrections: When carriers impose an address correction surcharge, Atomix passes this cost directly to the merchant. The surcharge typically ranges between USD $19.50 and $21.00, depending on the carrier. Merchants can manage shipping addresses within the Atomix app.
Undeliverable Returns (Return to Sender): If the carrier deems an address undeliverable, Atomix transfers the associated charge from the carrier to the client.
Residential Adjustment: When a carrier identifies a shipment as being delivered to a residential location rather than a commercial one, Atomix adjusts the cost accordingly. Clients can manage this within the Atomix app.
USPS APV Adjustment: When USPS's Automated Package Verification (APV) verifies package dimensions and weight, and the package does not match the information provided by the sender.
Handling Fees: Charges for handling of packages throughout of the shipping process, including loading, unloading, sorting, and storage.
Pickup/Delivery Area Surcharges: Additional charges can be applied for pickups or deliveries in specific geographical areas that may be more remote or less accessible.
Customs & Duties Fees: Charges related to customs clearance and import duties for international shipments. These charges must be paid by the importer or recipient. Charges vary from country to country and based on the value of the shipment. It is very important that customs information is accurate and complete in the Atomix platform. Providing incorrect information to avoid customs and duties fees is mail fraud.
Package Type: Selecting the wrong package type (for example, a box instead of a bubble mailer) there may be additional charges for shipping and handling.
Declared Value Fees: Charges associated with declaring the value of a package for insurance or customs purposes. These fees are based on the stated value of the contents. It is very important that the declared value of a product is accurate and complete in the Atomix platform. Providing incorrect information can constitute mail fraud.
Used Refunded Labels: If the carrier receives a package with a label that was previously purchased and printed but later refunded by the shipping carrier (due to unused shipments or cancellations).
Signature Required Fees: Additional charges for requiring a signature upon delivery, often used for valuable or sensitive shipments to ensure secure delivery.
Non-Machinable Fee: Extra charges for packages that cannot be processed through automated sorting machinery due to irregular shape, size, or weight.
Delayed Detail Upload Fees: Charges incurred for delays in providing shipping-related data or documentation to the shipping carrier.
Commercial Adjustment: Adjustments made to shipping charges for commercial customers based on negotiated agreements or contracts.
Demand Surcharge: Additional fees applied during periods of high demand or peak seasons. Carriers use these fees to manage capacity and prioritize shipments.
Residential Surcharge
Carriers can impose a residential surcharge for delivering to residential addresses for specific service levels. This fee is captured in the Atomix Ground and Express service levels, the break down of fee is below:
Service | Amount |
Economy | $--- |
Ground | $2.50 |
Expedited | $3.50 |
International | $3.50 + (Carrier adjustments) |
Fuel Surcharge
Fuel surcharges fluctuate based on fuel prices and directly impact shipping costs.
Carriers adjust this fee periodically to reflect changes in fuel expenses. This is calculated as a % of the base rate for fee (e.g. here's fedex calculation weekly)
Fuel as a % of Base Rates:
Service | < 1 LB | > 1 LB |
Economy | 7.75% | 12.5% |
Ground | 7.75% | 12.5% |
Expedited | 21.5% | 21.5% |
International | 25.0% + (Carrier adjustments) | 25.0% + (Carrier adjustments) |
EDAS/DAS Surcharge
Extended Delivery Area Surcharge (EDAS) or Delivery Area Surcharge (DAS) applies to specific locations. If an address falls outside the standard delivery area, carriers levy this additional fee based on these specific zip codes.
You can view the list of EDAS/DAS zip codes here.
Service | DAS (Delivery Area) | EDAS (Extended) |
Economy | $2.00 | $2.50 |
Ground | $3.00 | $4.50 |
Expedited | $3.00 | $4.50 |
International | $-- | $-- |
How are Shipping Fees Calculated?
Our shipping fees are based on carrier charges, primarily determined by data provided during the onboarding process. This data includes shipping estimates, SKU weight, SKU dimensions, and chosen packaging requirements.
Most often the initial Carrier Shipping Fee charged by the carrier reflects the actual charge by the carrier. Sometimes, this is not the case resulting in a Carrier Adjustment Rate to reflect the actual cost charged by the carrier.
When will Clients See Shipping Adjustments?
Shipping adjustments are reflected on invoices anywhere from 1 to 120 days after the shipment was delivered.
If you have any questions regarding the Shipping Fee Adjustment on your invoice, you can contact your Account Manager or the billing team directly.