What Will Happen If You Ship a USPS Package with an Incorrect Weight?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) typically charges postage based on a package’s gross or dimensional weight, whichever is greater. When shipping a package from a post office, a postal worker will weigh and measure it. However, if you purchase shipping labels online, it is your responsibility to enter the correct weight and dimensions. What happens if you ship a USPS package with an incorrect weight?
USPS packages do not need to be weighed or measured manually to confirm the accuracy of the weight and dimensions stated on the shipping label because USPS has an Automated Package Verification (APV) system. Packages are scanned along the way, and the scanners can detect discrepancies between the stated and actual weight or measurements. What exactly happens if the APV system flags your package for incorrect measurements or weight?
There are three possible outcomes in such situations. If you purchased a shipping label through Click-N-Ship or an authorized third-party service, you may be charged the difference in postage. Another possibility is that your package will be delivered with postage due, meaning the recipient must pay the difference to receive the package. Finally, the package may be returned to the sender with an “insufficient postage” notice, and you will need to reship it with a new label that has the correct weight and measurements.
The specific outcome depends on various factors, such as the extent of the weight or size discrepancy, the shipping method used, the stage at which the package was flagged, and USPS personnel discretion. For instance, a minor discrepancy might be overlooked, but if your package exceeds the maximum weight threshold for USPS packages (70 lbs) and enters the system, it will be returned to the sender because it is not eligible for USPS transport, even if you pay extra.
Regardless of the outcome, incorrect weights or measurements on a USPS shipping label will most likely result in additional costs and delays. To avoid potential issues, accurately weigh and measure your packages. Remember that the USPS rounds up to the next pound, so if your package weighs 3 lbs 4 oz, you will have to pay the 4-lb price.
The information above mostly concerns regular, weight-based shipping. With Flat Rate shipping, the exact weight of your package matters less because you are charged based on the type of Flat Rate box that fits your items. However, Flat Rate shipping does have weight restrictions.
For domestic packages, the general weight restrictions apply: Flat Rate envelopes and boxes cannot exceed 70 lbs. For international packages, the restrictions are 4 lbs for Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate Envelopes, Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes, and 20 lbs for Priority Mail International Large and Medium Flat Rate Boxes.
Do not try to fit more in a Flat Rate box than it can hold. If your Flat Rate package is visibly too small for its contents (for example, if it is bulging or the flaps are not closed properly), the USPS may return it to the sender for repackaging. Alternatively, the USPS may reclassify the package and charge postage based on weight and shipping zone instead of the flat rate.