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USPS Claiming Package Weight Is Incorrect
Just got two notifications from eBay that USPS is saying I lied on my shipping weights, one item weighing 12 lbs instead of 4 lbs, another item weighing less than 2 lbs instead of 2 lbs 12 oz. Both items are cookie jars that weigh 2 lbs -2 lbs 8 oz. I have been charged $17 more for shipping. I have disputed their claims which take to 15 days to get a response. Anyone else experiencing this problem?
miceniza
Posted 1 month ago · Edited 1 month ago·Last reply Jul 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM
5 comments
gosimus
Mentor1 month ago@miceniza
< USPS is saying I lied on my shipping weights >
Without further details, I can only make a conjecture, but I would not be surprised to learn that the USPS is using Dimension Weight, instead of scale weight. Are you familiar with Dimension Weight?
The following is from the internet. It's succinct enough, so I just copied it:
Dimensional weight (or DIM weight) is a pricing technique used by shipping carriers to calculate transport costs based on a package's volume rather than its actual scale weight. Carriers charge for the greater of the two weights to ensure that bulky, lightweight items pay for the transport space they occupy.
I seriously doubt that USPS used the word "lied" in regard to your weights. If only because they wouldn't to risk a defamation suit.
miceniza
OPJul 17, 2026 at 10:45 PMOf course they don't say "lied" but might as well have since results are the same. Yes, I know about dimensions on box and so does any USPS worker who can look at a package and probably tell you what the dimensions are just as they can probably tell what the weight is, after so many years experience. I have been selling for over 20 years and never, ever had such outrageous accusations from USPS. Since I know all that, I am not asking for an explanation of why they have accused me of incorrect weight but rather if anyone else has experienced such mistaken weights on their packages. I did read one person who said that after they filed on the USPS link with item, its weight and the dimensions of package, the seller was refunded. Hopefully, I will be too. Just don't understand such gross mistakes from USPS after 20+ years shipping with them.
eastlaneave
Mentor1 month ago@miceniza
If the items were under 3lbs and the boxes were under 1728 sq in (12x12x12 and similar) then your appeals should be successful.
It's possible that there were 2 packages on the scale when the weight was taken during transit.
miceniza
OPJul 17, 2026 at 11:03 PMTwo packages makes sense for the 4 lb package that they said weighed 12 lbs.
The 2 lb 12 oz package falls under the new 2 lb to 5 lb latest shipping price for all the continental states except my home state (?) of from $5.95 to $6.97. After research, found that it was a new price reduction if package was no more that 36" l+w+h. This cookie jar weighed almost 2 lbs & shipped in an 8 oz box plus 6 oz for packing materials so no way it could be under 2 lbs.
I did find another response from a few months ago that said after filing on the usps link they were reimbursed so hopefully, I will be too.
eastlaneave
MentorJul 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM@miceniza
Yes, your appeal should be successful.
I have won all of mine and gotten refunded.
the USPS will check the photos of the box on the scale in transit to see what happened.