FedEx Shipping Overcharge

[gardenman13]

I have the same issue regarding a shipping overcharge dispute with FedEx (and one parcel with USPS, which overcharge dispute claim is still under review after more than 2 months) .

FedEx says I underpaid on a parcel shipped to CA. from MI. This is fully erroneous. Even the "Shipment and cost details" notification shows the error:

It states that the billable [dimensional] weight is up to 2.00 lbs. The weight of the item was 1.44 lbs. Yet it states right in the notification that "the carrier has reported that the weight of your package was 1.30 lbs." So according to this notification, the parcel weighed LESS than what FedEx is reporting and overcharging me for. AND the original shipping value was STILL within the billable range for this parcel.

I even did the obvious and normal check to see whether I was indeed correct in my input of the dimensional weight fields by relisting the item and entering the buyer's zip code. Sure enough, it shows $12.90 as the correct cost from MI. to CA. for the FedEx Ground or Home Delivery service as shown here:

$12.90 is correct for a 1.3 lb. (and up to 2 lb.) item shipped to CA. from MI. utilizing FedEx Ground or FedEx Home Delivery. How in the world could a 1.3 lb parcel cost $22.37 to ship from MI. to CA. using that service? Why am I being erroneously overcharged for an additional shipping fee, when the original fee was correctly shown, visible, purchased by the buyer and also DOCUMENTED in the eBay shipping calculator fields?

I'm requesting that FedEx publicly here and now in this forum address this issue, and to fully refund me the overage that I have been erroneously charged. I would also like a public explanation from FedEx for this error and what steps are going to be initiated to prevent this from occurring again.

I would also request that eBay address this issue and to take proactive steps to prevent it from occurring again, and to make it simpler and easier to dispute these erroneous charges, and to be able to do so within eBay's platform and not have to jump through myriad hoops disputing through a third party, since after all, it IS eBay's platform, whether they are the shipping carrier or not.

Incidentally, I had the same issue occur with an item shipped to the east coast via USPS. They charged an extra $3+ for a parcel that was one of two exactly identical items/parcels with the exact same shipping values paid. The one parcel shipped to the west coast with no issue (as expected, as is normal). Yet the other one shipped to the east coast, less than HALF as far away regionally, and USPS charged an extra $3+. It was the same Priority rate box and the same exact dimensional size and weight as the other parcel. I'm still waiting for that refund and an answer from USPS to my question as to why I was erroneously overcharged.

I noted one eBay member state in another forum that "eBay is the shipper". NO, eBay is NOT the shipper. If queried, eBay (the eBay reps) will deny that they are the shipper and they will fully defer that any questions regarding shipping overcharges be directed to the carriers. Yet those shippers are eBay's partners. How can we as eBay members continue to have confidence that our best interests are being attended to when it appears that there is a systemic issue with the validity of those shipping carrier's claims of "underpayment"?

[gardenman13]

The eBay customer service rep I spoke to seemed to imply that. As well, here's the link to a new video on YouTube regarding the issue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fLWUmI_cms

[bgt_masters_of_tiki_d]

I have received 6 refunds from the latest cost adjustments but none of them equal the original cost adjustment charge. For example I had a cost adjustment of $40.74 but was only refunded $39.11. Is there something I am missing or shouldn't be the same exact amount that I was originally charged. Another I was charged $19.23 but only refunded $17. Every single one of them is like this. I never checked to see if the ones from last week were different I just trusted I was refunded the proper amount. 

[mw6789]

Just got off the phone with eBay.  The first rep (obviously from overseas, as she was barely understandable) told me it was a FedEx issue and to call them.  Yeah--RIGHT.  First thing they want is an account number which YOU don't have as it was shipped through eBay shipping.  I finally asked for a supervisor who informed me the issue was fixed and if it was less than $10, they would do nothing about it.  I finally argued enough that she gave me a final value fee credit for the amount FedEx stole from me.  I am sick to death of these large corporations STEALING FROM ME.

[mw6789]

Well guess what----IT'S STILL HAPPENING AND IS NOT FIXED AS OF YET.

[mw6789]

I just got off the phone with eBay and after finally getting a supervisor, I argued with her  long enough that she gave me a "fee credit" to cover the FedEx theft.  That's not right either.  FedEx is just outright stealing from us.

[stickers4keys]

This happened to me too. I will NEVER use FedEx for any shipping service through eBay or otherwise.

[foxx_resell]

What about the ones before that and the ones after and the ones that are coming? WHat about being surprised by $30, $40, $50 or even $80 overages, some of them for being a tenth of a pound or a tenth of an inch. Others for being completely unrealistic like being a foot off or dimensions that no box would ever be. Apparently, we need to measure with lasers.  I would avoid Fedex completely but sometimes they are the only affordable option.  But, when you do, it is basically rolling the dice.

What I don't understand is how USPS and UPS overages are usually less than $2 but Fedex overages for the same kind of differences are 10x to 30x more.  Why would eBay allow that kind of arrangement with them?  Why was this not negotiated as part of the partnership?  They are charging full retail plus fees that sometimes double the rate.  I have been billed a $67 overage for a shipping label that cost me $17.  How does an overage cost 5x the original label cost?

I know this isn't your fault but I have spoken to people on the phone and they are no help.  They told me to file a claim on the Fedex website but there isn'ta claim for overages and even if they were, I am not technically the shipper.

There needs to be a form where these can be submitted for dispute.  Fedex should have to provide evidence.  No evidence, no charges.

eBay needs to revisit the terms of their arrangement.  Overages are billed at eBay rates and maybe a 10% fee, even 20% would be acceptable at this point.  I have seen sellers on social media and groups be devastated by these unexpected charges and some people quit selling because of it.  This was not a one-time error, this has been going on a for a year, maybe longer.

[gardenman13]

Hey FEDEX and EBAY: It's been over 3 months and I'm still waiting for the refunds that EBAY promised me would be remitted within 7 days when I first brought the erroneous overcharge to their attention. How about if I were to request 5x the original erroneous overage due to the refunds not being issued to me as promised within the timeframe promised? That seems only fair. 

[jaralu44]

I just charged my customer $13.65 in the auction but when I weighed it after it sold, the  FedEx price INITIALLY said $16.45 which was the cheapest so I went with that. I ended up selling the item for $38.20 and FedEx then charged me $30.87 MORE, so over $47  in addition to the initial label. You can see I was totally underwater on this item! Outrageous. BUT, I learned that you should check UPS and FedEx sites once you have an idea of what the measurements will be because my item was 6lbs. but they charged the 22lb rate. WHY? I don't know but they do round it up to the next level by using a multiplier and then dividing it, etc. SO, be aware that around the holidays, in addition to figuring the size of your box and what room it will take up in their truck, they will be charging even more to pay for more help and longer hours in addition to many more packages. I will be using other methods from now on.

[jaralu44]

this is what I got from FedEx when I asked for a refund when I'd already paid $16.45 and they added $30.87 ON TOP OF THAT when I only sold the item for $38.20 and then minus fees so I'm underwater!  This looks to me like we can only use a box!! Mine was 6lbs. and I got charged at the 22lb rate. 

According to the Service Guide, additional handling charges are applied for packaging when:?  

5) is not fully encased in an outer shipping container; ?  
6) is encased in an outer shipping container not made of corrugated fiberboard (cardboard) materials, including but not limited to metal, wood, canvas, leather, hard plastic, soft plastic (e.g., plastic bags), or expanded polystyrene foam (e.g., Styrofoam); ?  
7) is encased in an outer shipping container covered in shrink wrap or stretch wrap; ?  
😎 is encased in a soft-sided pack (e.g., courier packs, poly bags, and bubble mailers) that exceeds 18 inches along its longest side or 13 inches along its second-longest side or 5 inches in height; 
9) is round or cylindrical, including (without limitation) mailing tubes, cans, buckets, barrels, tires, drums, or pails;   
10) is bound with metal, plastic, or cloth banding, or has wheels, casters, handles, or straps (e.g., a bicycle) (including packages where the outer surface area is loosely wrapped, or where the contents protrude outside the surface area); or   
11) could become entangled in or cause damage to other packages or the FedEx sortation system.  

For more information on surcharge fees, please refer to the FedEx Service Guide. You can view the FedEx Service Guide at our website www.fedex.com.  

[gardenman13]

My colleague, an eBay seller as well, uses UPS often. He has been receiving numerous shipping fee overcharges on parcels. This began a little over a month ago. He's disputed the charges, along with providing the requested evidence that would refute UPS' claim of parcels being larger than stated. The fees are always associated with a specifically-sized box which he purchases. The size of the box is printed right on the box. The overage is always claimed to be something like one (1) inch over, and this causes an additional fee on the order of $15. He has traced the location in the UPS system to exactly where the issue appears to originate. It is always at the same facility. He believes that one of UPS' electronic parcel measurement scanners is mis-calibrated. He's forwarded his complaint to the proper UPS department, with no response or resolution. 

I believe that the issue with the FedEx shipping overcharges is simply due to the fact that FedEx can get away with levying exorbitant and price-gouging fees on individual consumer's parcels simply because it can and they make it too difficult to either process complaints or file for refunds that the majority of consumers are left unsatisfied and their complaints left unanswered by FedEx. I'm certain there is zero governmental oversight regarding just how FedEx and other private entities generate these false fees and usury overcharges. It will likely take a class-action lawsuit on behalf of all affected consumers to get to the bottom of this issue, to curtail it, and to make consumers whole again. 

[gardenman13]

My colleague, an eBay seller as well, uses UPS often. He has been receiving numerous shipping fee overcharges on parcels. This began a little over a month ago. He's disputed the charges, along with providing the requested evidence that would refute UPS' claim of parcels being larger than stated. The fees are always associated with a specifically-sized box which he purchases. The size of the box is printed right on the box. The overage is always claimed to be something like one (1) inch over, and this causes an additional fee on the order of $15. He has traced the location in the UPS system to exactly where the issue appears to originate. It is always at the same facility. He positively believes that one of UPS' electronic parcel measurement scanners at that facility is mis-calibrated. And it's not being "calibrated daily", obviously. He's forwarded his complaint to the proper UPS department, with no response or resolution. 

[chaillyc]

I have been overcharged so many times by FedEx that I went into FedEx the last time and had them verify in person the wait and size both people in the store agreed with the weight and dimensions and yet I was charged from a $30 charge another 30 something dollars as an upcharge because they said it was instead of 26 lbs 30 lbs despite the people in the store agreeing. Do not use FedEx.

[chaillyc]

I wish I had known about this FedEx scam sooner. I went into the store the last time because they have ripped me off in the past and the two people in the store verified the measurements as well as the weight and yet FedEx charged me more than double what I paid for the initial shipping charge. They said instead of the original weight it was 4 lb over which both employees in the store verified was not true yet there is no way to get in touch with FedEx to have anything rectified

[homerglenn]

Still happening with Fedex 6 months after your post.  For sellers being ripped off by Fedex, here is what I know.  Fedex is scamming sellers through eBay.  They upcharge, fraudulently change weight and dimensions, then charge eBay after delivery.  I have had 3 issues in 3 months, 3 for 3 shipments.  Its like I'm targeted.  Fedex drop-off will not display weight on receipt, at least for me.  The last shipment I meticulously took dimensional pics with tape measure and took a picture of the scale at Fedex when dropping off.  12.55 lbs.  I was just up charged to 32 lb.  I previously sold a 3 lb backpack and the up charged shipping totaled $41, claiming 14 lbs, exceeding the selling cost, adding $31 to the original eBay shipping.  For a 3 lb package!  Disputing these charges is difficult and eBay does not have a process for sellers to do this.  You need to contact a real person, CS at eBay, which is difficult.  Fedex knows this.  Fedex hides your dropoff weight and dimensional data to cover their tracks.  Not like UPS and USPS.  I'm guessing only a percentage of people dispute and Fedex comes out ahead.  eBay "Fedex team" (told to me by eBay CS on phone) will back up its customers and act in your behalf if you work through them.    Apparently there are a lot of cases and it may take some time to resolve and I had to request an email update.  eBay fees are high and I would go through them to do what you pay them to do.  I am also filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau for each incident, BBB.  Their BBB rating will go down if you complain and voice the scam.  Its an obvious bait and switch.