Seeking Advice! - FedEx's False Dimensions Cost Me $209

[royalty-business]

First things first, I don't have any photos of the shipment or it's measurements. Second, I have already learned my lesson and will be fully documenting my outgoing shipments with pictures of the measurements and weight from this point forward. With that out of the way:

I recently shipped a large item (25"x25"x25", 147.8 lbs) via FedEx. It should've been shipped freight, but the buyer didn’t want to pay the higher cost. After repacking it multiple times, I bought a 28"x28"x28" box directly from a FedEx Office location—the largest box they sell for ground shipping. I trimmed it down and packed it securely: made new creases, sealed with heavy-duty tape, wrapped in shrink wrap, added reinforced cardboard corners along all 12 outer edges, and used strapping tape and plastic bands for extra security. The final dimensions were 24.5"x24.5"x24.75".

Despite my precise measurements, FedEx charged me an extra $209, claiming the package was 27"x27"x29" and 147.75 lbs. I know my dimensions and weight were accurate, as I had repacked it multiple times and ensured exact measurements to avoid extra fees.

Given that the original box was 28" and I trimmed it, I don’t understand how they measured 29". I'm not looking to dispute a 1/2" or 1". Their claim is grossly overstated. How can I challenge or dispute their claim that my shipment was larger than what I originally labeled? Is it even possible/feasible to do so? Or, am I better off just eating the loss and moving on?

[dryophelia]

@royalty-business 

Do not use eBay for FedEx labels. Get your own FedEx account. 

Strapping and overwrap can be a surcharge.

The corners you added will also increase the dimensions. 

If buyers don’t like your shipping terms, that is not for you to rearrange. 

[tobaccocardyahoo]

"Given that the original box was 28" and I trimmed it, I don’t understand how they measured 29""

If sold as 28"x28"x28" that could have been the inside dimensions not the exterior of the box and the box when properly rounded up could have been 29"x29"x29".

This issue would be irrelevant if you properly measured the final box, including the cardboard corners.

This product should have shipped freight. Too close to 150 lbs. Too likely to **bleep** off the FEDEX Ground contract driver.

I'll assume you were trying to take the interests of your buyer to heart, rather than to make a sale which was hard to make selling on Ebay. But you went through a lot of effort, and took a hit to your pocketbook when they right solution was obvious.