This article covers how cost adjustments (USPS APV, etc) to the original postage paid are handled here at EasyPost.
Why are there adjustments to the cost of postage after shipping?
When purchasing a label, the rate you pay for that postage is dependent on details you provide like package weight, dimensions of the parcel, Mail Class etc. Many carriers, like USPS, validate that packages moving through their network match what was listed when the rate was quoted. If the carrier finds discrepancies, they will either credit or charge back the sender (in some cases even the recipient) the difference. For example, you may have paid $18 in shipping cost, however after USPS processes the package they find that the cost should have been $23. Your adjustment charge would then be $5.
These adjustments are captured in the EasyPost Shipment Invoice report, also known as the Adjustments report.
How do I generate the adjustments report?
For Developers, see here for generating the report via API.
Getting There
- Login to your EasyPost Dashboard
- Navigate to the Billing Tab by clicking on Account Settings
- Scroll down to the Reports section of the screen, and choose the Adjustments tab
Generate the report
- Adjust the date selector (32. day max) to your desired date range.
- Click Generate Report
- In the window that opens, you can use the checkboxes to include/exclude different types of information available in the report as desired, then click Export.
- Columns that have "claimed" in the title, refers to the information that was provided to the carrier when the label was purchased
- Columns that have "captured" in the title, refers to the information the carrier found when processing the actual package in their facilities.
- Adjustment Amount is the cost difference to what was originally purchased.
- If there are adjustments to shipments created during that time period, a CSV export will be downloaded to your device.
How are records included in the report?
Records are added to the report if the label_date (created date) of the shipment is within the date range specified by the user.
For example, if you request an adjustment report for January 2023, then adjustments associated with January shipping labels will be represented in the final file, regardless of the transaction date of the adjustment.
How to view reports that were generated in the past
To access a Shipment Invoice report for adjustments (or any other report type at EasyPost) that was generated in the past you can:
- Navigate to the Reports page in the Dashboard
- Set the Object Type filter to your desired report type (Shipments Invoices, Payment Logs, etc)
- A table will display with a list of the previously generated reports, when they were created and the date range they have data for. You may redownload the files with the Download button.
How to dispute adjustments
EasyPost allows disputes within 30 days of an adjustment. Each carrier has a different process for filing dispute claims. The final decision on the dispute is up to the individual carriers. We’ve included the process for disputing adjustments with USPS below.
Disputing USPS adjustments
USPS adjustments will be disputed with USPS directly through email by contacting VerifyPostageHelp@usps.gov. Before sending your email, confirm all of the following information is included:
- The APV Adjustment ID(s) - found in Package Dispute ID column
- Tracking Code(s) - found in Tracking Code column
- The reason the adjustment is being disputed*
Note: We recommend adding as many details as possible however there is a 200 character length limit.
If your dispute is approved, USPS will send data to EasyPost reflecting the approved dispute and EasyPost will credit your account. Please note that disputes do take a while for USPS to process, and then for them to credit back to us. Please allow 2-4 weeks after USPS has approved a dispute for the credit to reflect on your EasyPost balance.
Tips to avoid adjustments
Incorrect weight, dimensions, and packaging are some of the most common reasons for adjustments. You can decrease the likelihood of adjustments through:
- Measuring shipment package dimensions and weight multiple times for accuracy
- Rounding dimensions up to the nearest weight or pound
- Confirming your scale calibration is correct before weighing
- Checking carrier websites for service restrictions and dimensional limits