UPS Remote Area Surcharges and Prepaid Return Labels
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Sellers have asked about increased prepaid return label charges and why some returns have higher rates than the outbound shipments. The reason may be UPS Remote Area Surcharges. This post will explain these surcharges, how to check if you’re subject to them, and why they’re not new or (totally) bad.
UPS applies Area Surcharges to product return shipments going to "less accessible" ZIP codes, as determined by UPS. You can visit the UPS website and search for the "Area Surcharge ZIP Code Listing 2024" spreadsheet for the complete list. On December 28, 2023, these surcharges began to be applied to your account at the time of return label generation. If you’re an Amazon Fulfilled by Merchant seller and your return address ZIP code is on the spreadsheet, those surcharges are included in your UPS returns and may be why you noticed label charges going up.
Please note that these surcharges aren’t new. Before December 28, 2023, Area Surcharges were applied as carrier adjustments, usually two weeks after the package was shipped. And while shipping adjustment charges are not eligible for SAFE-T claims, these surcharges are now part of the label charge and are eligible for SAFE-T claims.
If you’re facing these surcharges and looking to avoid them, consider returnless refunds or if it’s possible to relocate your return location to a ‘non-remote’ area.
UPS Remote Area Surcharges and Prepaid Return Labels
Upvote / Downvote below: Is this content helpful? Be sure to comment with any specific questions you have related to this topic.
Sellers have asked about increased prepaid return label charges and why some returns have higher rates than the outbound shipments. The reason may be UPS Remote Area Surcharges. This post will explain these surcharges, how to check if you’re subject to them, and why they’re not new or (totally) bad.
UPS applies Area Surcharges to product return shipments going to "less accessible" ZIP codes, as determined by UPS. You can visit the UPS website and search for the "Area Surcharge ZIP Code Listing 2024" spreadsheet for the complete list. On December 28, 2023, these surcharges began to be applied to your account at the time of return label generation. If you’re an Amazon Fulfilled by Merchant seller and your return address ZIP code is on the spreadsheet, those surcharges are included in your UPS returns and may be why you noticed label charges going up.
Please note that these surcharges aren’t new. Before December 28, 2023, Area Surcharges were applied as carrier adjustments, usually two weeks after the package was shipped. And while shipping adjustment charges are not eligible for SAFE-T claims, these surcharges are now part of the label charge and are eligible for SAFE-T claims.
If you’re facing these surcharges and looking to avoid them, consider returnless refunds or if it’s possible to relocate your return location to a ‘non-remote’ area.
11 risposte
Seller_AXC06kcsKI1qG
So why does Amazon use UPS for returns?
Why not switch to USPS Ground Advantage?
It's just a return, no MEGA rush.
And it gets refunded on first scan anyway so why force a higher shipping charge + Mysterious added charges from UPS when it's not necessary?
Seller_AXC06kcsKI1qG
You don't understand UPS adjustments. This has nothing to do with fuel.
It's all passed to the SELLER.
If they don't like and address or zip code = $18 additional fee.
blurry label = $18 fee
If the label is for different dimension of the box sellers incur all ranges of additional fees. And since the buyer can return it in whatever they choose it's practically always wrong.
Here's a few more
- Dimensional Weight
- Additional Handling
- Residential Surcharge
- Incorrect Weight
- Over Maximum Size
- Large Package Surcharges
So YES if packaged correctly with all the proper information with NO ERRORS then UPS rates are bit lower in some cases.
But buyers throw the return in any box they have lying around and slap a label on it.
They don't package orders like sellers do. So with all the additional fees the cost is MORE.
You were part of the Thread HERE
You really think it's just small surcharges?
I can add 100 other threads but it should not be necessary. Sellers that ship everyday for years KNOW UPS and their "additional fees"
KJ_Amazon
Thank you for that additional explanation, @Seller_AXC06kcsKI1qG
If the label is for different dimension of the box sellers incur all ranges of additional fees. And since the buyer can return it in whatever they choose it's practically always wrong.
Carrier shipping correction charges may be applied if the package that the item is returned in is larger or smaller than reported on the shipment.
This applies for USPS shipments as well as UPS, both outbound shipments and returns.
The two carriers have different surcharges, thresholds, etc., but both carriers audit packages and issue adjustment charges/credits if the package information is different from the label.
KJ_Amazon
Seller_AXC06kcsKI1qG
I have never been charged additional fees by usps when providing my own labels.
Only additional charges seem to appear on Amazon generated labels. Seems like they know they can milk Amazon sellers since there’s no way to fight it on Amazon.
Hmmm strange don’t you think.
And we’ve shipped a million + orders
This guy is getting hit with an additional $65 fir each return. Wouldn’t happen with USPS .
and another
https://sellercentral.amazon.com/seller-forums/discussions/t/7840935a-8a83-4cef-a1b5-0aebc43d3e47
KJ_Amazon
Hello @Seller_AXC06kcsKI1qG
Thank you for continuing to share those examples with me.
I am continuing to share these examples with our partner team.
While USPS is used as the carrier for most prepaid return labels for shipments under one pound, in some cases USPS is not available. This is due to multiple factors including the location, product type, and availability at the time the request was made.
As for why USPS Ground Advantage is not used for all return shipments, the base rates for that services are higher than UPS Ground for heavier packages.
Seller_usjZPFkqfalYO
We should not be forced to use UPS for return shipments. We should be able to choose which carrier we use for our labels and returns. You are telling us to offer return-less refunds to prevent the charges. That is just saying, let the buyer keep the item and suck it up. That is not acceptable. I should be able to decide what carrier returns our packages. With USPS I wouldn't have to worry about offering return-less refunds as the shipping charges are enough to where I can receive the item back and sell again and not lose out. that is impossible with UPS and their adjustments added to theorder at a later time. Super flawed. I do not want to use UPS for returns. Why are there no options to choose our carrier for returns.
KJ_Amazon
Hello @Seller_usjZPFkqfalYO. Thank you for that feedback about prepaid return shipping labels.
There are no plans to change how carriers are selected for return labels, but I will continue to share feedback on this subject with our partner teams.
