CommentSold shipping label rates are determined by USPS and UPS based on the shipment, package type, dimensions, and weight. CommentSold does not profit from shipping labels or carrier shipping adjustments.
CommentSold generally selects USPS Ground Advantage when it is cheaper than Priority Mail and the shipment qualifies. Incorrect product weights, package dimensions, or packaging types can increase shipping costs or result in carrier adjustments.
Make sure product weights and shipping information are accurate to help ensure shipping labels are calculated correctly and avoid unexpected carrier charges.
Use the table of contents below to navigate to specific sections of this article:
- Ground Advantage versus Priority Mail
- Packaging Effects on Rates
- Overages & Adjustments
- International Shipping Restrictions
- FAQs
Ground Advantage versus Priority Mail
Does CommentSold Use Ground Advantage or Priority Mail?
CommentSold uses USPS Ground Advantage when it is cheaper than Priority Mail and the shipment qualifies for Ground Advantage.
USPS Ground Advantage can provide lower rates than Priority Mail for many shipments.
Read more about Ground Advantage here
Can I Turn Off USPS Ground Advantage?
If you prefer to use Priority Mail, contact CommentSold Support to adjust your account settings.
Ground Advantage can only be disabled for packages weighing more than 1 lb. USPS requirements prevent Ground Advantage from being disabled for packages weighing 1 lb or less.
Packaging Effects on Rates
Shipping rate seem high? The size, packaging type, or dimensions of your package may be pushing your package into a different rate bracket.
USPS Package Rules
When shipping oversized packages via USPS, you may pay a higher rate. These rates take into account the overall size of the package rather than the weight. USPS uses Dimensional (DIM) weight to accommodate lighter packages that take up extra cargo space. USPS considers oversized packages to be over 108 inches but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth. Read more about USPS Dimensional Rate policies here.
USPS Flat Rate packaging and Regional Rate boxes are excluded from using dimensional weight.
To be eligible for soft packaging (aka poly mailer) the sum of the length and width cannot exceed 36 inches.
The longest dimension cannot exceed 18 inches. If it does, it will qualify for dimensional weight instead.
Packages over 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches) will be priced according to dimensional weight.
- To calculate if a package is over one cubic foot, multiply the L x W x H. If the result is 1728 or higher, Dimensional Weight pricing may apply.
- The USPS Dimensional weight formula is L x W x H/166. Per USPS requirements, you will be charged whatever is higher, the DIM weight or the actual weight of the package.
Overages & Adjustments
Why Did I Receive a Shipping Adjustment?
USPS can apply a shipping adjustment when an audit determines that the postage paid for a package did not match the shipment's actual characteristics.
USPS performs random package audits to verify postage. If USPS determines that packages were underpaid or overpaid, it can use the audit results to calculate adjustments and apply them retroactively to other label purchases within the applicable period.
These carrier adjustments are charged to your CommentSold account.
You can view shipping adjustment charges in your CommentSold account under Setup > Invoices > Shipping Adjustments.
To reduce the risk of adjustments, make sure your products have accurate weights and that package dimensions and packaging types are entered correctly.
You can view these charges in your account here.
Read more details about the adjustment process and reasons here: https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Automated-Package-Verification-Program
What Are the International Shipping Restrictions?
Polymailer packaging cannot be used for international shipments. Use an eligible packaging type when creating international shipping labels.
FAQs
How are CommentSold shipping label rates calculated?
Shipping label rates are determined by the carrier based on factors such as package weight, dimensions, packaging type, destination, and shipping service.
Does CommentSold make money from shipping labels?
No. CommentSold does not profit from shipping labels or carrier shipping adjustments.
Why is my CommentSold shipping label more expensive than expected?
Shipping costs can increase because of package weight, dimensions, packaging type, or dimensional-weight pricing. Incorrect product weights can also result in inaccurate label rates or later carrier adjustments.
Does CommentSold use USPS Ground Advantage?
Yes. Ground Advantage is the preferred USPS option when it is cheaper than Priority Mail and the shipment qualifies.
Can I use Priority Mail instead of Ground Advantage?
Yes, for packages over 1 lb, you can contact CommentSold Support to disable Ground Advantage and use Priority Mail instead.
Can I turn off Ground Advantage for packages under 1 lb?
No. Ground Advantage cannot be disabled for packages weighing 1 lb or less because of USPS requirements.
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight is a shipping calculation based on a package's size rather than its actual weight. It can apply when a package takes up significant cargo space.
How is USPS dimensional weight calculated?
Calculate dimensional weight using:
Length × Width × Height ÷ 166
USPS charges based on whichever is greater: the package's actual weight or dimensional weight.
When does USPS use dimensional weight?
Packages over 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) may be priced according to dimensional weight. Oversized packages may also be subject to size-based pricing.
Why did USPS charge a shipping adjustment?
USPS may charge an adjustment when a package audit determines that the original postage did not accurately reflect the package's weight, dimensions, or other shipping characteristics.
Where can I view shipping adjustments?
You can view shipping adjustment charges in CommentSold under Setup > Invoices > Shipping Adjustments.
How can I avoid shipping adjustments?
Enter accurate product weights and make sure package dimensions and packaging types are correct when shipping.
Can I use a poly mailer for international shipping?
No. Polymailer packaging cannot be used for international shipments.
Are Flat Rate boxes subject to dimensional weight?
No. USPS Flat Rate packaging and Regional Rate boxes are excluded from dimensional-weight pricing.