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What's your experience with Pirate Ship "adjustments"?

I've used Pirate Ship twice so far, and both times I got hit with a UPS surcharge after the fact, which PS immediately charged to my credit card on file. Both shipments were incoming, so I have the packaging and I was able to confirm that the actual dimensions in fact matched those on the label. 

On one box, UPS claimed a one-inch difference and assessed a 10% surcharge... Seems like one inch would be well within the margin of error of their automated measurement portals?

Now there's no doubt that Pirate Ship is much less expensive than going through UPS directly, and I'm wondering if UPS has a zero-tolerance policy towards Pirate Ship-originated shipments to help them recoup some of the lower cost... Have you had similar experiences with PS?

 

devinplombier
renosteve
40 posts
 

I've never had any problems but generally select slightly larger and heavier dimensions unless 100% certain.

 

mattw73
190 posts
 

I can't say enough good things about P.S. 

Price can sometimes be substantially cheaper..& I hate shipping costs. Kind of like taxes lol. 

Just never measure in half or quarter inches..round up. And unless I know for sure the dead weight of a package I normally round up to the nearest pound as well. 

I don't exactly understand the relationship between P.S. & UPS. It would seem that UPS taking P.S. packages would be counterintuitive but I'm glad that they do. I've never encountered added costs for adjustments or have heard back from buyers complaining or mentioning it. So far so good 

devinplombier OP
1,637 posts
 

I don't exactly understand the relationship between P.S. & UPS. It would seem that UPS taking P.S. packages would be counterintuitive but I'm glad that they do.

@mattw73 

I wonder too. My assumption was that PS purchases shipping in bulk from UPS (and USPS) and resells it to retail shippers on their website. Their role seems limited to generating shipping labels; they have no physical involvement with packages. It would be interesting to know. 

 

mattw73
190 posts
 

Yes. I am very interested to know how it works 

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,682 posts
 

I use Pirate Ship frequently and love it. Now they will upcharge if the weight or dimensions are over what you state. But I have had them refund $$ automatically when the weight was adjusted down.

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