We incur handling costs to double-check weights and dimensions and we will pass that cost on, whether we build it into our rates or in other ways. Some shippers may be trying to save money, but experts say many shippers may merely give scant attention to a critical detail at the end of a shipping strategy session. A good portion of that 'guesstimating' builds up as it goes up the chain of transport, which can lead to volume problems when it gets on an airplane. They must have more understanding of the sequence in terms of what happens to their freight. It's key to making sure their cargo gets loaded, because if it's overweight, sometimes it gets bumped.
Someone always loses.
Industry executives say that is because shipment weight is another point of negotiation and discounting. Three years ago in the United States, integrated carriers such as Airborne Express and Federal Express shored up their bottom lines when they got tough with their customers. Those express carriers stopped looking the other way when shippers didn't live up to the contracted weight and shipment traffic that brought them discounts. Air freight officials say they don't expect to see that approach brought to international cargo traffic. But in the reality of today's market, that won't fly.