Wrong Weight Listed on the Bill of Lading

Knowing the weight of your shipment is extremely important. Knowing the weight allows the freight forwarder to properly bill you for your shipment. Freight quotes are determined by weight, class, and dimensions. Not accurately weighing your freight can mean that you will not be quoted accurately.

What happens if my shipment weighs more than what is stated on the Bill of Lading?

The party who paid for the shipment will have to pay for the additional weight when the freight carrier or freight broker sends the bill or a re-bill. Re-bills are not significant when the weight is off a small amount, but if the weight is grossly understated, it can be costly.

Will I get a refund if my weight is under than what is stated on the Bill of Lading?

More than likely, you will not. But if the weight difference is significant, it can be worth your time to contest the original Bill of Lading.

How can I get proof of what my shipment weighed?

After the freight carrier weighs a shipment, a document called a certified weight check is issued. This is proof that your shipment was weighed and shows when it was weighed, which scale was used, and how much it weighed.

How can I weigh all my boxes?

The quickest Do-It-Yourself way would be to stand on a scale and weigh yourself, then pick up a box and stand on the scale again, calculate the difference and keep a running total.