Summary

Flexport uses two primary sources for weights and dimensions: merchant input via Seller Portal and onsite machine-scanned dimensions (using Cubiscan). Additionally, we may leverage packaging and parcel carrier data to identify items needing re-measurement and will immediately communicate any variances to the merchant through a Support ticket. In some cases, dimension variances may warrant a fee if the merchant inputted dimensions differ by the real dimensions by a certain threshold. 

Why does Flexport need accurate dimensions?

To offer our services, accurate dimensions are important for planning purposes; storing, packaging, and label purchasing are all services that are impacted by the dimensions of our merchant’s products. In order to best serve our merchants, it is important to commit to accurate dimension data for all products.

How do I provide product dimensions to Flexport?

• Inventory / Product Dimensions Entry: During onboarding, new merchants must share SKU dimensions in Seller Portal. This can happen either after entering your product data from a marketplace or manual entry and adjusting your dimensions, or during inbound shipment creation. Flexport will validate these dimensions using Cubiscan. You, as the merchant, are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of your product’s dimensions.
  • Inbound Shipment Creation: When you are ready to send your products to Flexport, our Inbounding steps will request the dimensions and other details of your products in order to accurately plan for the shipment and receiving of the goods. Merchants are highly encouraged to provide SKU weights, dimensions, and properties for new products when creating inbound shipments. If not provided, Flexport will measure them with our Cubiscan. Those who skip providing dimensions will be billed at the Flexport measurement rate without the option for Refund Request (more on this below).
  • Import Products or Manually Create a Product: You have the opportunity to enter your product dimensions and details prior to the inbounding process, if you prefer!
  • Foldable Items: Merchants are highly encouraged to mark items as foldable or stackable for accurate measurement and packing.
• Existing Products with Dimensions: Merchants can update their SKU dimensions until Flexport measures the items. If only the machine-scanned Cubiscan data exists for a SKU, merchants must confirm or update it, after which Flexport will review and validate all inputs.

What types of exceptions or notifications might occur?

• Measurement and Audits: Flexport will measure dimensions and weights for all new SKUs and existing SKUs with updates. Random audits based on weight variance will also be conducted.
• Variance Notification: Discrepancies over 25% from merchant input will trigger a notification on the Seller Portal and via email Support ticket, allowing a 30-day review period. The system will automatically default to Cubiscan measurements after 30 days if Flexport does not receive a response from the merchant contact. 
• Refund Requests: Merchants can request refunds for overcharges based on inaccurate dimensions (Fulfillment Fees, Storage Fees) within 30 days of notice via Support Ticket. Refund requests are reviewed by Support to determine if the request is applicable based on the Dimension source (merchant vs. Cubiscan), and may be declined if the merchant skipped providing dimensions.
• Non-Compliance: Variances over 25% for any dimension will be classified as a violation of policy, with Flexport applying a charge to the merchant (clawback) based on the difference in fulfillment fees for the last 30 days.
  • Example:
    • Merchant Input DIMS: 5 in W x 5 in H x 5 in L 
    • Actual DIMs: 7 in W x 7 in H x 7 in L 
    • Discrepancy = difference between 5 in and 7 in= 33.33% difference 

*Free resources available online as well under “Percent Difference Calculator”

Update 7/19/2024