Weight adjustment and freight reclassification are different questions
Reweigh: the carrier reports a different measured weight. Reclassification: the carrier applies a different freight class or rating basis. Both can affect a bill, but neither is automatically incorrect.
The original bill of lading is an important source, not necessarily the final governing measurement or classification. Resolve the accepted agreement, effective tariff, agreed freight-all-kinds (FAK) exception, commodity attributes and actual measurement evidence.
The seven-source review packet
- Shipment/pro identity, date, carrier and origin/destination.
- Original tender and BOL description, pieces, stated weight and dimensions.
- Applicable customer rate agreement, classification, tariff, effective date, FAK or exceptions.
- Carrier's original and revised weight/class and basis for its change.
- Supporting scale measurement, inspection or dimensions, as applicable.
- Before/after invoice calculations, discounts, minimums and fuel treatment.
- Related credits, rebills, prior disputes, earlier audit findings and settlements.
Free printable LTL evidence card
Use internally with your organization's approved records. No data is entered, saved, uploaded or sent by this page.
- ☐ Match PRO/BOL, billed party and shipment identity.
- ☐ Confirm controlling customer terms effective on shipment date.
- ☐ Compare tender weight with carrier measurement and methods.
- ☐ Confirm relevant commodity/class basis and written FAK exclusions.
- ☐ Recalculate from applicable tariff/rules, discounts, minimums and fuel.
- ☐ Reconcile credits, corrections and any already-open dispute.
- ☐ Record documented evidence, uncertainty, reviewer and authorized next step.
Private record headings: carrier · shipment/PRO · ship date · original/revised weight and class · supporting scale/inspection · governing contract · recalculated charge · credit status · reviewer decision.
Illustrative review questions, not customer recoveries
| Signal | What it does not prove | What to inspect |
|---|---|---|
| Original BOL: 320 lb. Revised bill: 410 lb. | A 90 lb difference alone is not proof of overbilling. | Scale/supporting weight evidence, terms and applicable weight break. |
| Freight class changed after pickup. | The initially shown class may not be final. | Commodity description, relevant density/measurements, agreed FAK and governing classification. |
Both are hypothetical, and no refund or customer result is claimed.
Buyer-authorized review questions for a carrier
- What dated inspection or measurement supports the revised weight or class?
- Which governing rate and classification rule applied at the time?
- What is the exact original versus revised charge calculation?
- Were any related credits or corrected invoices already applied?
Carrier contact, formal disputes and document transfer require separate buyer authority. Do not infer carrier liability from absent information alone.
LTL reweigh and reclass FAQ
Is a reweigh fee automatically an overcharge?
No. Verify the measurement, governing rate terms, adjustment authority and actual recalculation before reaching a conclusion.
What if the customer negotiated a freight-all-kinds classification exception?
Check the actual FAK language, effective dates and covered shipment scope before applying a general class rating.
Can we upload a BOL or tariff here?
No. Discuss non-sensitive scope first; confidential documents require a separately authorized secure route.
More freight evidence guides
LTL freight audit · Carrier rate audit · Credit and rebill proof card · 15-point freight worksheet.
Begin with a $0-upfront qualified review
RETALLY offers an initial $0-upfront audit for agreed eligible scope. Recovery requires separate written authorization. Fees depend on eligible funds or credits actually recovered under the engagement; outcomes are not guaranteed. Begin with non-sensitive business details. Do not send invoices, rate agreements, payment records or credentials through this website, email or social messages; any sensitive records require an approved secure transfer route.
Questions? Email RETALLY.