01
Hazmat fees on batteries and fluids
Lithium-ion and fluid-classified parts trigger hazmat surcharges that compound with weight and oversize fees.
Industries · Auto Parts
Heavy, oversized, hazmat — three surcharges per box.
Automotive aftermarket parcels stack surcharges. Heavy weight, irregular shape, often hazmat-classified (batteries, fluids, airbags). Each surcharge is individually negotiable. Most aren't worked.
Where the money leaks
Three problems we see in every auto parts audit.
02
Oversize and AHS on irregular parts
Bumpers, exhausts, body panels — irregular shape and length trigger surcharges that aren't part of base rate sheets.
03
Return labels at retail rates
RMA rate of 8–15% on auto parts. Most are billed at retail returns pricing without parity to outbound.
Our playbook
Four levers, specifically for auto parts.
01
Hazmat surcharge negotiation
Hazmat fees are negotiable line items, not fixed. We work them specifically.
02
Oversize / AHS caps
Negotiate caps on additional-handling and oversize for the irregular shapes you actually ship.
03
Return label parity
Returns at the same tier as outbound. Significant for any auto parts business with double-digit return rates.
04
Carrier mix optimization
Different carriers price irregular shapes differently. Rate-shop respects who wins which surcharge profile.
Best fit if you are
- ✓Automotive parts DTC and B2B retailers
- ✓Aftermarket parts wholesalers
- ✓OEM parts distributors
- ✓Performance and accessory parts brands
Probably not for you if
Local repair shops without national parcel volume.
Other industries
Different verticals, same audit-first approach.
E-commerce & DTC
Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, multi-channel — we cover the full carrier stack you're juggling.
Open playbook →Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Carrier rates are the second-biggest line on your bid sheet. We negotiate them as one consolidated book.
Open playbook →Distribution & B2B Wholesale
B2B parcel is a different problem from DTC. We treat it that way.
Open playbook → Want the auto parts playbook on your invoices?
Get a free audit →