FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about shipping refunds and how ShipSlip works

What is a shipping refund?
A shipping refund is money returned to you by a carrier when a shipment is delivered later than the guaranteed delivery commitment for the service you purchased. Major carriers such as FedEx and UPS offer money-back guarantees on many express services, but refunds are not automatic—they must be identified and claimed.
What types of shipments are eligible for refunds?
Most express and time-definite services are eligible, including:
  • Priority Overnight
  • Standard Overnight
  • 2Day / 2nd Day Air
  • Express Saver
Eligibility depends on the service level, shipment date, delivery time, and whether any carrier exceptions apply.
How do you determine if a shipment was late?
We compare:
  • The ship date
  • The service level purchased
  • The carrier's committed delivery date and time
  • The actual delivery date and time
If the delivery occurred after the guaranteed commitment and no valid exception applies, the shipment is flagged as refund-eligible.
Are refunds issued automatically by carriers?
No. Carriers do not automatically issue refunds for late deliveries. Refunds must be:
  1. Identified
  2. Submitted within the carrier's claim window
  3. Approved after review
Many businesses miss refunds simply because they don't have the time or tools to audit every shipment.
How far back can refunds be claimed?
Refund windows vary by carrier, but typically:
  • Claims must be submitted within 15 days of the invoice date
  • Older invoices may still be recoverable through audits or escalations
We focus on current and ongoing shipments to maximize recovery.
What situations are NOT eligible for a refund?
Refunds may be denied if the delay was caused by:
  • Weather events
  • Incorrect or incomplete addresses
  • Customs delays
  • Shipments tendered after carrier cutoff times
  • Force majeure events
Each shipment is reviewed individually.
Do residential deliveries qualify for refunds?
Yes, many residential deliveries are still eligible. However, delivery time commitments may differ from commercial shipments depending on the service used.
How long does it take to receive a refund?
Once a claim is approved:
  • Refunds typically appear as a credit on your carrier invoice
  • Processing times vary but usually take 1–2 billing cycles
What information is required to submit a refund claim?
Typically:
  • Tracking number
  • Invoice number
  • Shipment date
  • Service level
  • Delivery date and time
We automatically gather this information from your invoices and tracking data.
Do you submit claims on our behalf?
Yes. We identify eligible shipments and handle the claim submission process, so you don't have to interact with carrier portals or track deadlines.
How much money can businesses usually recover?
On average, businesses recover 3–8% of their annual shipping spend through consistent refund auditing. The exact amount depends on shipment volume, service mix, and carrier performance.
Is there any risk to claiming refunds?
No. Submitting legitimate refund claims is part of the carrier's published service guarantees and does not affect your account standing or rates.
How do we get started?
Getting started is simple:
  1. Create an account
  2. Provide your carrier account information
  3. Enjoy the refunds rolling in

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help you maximize your shipping refund recovery