FAQs Archive - RDS Global Solutions

Q: Why have I been charged a 'Long Length' surcharge by DHL Parcel?

DHL Parcel surcharge any item that exceeds 1.2m in length as a 'Long Length' surcharge. Items that exceed 2m to a maximum of 3m, will be surcharged as a 'XL Long Length'. They also use this surcharge description when surcharging for 'Out of Gauge' / 'Over Maximum' which can often confuse customers. Please refer to your tariff, or speak with your RDS contact for more information. Over Maximum Surcharge • Items that have two sides of more than 80cm in size or a single side of 120cm or more • Requires more than 1 person to lift due to weight or size (greater than 30kg) • Is an awkward shape, for example: - Chair, Bike, Coat stand, Car body panels, Trees, Canoe

Q: Why have I been charged for Relabelling, Relabel?

There are various reasons as to why the carriers surcharge for 'relabelling' such as, the address being incomplete / incorrect, poor printed quality, insufficiently stuck down (thus partially / completely come away), network or weather damaged. Ideally, the carriers wish to not have to relabel, but where they do, they surcharge the account which is passed on by RDS.

Q: Why does the address cut off of the label?

When printing from a desktop printer and using A4 sticky address labels, only use 'borderless' label pages to ensure the address prints on the 'tear away' label only. To avoid doubt, search: 'White Paper Square Cut Labels – 4 Per A4 Sheet – 105 x 148.5mm' for the right type.

Q: What is an ‘emergency situation charge’

The Emergency Situation Surcharge (ESS) is a surcharge imposed by DHL Express, to reflect changes in market dynamics, air capacity availability and operational restrictions imposed related to COVID-19 measures from local governments. As these surcharges are variable and therefore could change over time, RDS will pass this surcharge at cost on our invoice, in addition to the quoted rate on the portal, (as quoted on our rate card, the notification banner at the top of the booking portal and at the footer of our website (see below)) until further notice. https://rds-globalsolutions.com/fuel-surcharge-temporary-surcharge/

Q: What is the difference between UPS Expedited, UPS Express Saver and UPS Express service options?

UPS Worldwide Standard: Delivery in 2-5 business days via road to Europe, by the end of the day UPS Worldwide Expedited: Delivery in 2-5 business days (non-urgent) by the end of the day to more than 70 countries and territories. UPS Worldwide Express Saver: Delivery in 1-3 business days by the end of the day to more than 215 countries and territories. UPS Worldwide Express: Delivery in 1-3 business days by 10:30 a.m. or noon., to more than 65 countries and territories.

Q: Why am I charged for 'Registered' (not sent) shipments?

Unless shipments are 'Void' (cancelled) on the portal, they will be charged for by RDS. Why? Because if we didn't charge for shipments with a 'Registered' status, and those shipments were then despatched after the week period RDS have just invoiced for, they would be missed. Also, some carriers charge for shipments registered and not cancelled, so its important to cancel those shipments you no longer wish to send. Please note, there is a £0.20p +vat 'Cancelled Shipment' fee to cover shipping software costs.

Q: Why are we charged for a 'Return to Sender?'

Should the outbound delivery be unsuccessful for whatever reason, all carriers charge for a 'return to sender / consignor' and is often, more expensive than the outbound shipping. Why? Because the cost of a return (reverse logistics), is significantly greater than that of the outbound delivery, as 1. the item travels on its own without the consolidation of the outbound parcels and 2. every return is unique, as in the networks are not set up specifically to deliver each return.

Q: How much liability does my shipment have & what's the cost for extended cover?

The level of liability all depends on the carrier (and their Terms & Conditions), the service requested and the product(s)/item(s) sent. For extended liability shipments, these need to be booked via the RDS Customer Care team: care@rds-group.co.uk The cost for which, is highlighted below..

Q: What happens to items that cannot be delivered?

Items that cannot be delivered by the carrier, are mostly returned to sender at an additional RTC (returned to consignor) cost. The reason being, is that the cost of the reverse logistics to get the item returned, is actually greater than the outbound cost for delivery. Its the responsibility of the sender (consignor) to ensure all goods that are shipped are correctly addressed, with the receivers mobile and/or email address provided at the point of booking (to know when to expect the delivery and request necessary alternative delivery dates if not practical) and to ensure items are robustly packaged to withstand transit through a parcels network. For more information on how to pack your parcels, please click here .