Colissimo surcharges

Colissimo applies a fuel surcharge to all parcels. Depending on the means of transport used to route the package, the carrier will apply the surcharge for air transport or road transport. These rates change monthly. See the road transport and the air transport fuel adjustment ratios here.

Click here for more general information about fuel surcharges.

Effective July 15th, 2024, Colissimo will implement this charge that applies to all parcels, including domestic, international, and overseas shipments.

Why This Surcharge?
The decarbonization contribution is a key part of Colissimo’s commitment to reducing environmental impact. By incorporating this small fee, Colissimo aims to accelerate its efforts towards a more eco-friendly parcel delivery system. This initiative supports the transition to greener logistics, benefiting both the economy and public health.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we work towards a sustainable future.

Volumetric weight is used to account for parcels that take up a lot of space relative to their actual weight. Depending on the type of Colissimo service used, volumetric weight is applied differently for air and road shipments.

Volumetric weight for air shipments

Volumetric weight is applied to parcels shipped by air, including international destinations and French Overseas Territories. If the volumetric weight exceeds the parcel's actual weight, the higher weight is used for pricing.

How to calculate the volumetric weight of a parcel (air)

Colissimo calculates volumetric weight using the following formula:
Length × width × height (in cm) / 5000

At Sendcloud, we’ve developed a calculator to help you estimate the volumetric weight of your parcel and avoid unexpected surcharges. Click here for more information and to use the tool.

Volumetric weight surcharge for road shipments

For Colissimo national and international road delivery services (excluding return shipments), a volumetric weight surcharge may apply under the following conditions:

• The parcel weighs more than 1 kg, and
• The difference between the volumetric weight calculated as L × W × H / 5000 and the actual weight is greater than 7 kg

When these conditions are met, a fixed volumetric weight surcharge of €0.40 is applied.

Billing of Surcharges for Exceeding Weight Limits

When the actual or volumetric weight of a parcel exceeds the limit allowed by the selected shipping method, the carrier applies additional charges.

How weight adjustments are applied

1. Initial label billing
   • When a user creates a shipping label, the rate is based on the selected weight range.
   • Example: Method X 0-1 kg for a 0.5 kg parcel.
2. Carrier weight verification
   • Upon pickup, the carrier weighs the parcel or applies volumetric weight calculation (L x W x H / 5000).
3. Billing adjustment if the weight is higher
   • If the actual or volumetric weight exceeds the selected range, an additional charge is applied.
   • Example: If the parcel weighs 1.5 kg (or has a volumetric weight of 1.5 kg), billing is adjusted to Method X (1–2 kg).
4. Impact on fuel surcharge
   • In some cases, a recalculated weight may also affect the fuel surcharge, which is adjusted based on the final billed weight.

Why do users see two charges?

This process may appear as a double charge, but it consists of two separate steps:

✅ First charge: Based on the declared weight when creating the shipping label.
✅ Second charge: Adjustment based on the actual or volumetric weight of the parcel.

The carrier does not charge twice for the same label but applies a correction to reflect the final weight.

This surcharge applies to all parcels that do not meet the characteristics of a standard parcel defined in Colissimo's terms and conditions and require special handling.
Applicable in particular for parcels with the following dimensions: L + W + H > 150 cm (with a maximum of 200 cm). This is often applied to unstable boxes and unusual shapes.

This surcharge applies to parcels with labeling or packaging anomalies identified by Colissimo’s platforms. These issues require manual handling and incur additional charges.

Common reasons for the surcharge:

• Incorrect or unreadable labeling: Labels positioned on edges or those that are difficult to scan.
• Small parcels: Labels that are difficult to read or improperly placed.
• Rolls or tubes: Shipments in these shapes without stabilizing sleeves.
• Packaging defects: Poorly conditioned or unstable parcels.
  • Inclusion of inappropriate elements like strings, plastic, or straps.

How to avoid the surcharge:

• Ensure labels are flat and fully visible on the parcel.
• Use compliant, stable packaging free of additional elements that may trigger surcharges.

An unacceptable parcel must not be handed over to Colissimo. For all delivery methods, items that do not meet the conditions for mechanized parcels or non-mechanized parcels defined in the general conditions are not accepted in the postal network.
A parcel is not accepted for the following reasons: weight, packaging, or dimensions.

If you try to ship an unacceptable parcel, the carrier will charge you a surcharge.

The shipping label cannot be scanned by automated sorting systems at pickup, requiring the parcel to be relabeled so delivery can continue correctly.

Colissimo will apply a surcharge if they don't receive the EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) before midnight on the day of collection or if they do not receive it at all.

If the delivery address was not provided, Colissimo will charge you a surcharge.

The carrier will apply this surcharge to your shipment if the postcode and city or town do not match.

If the email or telephone number of the receiver is missing, Colissimo will apply a surcharge. An email address or a telephone number must always be provided.

Destination surcharge from 5.10 EUR to 6.20 EUR

This surcharge applies to all parcels shipped to one of the three destinations:

United Kingdom: 5.10 EUR
United States: 5.20 EUR
China: 6.20 EUR

This surcharge applies to parcels shipped to an international destination with a carrier partner.

Colissimo is introducing a "Partenaire Postale" surcharge for all packages shipped to the following countries:

• Germany
• Austria
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Belgium

This surcharge applies universally to packages destined for these locations. Through a special agreement with local postal services, Colissimo ensures that packages are delivered with priority, which is the rationale behind this additional fee.

This surcharge applies when a parcel contains dangerous or prohibited goods. These are items that may pose a risk to people, property, or the environment during transport.

Colissimo generally does not allow dangerous goods in standard shipments. If such items are detected or declared, additional handling, checks, or restrictions may apply, which can result in a surcharge.

Examples of dangerous goods include:

• Flammable items (such as aerosols or certain perfumes)
• Batteries (for example lithium batteries sent incorrectly)
• Chemicals, corrosive, or toxic substances
• Pressurised or explosive items

For the full and most up-to-date list of prohibited and dangerous goods, we recommend checking Colissimo’s official guidelines on dangerous and prohibited items on their website.

Effective June 1st, customers shipping hazardous materials without properly declaring them may incur a surcharge of up to 300 EUR per parcel.

This applies when hazardous or regulated goods are shipped using a standard shipping method instead of the appropriate hazardous goods shipping method. If Colissimo identifies undeclared hazardous materials during transport or handling, the shipment may be subject to this additional charge.

This includes, but is not limited to, hazardous products under CLP regulation, hazardous products under ADR Packing Group II or III, cosmetic or e-smoking kits, and other exempted hazardous products, subject to Colissimo’s accepted quantity limits and handling instructions.

Important: This surcharge is applied per violating parcel.

To avoid this surcharge, always ensure that hazardous goods are correctly declared and that the appropriate shipping method is selected when creating the shipping label.