How We Collect & Verify Our Data
A transparent look at our data sources, verification processes, and accuracy commitments. Last updated: March 2026.
1. How We Collect Carrier Rate Data
We monitor published rate cards and price lists from official carrier websites. Our database includes rates from 143 carriers, of which 80+ have rates verified from official published sources.
Top 10 Carriers & Their Rate Pages
Full list of 40+ verified carriers available on our Data Sources page.
Currency Conversion
All rates are converted to USD using daily exchange rates from the European Central Bank (ECB). Rates are updated every business day around 16:00 CET. For carriers that publish rates in local currencies, we apply the ECB rate as of the date the tariff was last updated.
General Rate Increases (GRI)
When carriers announce General Rate Increases, we apply them to our database within one week of their effective date. Recent GRIs applied:
| Carrier | Increase | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | +4.9% | January 2026 |
| FedEx | +5.9% | January 2026 |
| UPS | +5.9% | December 2025 |
| USPS | +3.6% | January 2026 |
| Royal Mail | +7.6% | April 2026 |
| Canada Post | +4.2% | January 2026 |
Verified vs. Estimated Rates
Rates sourced directly from officially published carrier price lists. We cross-reference with actual tariff schedules.
Calibrated estimates based on carrier type, region, and service tier. Used when official tariffs are not publicly available.
2. How We Collect Customs Data
Customs data is sourced from official government sources and international trade databases. We verify data against 40+ customs authority websites.
What We Track
De Minimis Thresholds
Minimum value below which customs duties are not charged. Source: WTO Customs Valuation Database and national customs authorities.
Duty Rates
Duty rates from national customs tariff schedules: TARIC (EU), USITC (US), UK Trade Tariff (UK), and others.
VAT / GST Rates
Value-added tax rates from official government tax authority websites for each country.
Prohibited Items
Lists of prohibited and restricted import items from customs regulations.
Key Customs Data Sources
| Source | Purpose |
|---|---|
| WTO Customs Valuation Database | De minimis thresholds, trade agreements |
| EU TARIC Database | EU duty rates and tariff classifications |
| US International Trade Commission (USITC) | US harmonized tariff schedule |
| UK Trade Tariff (HMRC) | UK duty rates post-Brexit |
| Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) | Canadian tariff schedule |
| Australian Border Force | Australian tariff and duty rates |
| Japan Customs | Japanese tariff schedule |
| Korea Customs Service | Korean tariff schedule |
| China Customs (GACC) | Chinese tariff schedule |
| India Central Board of Indirect Taxes | Indian customs duties and GST |
3. Update Frequency
Weekly
Carrier rates (Mondays)
Monthly
Customs data
Daily
Exchange rates (ECB)
Recent Data Updates
Last Full Audit
March 2026 — complete review of all 143 carrier rate databases, customs thresholds for 40 countries, and trade agreements.
4. Data Coverage
143
carriers
213
countries
80+
verified
40+
customs sources
5. Data Accuracy Commitment
For rates sourced from official published materials, we aim for ±10% accuracy compared to actual cost. Variance may be due to fuel surcharges, seasonal adjustments, and account-specific discounts.
For carriers without publicly available tariffs, we use calibrated estimates based on carrier type, service region, and service tier. These may vary more significantly from actual prices.
Important Disclaimer
- Always confirm the final price directly with the carrier before shipping.
- Additional surcharges (fuel surcharges, remote area fees, seasonal surcharges) may not be reflected in our estimates.
- Carrier rates may change without prior notice.
- Customs duties depend on the exact product classification (HS code), which may differ from a general estimate.
6. Report an Inaccuracy
We are committed to data accuracy. If you find any inaccuracy in our rates, customs data, or any other information, please let us know.
Contact us through our About page with details of the inaccuracy. Please include the carrier, route, and actual cost if you have it.
Last updated: March 2026