Why is the USPS priority label showing incorrect weight for my package?

Topic summary

Shipping labels for a 2.6 lb package are generating as 0.0 lb at purchase, causing incorrect USPS Priority and UPS rates and label rejection at the post office.

  • Expected vs shown rates: For ~2.6 lb, expected around $25 (with Shopify discount), but USPS Priority shows ~$8.52 and UPS ~$8.48, matching a near-weightless package.
  • Consequence: USPS (United States Postal Service) would not accept the mislabeled package; the label was voided. Merchant may have to ship at retail rates and absorb the cost difference because the order had free shipping.
  • Troubleshooting tried: Entered weight in ounces and grams; attempted both the Shopify website and iPad app. Issue occurs for both USPS and UPS (United Parcel Service).
  • Evidence: Multiple screenshots attached appear central to understanding the mismatch between displayed shipping weight and the label purchase weight.
  • Current status: Another participant asked for clarification, noting the weights “seem aligned,” suggesting possible UI confusion or misinterpretation. No resolution or confirmed cause yet; clarification is needed to proceed.
Summarized with AI on February 4. AI used: gpt-5.

Can you help me understand the problem - the weights seem to be aligned? I don’t fully understand how the expected behaviour is different than from what you are seeing.