When managing shipments through Montonio and direct carrier agreements, you may receive invoices from multiple sources. This is not an error but a result of how billing is determined based on the agreements under which shipments are processed. Below, we explain the key principles and scenarios that lead to this situation.
How billing is determined?
Who invoices you depends on which agreement the shipment was created under:
Montonio agreement — Montonio issues the invoice. See full list: Shipping with Montonio contracts.
Direct carrier agreement — the carrier issues the invoice directly.
Preference Hierarchy
When both Montonio and direct agreements are active in Partner System and support the same delivery method, the system generally prioritises the Montonio agreement. However, there are exceptions:
For certain delivery types not supported by Montonio agreements (e.g., courier delivery), the system defaults to the direct carrier agreement if it's active. In such cases, the carrier will invoice you directly.
Why you may receive multiple invoices?
Receiving invoices from both Montonio and direct carriers during the same period can occur due to the following reasons:
Overlapping agreements
If you switch from a direct carrier contract to a Montonio contract mid-month, you may receive two invoices for that month — one from the carrier and one from Montonio, each covering their respective period. Please settle both invoices.
There are two scenarios where overlap can occur:
Switching contracts — if you switch mid-month, both invoices cover their respective periods. Going forward, only Montonio will issue invoices once the direct contract is deactivated.
Both contracts active simultaneously — if both agreements are enabled at the same time, shipments processed under each will generate separate invoices.
Delivery Method Limitations
Some carriers and delivery methods are only available through direct carrier agreements, which means those shipments will be invoiced directly by the carrier, not Montonio.
For example, if you use a Unisend contract through Montonio, parcel machine shipments will be invoiced by Montonio. If you also want to use courier delivery with Unisend, you must use your direct contract with the carrier — in this case, courier shipments will be invoiced directly by the carrier.
These are not duplicate charges — each invoice covers shipments processed under a different agreement.
Additionally, Cash on Delivery (COD) payment options are only available with direct carrier contracts for Omniva, DPD, and Unisend. Any orders paid via COD will be invoiced directly by the respective carrier.
Charges for labels
Labels themselves are free. Charges are applied only when a parcel is handed over and scanned by the carrier. Unused or incorrect labels can be archived in the Partner System using the Archive function.
Conclusion
Understanding how billing works when multiple agreements are active can help you manage your invoices more effectively. By knowing which agreement applies to each shipment, you can avoid confusion and ensure accurate financial tracking. For further assistance, please contact Montonio support or your direct carrier representative.