US Shipping Zones

U.S. Shipping Zones affecting shipping costs: here’s why

As an e-commerce business owner, understanding shipping zones is essential to fulfilling shipping orders. Shipping packages to remote locations costs money. But improving delivery time attracts consumers. Companies need to save money and reduce delivery time to be profitable among their competitors. This blog will help companies understand the U.S. Shipping zones. And highlight the effective ways to save money and time.

U.S. Shipping Zones: what are they?

Postal zones across the U.S. are the shipping zones. They are the geographical regions where shipping carriers can deliver packages. Parcel carriers can calculate the price for delivery of a parcel based on the distance. There are eight U.S. shipping zones domestically. Zone 9 is for the freely associated States or territories outside the U.S. mainland (for example, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau).

How to calculate U.S. Shipping Zones

The U.S. Shipping Zones calculations are from the point of origin of the package to the destination. They are divided into a 100-mile radius according to the postal ZIP codes. Zone 1 is the region where the shipment originates. Shipping Zones 2 to 8 are dynamic and depend on where the package is shipped. In addition, shipping packages sent to distant locations lead to a rise in shipping costs. Shipping Zone 8 will be the furthest destination. Shipping packages within a zone costs less.

For example, shipping a package from San Francisco, California, to Atlanta, Georgia, means the shipment is going to Zone 8. However, if you are shipping a package within fifty miles of San Francisco, it is within Zone 1.

Shipping Zones by carriers

Shipping costs increase by Zone and shipping carriers charge based on the distance and weight of the package. Each shipping carrier has a different Shipping Zone Map and ZIP codes in each Zone. In addition, some services of shipping carriers vary according to the U.S. Shipping Zones. For instance, FedEx Priority Overnight Express services have sixteen zones.

Now, let’s understand the shipping for the major shipping carriers across the U.S.

UPS Shipping Zones

UPS provides an online tool for entering the Postal code of origin, and the user can download the Zone Map. Further, UPS Daily Rate Guide helps companies determine the costs and services for a shipment. The weight of the packages will also increase the shipping costs. Parcels weighing less than 1 pound do not cost more than heavy ones.

FedEx Shipping Zones

On the FedEx website, entering the ZIP code of the package origin and the destination ZIP code provides the FedEx shipping zone. Further, FedEx shipping rates give price details based on package weight and FedEx service. For instance, shippers can use the FedEx Ground service chart to track their shipments from the entered ZIP code.

USPS Shipping Zones

USPS has an online site to download the Zone chart after entering the origin and destination ZIP codes. But, the pricing of the services is not in the Zone chart.

 USPS has fixed-rate pricing for many services. Most shippers opt for USPS services due to their flat-rate pricing, which is easy to understand.

Regional carrier Zones

U.S. Shipping zones are calculated differently by regional carriers. They will concentrate on particular regions for delivery fulfillment rather than an entire state. Shippers opt for regional shipping carriers to send their packages to a specific location. For example, OnTrac helps shippers to calculate the transit time based on the ZIP codes for pickup and delivery.

Ways to minimize shipping costs and delivery time

Businesses can use different shipping Optimization strategies to minimize shipping costs and delivery time. Some of these ways are:

  • Opting for multiple fulfillment centers

It allows shippers to send packages to customers quickly and efficiently. Historical shipping data helps shippers to locate the best locations of fulfillment centers. Businesses can choose the best cost-effective services and rates provided by shipping carriers.

  • Identifying shipping carriers with flat rates

Shippers can opt for shipping carriers that provide flat rates that remain consistent irrespective of the shipping zone. Shippers can save money and time with the shipping costs being predictable and reliable.

  • Using local shipping carriers

Businesses can use local shipping carriers for last-mile delivery of shipments. It lowers shipping costs and brings customer satisfaction.

  • Partnering with Third-Party Logistic Providers

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers are experts in shipping optimization. They have in-depth knowledge of shipping carriers’ tables, shipping zones, shipping regulations, etc.

Audintel’s SaaS solutions help Third Party Logistics (3PL) Providers automate order fulfillment processes. Our state-of-the-art analytical tools help shippers locate the nearest fulfillment center for quick delivery of packages. Audintel also offers shipping optimization strategies to our clients for cost-effective solutions.

To Wrap it up

It becomes confusing for businesses managing their order fulfillment to understand and calculate the U.S. Shipping Zones. Further, the shipping charges vary among different shipping carriers. Partnering with a 3PL help ease shippers’ hassles of figuring out the Zones Chart of shipping carriers and save money. Audintel provides automation tools that help 3PL in transport spend management. We help clients understand the complex shipping Zones of different shipping carriers.

Learn more about how Audintel can reduce shipping costs by contacting us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visiting our Audintel website.

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Insightful shipping reports

Reducing shipping costs with insightful shipping reports

Reducing shipping costs is essential for businesses. So, what are the factors affecting the rise in shipping expenditure? Shipping reports provide answers.

E-commerce businesses in 2022 are increasingly finding it difficult to lower their shipping costs. The reasons behind this are many. To begin with, the general rate increase announced by FedEx and UPS is more than last year. In addition, the economic situation has led to a fuel price hike. Further, additional surcharges are making matters worse. Thus it is essential to know the best way to reduce shipping costs. This article explores the factors influencing the rise in shipping costs. And how shipping reports are helping businesses reduce shipping costs.

Why is reducing shipping costs essential?

Shipping costs affect a business’ profitability. The growing demand for E-commerce goods has put pressure on parcel carriers to deliver goods faster. As a result, parcel carriers have increasingly adjusted their rates based on the shipping distance. Further, parcel carriers calculate the shipping expenses based on the availability of the warehouse area. Therefore, lowering shipping costs is essential for shippers to improve their margins.

Factors affecting shipping costs

Shipping costs are affected by many factors. We had earlier discussed ways to reduce shipping costs. But, the main factors that affect shipping costs include:

Fuel costs

The price of fuel surcharges has skyrocketed in the past year. The global supply chain disruption has caused an increase in fuel prices. Also, no additional crude oil supply is on the horizon for the US. Shipping parcels to far and remote destinations is costs more for shippers. Shipping to higher shipping zones for domestic shipments in the US is more expensive.

Package weight and dimensions

Shipping heavy packages lead to businesses paying more for shipments. Larger boxes mean an increase in the dimensional weight of packages. Shipping costs are rising due to the oversize dimensions and weight of parcels. Bulky, oversize packages cost more for shippers. In addition, FedEx and UPS charge a dimensional fee for customers using their company boxes.

Packaging

In addition to the weight and dimensions of packages, the packaging material is vital. Filling a parcel with padding material will increase the weight, thus increasing the shipping costs. The cardboard used for packaging increases the overall weight of packages. Further, multiple boxes are responsible for the rise in shipping expenses for businesses.

Delivery surcharges

Not only general rate increase, but delivery surcharges also contribute to rising shipping costs. Small and medium-sized businesses will be hit hard with the significant rise in delivery surcharges in 2022. Additional handling and oversize package surcharges are increasing for shipping zones across the US. Further, parcel delivery to residential areas will be costly with the rise in residential charges by UPS and FedEx.

Shipping speed

Any large or small business promises on-time, fast delivery of products. However, expedited shipping charges are eating into the expenses of shipping businesses. Express services offered by FedEx and UPS may save time for shippers. But, they increase the overall shipping costs.

Parcel carriers

Each parcel carrier offers a variety of services. Big parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx have a general rate increase annually. Shippers feel the effect of price rise in the services opted by them. Many businesses stick with a single shipping carrier for shipping parcels. Shipping businesses lose out on the discounts and deals offered by different parcel carriers for various services.

How do shipping reports help in reducing shipping costs?

Shippers need comprehensive solutions to mitigate the factors causing the rise in shipping expenses. It is where shipping reports are helpful for businesses. Searching, sorting, and viewing shipment information is possible with shipping reports. Shippers can plan their shipping strategies based on the data available in the shipping reports. The reference number of the shipment, type of service, pick-up, delivery dates, taxes, insurance, etc., are monitored by shipping reports. In addition, the past and present shipment details for a particular time frame are a part of the shipping reports.

Lower shipping costs with shipping reports of Audintel

Shipping businesses often wonder where their money is spent the most with each parcel delivery. With Audintel, shipping businesses have the advantage of getting customized shipping reports. Our intuitive software provides detailed information about each parcel shipment. We have experts who can track and monitor each aspect of parcel shipments. The actual weight and dimensions of packages are in shipping reports so that clients know where to save money. Audintel advises clients regarding the best, most affordable services of the parcel carriers. We help clients negotiate with shipping carriers on data points such as fuel costs, delivery surcharges, and more. Audintel prepares more than 85 shipping reports. In-depth shipping information is available for clients through shipping reports.

Final thoughts

A rise in fuel prices is having a cascading effect on shipping businesses. Shippers are looking for avenues to reduce their shipping costs and save money. And so, Audintel offers robust shipping reports that provide insights into each aspect of package shipment. Our shipping reports are comprehensive reports that help shippers lower their shipping costs. According to a client’s convenience, shipping reports allow a quick peek into each parcel shipment. To know about our shipping reports, you can call us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or contact us here. Please visit the Audintel website to learn more about us.

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Package late by a minute: request a UPS GSR, get a refund

The priority for a shipper is to ensure parcels reach customers on time. Moreover, customers also expect the same from their shippers. But, if the parcel delivery is late, there are chances that the customers may not do business with the shipper again.

As a result, shippers loose out on business and money. Further, not all shippers request a refund from parcel couriers in time. UPS and FedEx have Guaranteed Service Refunds (GSR) for service failures. This article explores UPS GSR for late package deliveries. In addition, we discuss the UPS services entitled for GSR.

UPS Guaranteed Service Refund for late package deliveries

As discussed in our earlier blogs, UPS guarantees on-time delivery of packages to 50 US states. In addition, UPS guarantees a refund for each shipment delayed. However, UPS does not give a refund due to certain conditions or restrictions mentioned on the UPS website. UPS Guaranteed Service Refund does not apply to packages with a Large Package Surcharge or Additional Handling charges. In addition, shipments made around the holidays are not eligible for a UPS refund.

What are the UPS services eligible for UPS Guaranteed Service Refund?

UPS Service Guarantee has updated rules for 2022. UPS had to suspend its money-back guarantee in 2020. But now, some services are reinstated. From April 5, 2021, UPS Service Guarantee is offered for the following services:

  • UPS Next Day Air® Early

This service guarantees early morning delivery for time-critical shipments. The delivery of packages is by 8 AM to major US cities.

It is for time-sensitive shipments with guaranteed overnight service. Further, there is an extension in the delivery time of parcels to residential locations from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

  • UPS Next Day Air Saver®

It is an overnight service that is less costly than UPS Next Day Air®. In addition, the delivery time is till 11:59 PM on the guaranteed day of delivery.

  • UPS Worldwide Express NA1®

This service provides guaranteed next-business-day delivery to businesses in the US. Also, it is a fast shipping service to Canada, Mexico, Central, and South America.

  • UPS Worldwide Express Plus®

An international service that sends parcels early in the business day.

  • UPS Worldwide Express®

It is an international service that guarantees deliveries to 140 countries.

  • UPS Worldwide Express Saver

It is an economical international service that ensures package delivery during the day.

  • UPS Worldwide Saver®

An international service that guarantees delivery of packages to 220 countries by the end of the business day.

  • UPS Worldwide Express Freight® Midday

It is an international freight service to 35 countries with guaranteed delivery by 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM.

  • UPS Worldwide Express Freight®

International, guaranteed service for urgent, high-value freight of more than 150 pounds.

The above UPS services are for time-sensitive shipments. So, if there is a delay even by a minute, shippers are entitled to a refund from UPS. Shipping businesses need to identify each delayed shipment. Further, shippers have to request a refund from UPS.

How is a UPS GSR request made?

The shipper can request a refund in 2 ways

  • Calling 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) and saying “Refund” or
  • Logging into the UPS Billing Center.

How to file a GSR in UPS website?

  • Step 1: Log in to UPS Billing center and navigate to “View & Pay Bill” page.
  • Step 2: UPS has two options to file for a GSR refund- “My Invoices” and “Dispute History & Refunds”.
  • Step 3: First option – Select “My Invoices” and select the invoice number and its tracking number for which the refund has to be claimed. Select Dispute option for the tracking number. Select the dispute reason and dispute level.

  • Another option is through “Dispute History & Refunds”. Select “Request Service Refund” in “Dispute History & Refunds” page. Select the Dispute ID and enter the tracking number.

The UPS Billing Center is accessible to shippers having an account with UPS. The request will be within fifteen days of the originally scheduled delivery date.

What happens after the submission of a UPS GSR request?

After approval of the refund request, UPS will credit or refund the transportation charges to the shipper. The credit is visible in a section in later UPS invoices. However, transportation charges will not include all other surcharges. UPS Service refunds information is on the UPS Tracking Details page.

Recovering UPS GSR made easy by Audintel

Imagine a business having more than twenty packages shipped per day. It would be difficult for companies to keep track of each late parcel delivery. Also, each delayed parcel will have a request for a refund from UPS. Businesses will need to hire resources to do this every day, thus increasing costs. Audintel has customized dashboards and auditing techniques that help businesses in recovering money. We seamlessly track each shipment and monitor it for late delivery. Audintel requests UPS refunds for late deliveries on the client’s behalf. Our team ensures that UPS Service Refunds are deposited directly in their client’s accounts.

Summary

Customer satisfaction is paramount for all businesses. So, late delivery of packages is harmful to further business growth. Moreover, shippers lose money if they do not request UPS refunds for late deliveries of parcels. Audintel audits shipments and retrieves money for its clients. Learn how to save money and track refunds by contacting us or you can call us at +1 (619) 354 8539. Visit the Audintel website to know more about us.

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Main takeaways from the UPS General Rate Increase of 2022

UPS General Rate Increase for 2022 will affect businesses. So, know the new surcharges announced by UPS.  Further, find out how to minimize shipping costs.

It’s that time of the year again! The time when different parcel carriers announce an increase in their shipping rates. Incidentally, UPS has announced its General Rate Increase (GRI) some time back. In addition, UPS has also made changes in surcharges and fees. This article will explore UPS GRI, new changes, and its impact on businesses. Also, we will discuss the ways to minimize the overall shipping costs due to UPS GRI.

What’s new in UPS GRI 2022?

Shipping carriers like UPS announce their annual General Rate Increase. According to the UPS notification, UPS GRI will be effective from December 26, 2021. There is an increase in shipping rates for UPS ground, air, and international services to around 5.9%. Parameters like the weight of the packages, zones, and zip codes are part of the rate increase. Some of the UPS services like:

  • UPS SurePost services
  • UPS 3 Day Select services
  • UPS Next Day Air Services

seems to show a marked increase in shipping rates.

In addition to the rate increase, there have been changes in surcharges too.

Changes in accessorial fees and surcharges

UPS GRI does not include the fees and surcharges which have seen an increase. The surcharges include:

  • Peak Surcharge

It is also known as a demand surcharge. When the demand for shipments is more at the peak time of the year, UPS charges more.  But, for 2022, a peak surcharge has been introduced for international packages shipped to and from the United States. The shipped packages will be charged based on the weight and at different service levels. In addition, this surcharge also applies to UPS domestic shipments such as  UPS® Air Residential, UPS® Ground Residential, and UPS SurePost® Packages.

  • Value-added Services and other charges

UPS has increased the charges for additional handling of packages based on weight and dimensions. In addition, large package surcharges are also rising in 2022. On the other hand, minimum charges for packages between 1 and 5 lbs are also set to rise. Further, shipments to remote areas will see an upward rise under US48 Remote Area Surcharge (RAS). UPS has added a delivery area surcharge due to the population rise in some zip codes. The RAS includes additional zip codes in the delivery area. For example, package delivery to Hawaii will cost $1.35 more in 2022.

  • Fuel surcharge

Like all other parcel carriers, UPS has altered the fuel surcharges. The U.S. Ground and Air Services will see the change due to fuel surcharges. Fuel surcharges change without initial notice to consumers. The fuel surcharges apply to transportation charges and other charges such as Delivery charges, pickup charges, Saturday delivery and pickup, and more. For further information on fuel rates, click here.

Impact of GRI on businesses

GRI is declared by parcel carriers annually. In addition, the surcharges also increase exponentially every year. In such circumstances, shippers need to either bear the expenses or pass on the extra costs to the customers. It leads to shopping cart abandonment by many customers. The impact of GRI on businesses like furniture, home goods, etc., is massive. The shippers need to find a way around it. Alternatively, shippers need to renegotiate the carrier agreements with the parcel carriers. Parcel audit companies like Audintel advise businesses about the impact of GRI and surcharges. We, at Audintel, read the fine print of the contracts so that shippers get a fair deal.

How does Audintel minimize the overall shipping costs due to GRI?

Each business has its shipping attributes and profiles. Audintel studies the different aspects of each business shipment and its shipping needs. We guide shippers in negotiating with shipping carriers regarding discounts and the impact of GRI. So, any change in GRI and surcharges reduce the effect on our customers. Our team of experts guides businesses in selecting alternative parcel carriers and service levels to minimize the GRI impact. For instance, if our customer finds UPS Select Services expensive, we recommend alternate cheaper services provided by competitive parcel carriers.

To Summarize

UPS GRI 2022 has brought many changes in the shipping rates and surcharges. These changes make a tremendous impact on the shipping costs of businesses. E-commerce retailers get alert about the general rate increase from the corresponding carriers. They can avoid the impact on their businesses by making quick decisions. Shippers partner with parcel audit companies like Audintel to balance their shipping costs. Our team negotiates on behalf of businesses to get favorable carrier agreements. Shippers save money and time with the advice given by the experts of Audintel. For further information about GRI and other issues, contact us at [email protected]. You can also visit our Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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How to track shipping expenditure with shipping reports?

Are surcharges hurting your bottom line? Do you wonder which areas of your shipment cost more? Shipping reports give greater visibility to your shipping data.

You can get an idea about your total spending with the help of shipping reports. It will help you get a grip on any wayward shipping expenses. Here, we will focus on essential reports that track shipping expenditure.

Importance of Shipping reports

Shipping dashboards give a glimpse into the shipping profile of shippers. Similarly, shipping reports track the shipping expenses of companies. Businesses have a real-time overview of packages and charges from these reports. In addition, shippers monitor parcel deliveries made by multiple carriers and the charges incurred during the shipment. Thus, companies effectively manage freight and parcel costs with these reports.

Four essential shipping reports

Parcel carriers and audit companies offer different kinds of reports. These reports consist of complex information that is not easy to understand for companies. Shippers need easy-to-use information that points to the areas that are increasing shipping costs. We, at Audintel, believe four essential shipping reports track the shipping expenses of companies. These four key reports comprise:

Analysis details report

This report analyzes the details of each parcel. A shipped package is assigned a unique tracking number. With the help of this tracking number, our customers can see all the charges associated with their packages. These charges include fuel surcharges, freight charges, accessorial charges, and more. Further, it gives the discounts applied on the parcels. In addition, the report provides details of the scheduled date of delivery, actual delivery date, zone, and dimensions of the package.

Charge Summary by Service report

This report gives an account of the charges associated with the carrier services. It provides an overview of the number of packages shipped and invoice amount by a particular service. Further, it gives all the accessorial charges in third-party shipments. For instance, for a 2nd Day Air A.M. Commercial service shipment, charges in a week can be fuel surcharge, freight charges, additional handling charges, etc. This report gives a breakup of the charges by services.

Invoice Summary by Account Numbers Report

This report explores the total spend for each account number.  It provides all the charges for each account number. The net amount, total discount, and the number of packages for each service and account number are a part of the report.  It summarizes the breakdown of charges by account number. Shippers can see all the expenses according to the account number in this report.

Weight distribution by Service and Zone Report

This report details the weight of packages by zone and service. It evaluates the net amount of each parcel by weight and zones. For example, if shipping a package through UPS standard service, the weight is between 50 and 150 lbs in zone 2, the total spend is 21 USD. The report shows the data and status of shipments to our clients.

In this way, we track shipping expenditure with these shipping reports.

Additional Shipping reports that lower shipping costs

Other than these essential reports, Audintel has other shipping reports that track shipping costs. Our earlier blog mentioned some of these reports. The reports were Annual Summary Report(summary of all the charges per package for each service annually); Net Spend Summary Report(highlights a business’ total spends and refund for each service “at a glance”  every week); Service Level Summary Report(provides all the shipping charges by service level); and service Summary Report(gives an overview of all the services the client uses per zone).

In sum, shipping reports give shippers an account of the expenses made during shipment. As well as the amount the carrier charges shippers for each shipment.

Save money by using Audintel’s shipping reports

The next-generation analytics and automation platform of Audintel provides cost-saving solutions to our customers. We help our clients receive refunds if carriers charge them inappropriately. Audintel has the most comprehensive Billing Error Identification Platform in the industry. These reports as discussed above help our clients. Clients have greater visibility of their data and benefit immensely from the various shipping reports provided by us. Audintel offers unique solutions to our clients regarding shipping parcels.

Conclusion

Businesses need real-time information to manage their expenses. Partnering with parcel audit teams helps shippers curb their shipping costs. Shipping reports are the right tools for shippers to monitor their shipments. With the help of these reports, it is easy to identify invalid charges. To learn more about the various shipping reports that cater to your needs, contact us at info@audintel.com.To know more about us and our services, visit the Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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Under what conditions can companies receive a UPS refund?

Did you know UPS awards refunds for 50+ service failures? So, the next time UPS loses a parcel or delivers it late-companies can request a refund. UPS promises a refund for service failure. But, the refund is not for all services and destinations.

Shippers have to be aware of the terms and conditions of the UPS refund policy. This article explores the conditions in which companies can receive UPS refunds.

Service failures and errors for which UPS offers refunds

UPS faces many service failures and billing errors. UPS’ service failures are lost packages, invalid service exceptions, late parcels, damaged packages, etc. Shipping carriers make several billing errors. Some of the billing errors include inaccurate discounts, void shipments, incorrect weights, etc. In addition, there are surcharges such as invalid residential surcharges, charges for re-delivery, duplicate charges, etc. UPS offers Guaranteed Service Refunds for these mistakes.

Conditions under which UPS refunds are offered

Ideally, shippers expect refunds from shipping carriers for shipping mistakes. Only after fulfilling its terms and conditions, UPS gives Guaranteed Service Refund (GSR) to shippers. UPS considers a request for a refund from the shippers subject to these conditions. Some of these conditions include:

Appropriate packing and labeling of shipments

UPS does not give refunds for incorrectly labeled packages. Shipments should be labeled appropriately for on-time delivery. Packing has to conform to UPS Automated Shipping System, showing the Consignee’s correct name, delivery address, and ZIP Code.

Shipment recorded in UPS Shipping System

The UPS Shipping System records every shipment and package. UPS guarantees “on-time” delivery of shipments. The delivery schedule is on UPS’ website. The parcel delivery has to be on schedule, or the shippers are eligible for a UPS refund.

Accurate documentation accompanying the shipment

When shipping internationally, shippers need to include documents with the packages. The relevant documents are for customs clearance at the country of origin or in transit. The absence of accurate documentation will lead to delay in shipments.

Saturday delivery routing label to be included on packages, wherever applicable

Shippers have to use the Saturday Delivery label on the package when shipping on a Friday. It is applicable for Next Day Air service by UPS. Else, the package delivery occurs on the next business day, Monday. UPS is not liable for late delivery in such a case. And so, shippers will not get a refund for the same.

Time limit to request for UPS refund

The time limit for claiming a UPS refund is within fifteen days from the date of scheduled delivery. Shippers can claim refunds through UPS’s Interactive Voice Response system or UPS’s online Billing Center. Details like the recipient’s name, address, package weight, tracking number, and shipment date are a part of the request.

No Additional Handling Charges for shipments

Additional Handling charges are for packages that require special handling. Also, additional charges are for parcels that exceed the weight or size limit. Such shipments will not receive a guaranteed service refund from UPS.

In addition, UPS does not offer refunds for events beyond their control (force majeure) or suspension of services.

Audintel -Shipper’s guide in receiving UPS refunds

Understanding the terms and conditions of UPS’ Service Guarantee is tedious. Further, figuring out whether shippers can request a refund is tiresome. As a result, many companies lose money when they face such hassles. In such a situation, parcel audit services such as Audintel guide shipping businesses. The automated audit services of Audintel ensure that shippers receive UPS refunds on time and in their accounts. We audit shippers’ shipping invoices and claim refunds for shippers. Our team works effortlessly in the background and saves money for businesses.

Conclusion

Tracking shipping invoices is vital for shippers. Billing errors will cost shippers dearly in the long run. Companies can save money by claiming UPS refunds for service failures. An automated audit service provides much-needed help to shippers. Audintel is helping many businesses save money. For any service failure by UPS, we help our clients receive refunds.

Do you want more information on UPS refunds?

Reach us at [email protected]. To know more about us and our services, visit the Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

Get refunds with UPS Guaranteed Service Refund

Get refunds for late deliveries with UPS Guaranteed Service Refund

Shipping couriers promise on-time parcel delivery. But, did you know that if a UPS package delivery is late, you can ask for a refund? Many business owners don’t realize this because UPS does not advertise this fact due to obvious reasons. This blog will cover the different aspects of UPS refunds and claims. It will also cover the importance of audit companies like Audintel that simplify the refund process.

UPS’ Refund Policy for late deliveries

Shipping carrier UPS promises a refund policy, Guaranteed Service Refund (GSR), for on-time delivery of packages. Their policy guarantees that packages will arrive by a specific date and time. Shippers qualify for a service refund if a parcel does not. For instance, a UPS Next Day Air package delayed by 60 seconds is eligible for a refund by UPS to the shipper. UPS will refund all the shipping charges to the shipper on request. However, there are certain limitations to UPS’ GSR policy.

What are the limitations to UPS’ refund policy?

UPS offers a free money-back guarantee only for certain services. UPS GSR is available for services like UPS Next Day Air® Early, UPS Next Day Air®, UPS Worldwide Saver, and more. Some of the limitations to UPS’ Guaranteed Service Refund (GSR) include:

  • Additional handling fees
  • Fuel surcharges
  • Natural disasters, war risks, acts of God, etc.
  • Adverse weather conditions
  • Insufficient information provided by shippers
  • Hazardous Materials Packages improper for transport
  • Unavailability or refusal of a person to accept the shipment delivery
  • Packages that are exceeding maximum weight or size limits
  • Disruption in communication systems

UPS has listed further limitations under its Terms of Service that you can check on its UPS website.

What is the process to receive UPS Guaranteed Service Refund?

The process to receive UPS GSR is complex. The process involves tracking each shipment with its tracking numbers. Also, there is identification and separation of shipments based on their time of delivery.  Further, there has to be segregation based on the limitations imposed by UPS. Finally, shippers have to request a refund for a package that was delivered late. The completion of the entire process has to be within 15 days from the scheduled delivery date of the shipment. Shippers have to involve additional resources so that shippers get refunds. Audintel helps its customers in receiving refunds from UPS within the stipulated time.

Requirements for receiving UPS Refund

Shippers have to fulfill the following conditions to receive UPS Guaranteed Service Refund. These conditions include:

  1. Shipping documents with the correct shipping labels under UPS guidelines on labeling
  2. Proper documentation accompanying the package from the country of origin or destination
  3. Shipment should not have additional handling requirements
  4. Notification for a request for refund
  5. The parcel has to be tendered to UPS on or before the collection time as specified by UPS
  6. Shippers have to provide Timely Upload information (complete shipment details) to UPS fifteen minutes before the collection time

What are the steps to request a UPS refund?

Shippers can submit a request for a refund for the late delivery of a package. The request/claim to UPS can be in two ways.

  • By Calling 1-800-PICK-UPS ® (1-800-742-5877) and saying the word, refund.

OR

  • Logging on to the UPS Billing Centre and selecting -Request a Refund.

The latter option is for customers with payment accounts. The request/claim should be within 15 days from the scheduled delivery date. Shippers provide the customer’s name and address, date of shipment, parcel weight, and UPS tracking number to receive a refund from UPS. The refunds are usually credited into shippers’ accounts within 7-10 business days after dispute settlement.

UPS refunds and claims made easy by Audintel

There is a need to audit each shipment to manage UPS refunds. Each stage of small parcel shipment is vital for businesses. Audintel provides parcel audits and other essential services to shippers. Automated systems used by Audintel make the refund process simpler. The systems monitor and track each package carefully so that shippers can ask for refunds from UPS. Any invoicing errors, any extra surcharges are part of the claims made to UPS. Audintel helps shippers recover unclaimed refund amounts with ease. Audintel has found that shippers can save as much as 5% of their total spend from UPS’ GSR policy.

To summarize

Who wouldn’t want a refund for unfulfilled services? UPS guarantees a refund for its service failures and shippers are entitled to claim and receive a refund for any lapses. While requesting a refund is a complex process, with Audintel as a partner, claiming refunds for unsatisfactory service from shipping carriers, such as UPS is easy. Audintel ensures that refunds are credited directly into shippers’ accounts. Audintel works tirelessly towards customer satisfaction. Our team of experts is regularly enhancing our customers’ parcel shipping experience. For further details, write to us at [email protected] or please visit our Audintel website, or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

refund

Received a package late? Request for a refund for late deliveries

In the U.S., Parcel deliveries get delayed by about 3-5% on average. Not to mention, 51% of the customers want a refund if a package arrives late. As a result, shippers face customer complaints that can affect their business in the long run.

Shipping carriers do not make it easy for shipping companies to receive refunds with complex request procedures. To make the refund process more efficient and convenient for customers, shippers need an easy way to get refunds. In this blog, we will explore the process for receiving refunds from shipping carriers and why partnering with Audintel is an advantage for shippers.

The Refund policy of shipping carriers

Different shipping carriers have different refund policies for late parcel deliveries. Shipping carriers promise to deliver packages on time with a refund policy in place for delayed shipments. The refund policy is also known as a money-back guarantee. The policy states that if there is a delay in parcel delivery by a minute or more, the shippers can get a refund on request.

How to receive a refund for late deliveries

To begin with, shippers must identify the delay in parcel delivery. This is an intensive process where the company needs to track each parcel delivery for any delays. Further, refund requests need to be submitted individually for each delayed delivery. Usually, there are two ways of submitting a refund request.

  • Contacting the shipping carrier’s customer service hotline

OR

  • Logging on to the carrier’s online Billing Centre for customers with payment accounts

For different services, shippers have to contact separate customer care numbers.

The time frame for filing a request to a refund for late deliveries

A request for a refund should be within 15 calendar days from the invoice date or from the scheduled delivery date.  A refund request for USPS’ Priority Express Mail has to be within 30 days from the mailing date. Further, a form needs to be filled manually along with document submission.

Documentation to request for a refund for late deliveries

The documents required to request a refund are:

  • Tracking number
  • Scheduled delivery date and time
  • Origin and destination ZIP codes

The refund does not include taxes and fuel surcharges. Shippers have to pursue the matter with the concerned shipping carrier to make sure the refund deposit is in the correct account. The approval of a refund is subject to exceptions made by shipping carriers.

Delivery exceptions posed by shipping carriers

Some of the delivery exceptions are:

  • Shipping carriers providing evidence of timely delivery
  • Weather delays and natural disasters
  • A wrong or damaged shipping label on packages
  • Incomplete addresses
  • Recipient not available at the address
  • Custom delays due to improper documentation

These exceptions may be issued when there is a delay in a package. Shippers have to take responsibility when these exceptions occur to preserve customer relationships. So, the entire process for a refund is tedious for a shipping company. More so, if the shipper has thousands of packages shipped daily. To manage this mammoth task, shippers need experts to help them in the refund process. An audit company like Audintel will help shippers in the refund process.

Advantage of partnering with Audintel

Audintel saves close to 2-5% of a client’s shipping spend by making the entire refund process transparent and efficient. Shippers are in complete control of their profiles while Audintel’s software automatically monitors the shipments. On top of it, Audintel has a call center where they call on the packages which are denied in the automatic refund process. Audintel’s dashboard is intuitive and tracks all shipments in real-time as Audintel’s team reviews the invoices for each shipping carrier. We submit refund requests on a client’s behalf. The client receives the refund amount in their account. Partnering with Audintel is vital for efficient shipping operations.

Conclusion

Parcel delivery refunds are a time-consuming process for shippers. Claiming refunds for late parcel deliveries from multiple carriers is tedious. Experts like Audintel help shippers in saving time and money. Audintel provides excellent support to a client’s supply chain capabilities. We help in reducing shipping costs by requesting refunds whenever there is a delay. For overall efficiency, contact Audintel to audit shipments for you. For further details, write to us at [email protected] or please visit our Audintel website or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

optimixze

How do analytics & BI tools help optimize shipping costs?

Optimization of parcel shipping costs is the goal of shippers. Data Analytics is helping shippers achieve this goal. Shipping contract negotiations help in getting the best rates from carriers. Similarly, new shipping software solutions give shippers insights to reduce parcel costs. In this blog, we will discuss the steps required to optimize shipping costs using data analytics.

Importance of analytics in the supply chain industry

There is an increasing demand from customers to deliver their orders on time. In addition, they expect free benefits from shippers. Shippers have to meet these demands and contain expenses. Data analytics is helping shipping companies meet the demand of customers. They can control the information overload by using Analytics. Further, Business Intelligence (BI) tools analyze shipping trends of companies. These tools are helping to improve shipping efficiency and reduce parcel costs.

Five steps to optimize shipping parcel costs

The steps that shippers take to improve shipping costs for parcels are:

1. Monitor performance of shipping carriers and their services

Real-time shipping data helps shippers to understand the performance of shipping carriers. For instance, with the data, they can identify if the parcel’s delivery is on time. Similarly, shipping carriers provide services like Ground, Express, Priority Overnight, and more. With data analytics, shippers can choose the service that will meet their delivery requirements. Audintel suggests alternate low-cost services for small parcel shipping.

2. Understand distribution zone usage

Today, customers are concerned with fast shipping time. So, shippers need to understand the different distribution zones for shipment. They have to consider the distance between the shippers’ location and the customer’s location. Further the packages are shipped, the more it will cost the shippers. Data that understands distribution zone usage is essential. It will determine if the shippers need to outsource the parcel to a central fulfillment center. By making small changes in the carriers operating in distribution zones, shippers can save additional costs. Audintel offers unique software solutions to shippers with discounts depending on zones.

3. Weight of packages

Data analytics gives insights on the way to handle shipments. They help in addressing issues related to parcel weights. Shipping carriers charge for bulk shipments. Combining multiple parcels and of differing weights together in a single package is a cost-effective strategy. DIM divisor influences the pricing of parcel weights. Alternatively, the dimensions of the parcel are more. Then shippers end up paying more for freight shipping. Shippers can reduce dimensional weight by making smaller packages. The dimensional weight analytics provided by Audintel aids clients in saving parcel costs.

4. Monitor special handling and associated fees

Analysis of weekly parcel data gives insights into the additional charges affecting shippers. Evaluation of accessorial fees is necessary to know the charges levied by carriers. In addition, it is vital to monitor the special handling fees. To avoid Residential delivery fees, shippers can use U.S. Postal Services (USPS) as last-mile delivery, thus saving money. Furthermore, Analytics gives shippers the freedom to ask for discounts from carriers. Audintel provides software solutions to help in mitigating the pain points of parcel shipping.

5. Outsource to a third party for contract negotiations

By aligning with a third party, shippers can reduce parcel freight rates substantially. Incidentally, it amounts to up to 40% savings for shippers. Third-party experts can negotiate with carriers like UPS and FedEx for discounts. They have helped in reducing surcharges. In addition, the negotiations done by outsourced experts give a competitive edge to shippers.

Audintel’s role in optimizing shipping costs

Audintel has an evidence-based learning software system. It is a one-of-a-kind software system that evaluates a client’s shipping profile. The experts at Audintel support clients with contract proposals and negotiations. Based on the historical shipment data, Audintel gives suggestions to clients for reducing parcel costs. Audintel helps its client realize its goal of cost-effective negotiations. Shipping data analytics helps its clients adopt long-term and cost-saving services.

Concluding remarks

Big data analytics is changing the supply chain industry. BI tools help in gathering relevant shipment information, useful for shippers. Analysis of shipping data helps shippers strategize ways to reduce shipping costs.

Audintel uses analytics to cater to your shipping needs. For further details, write to us at [email protected] or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539. Please visit our Audintel website.