Raman Jillellamudi, Author at Audintel

Shipping analytics provide valuable insights into your business

Seamless, contactless, anytime-anywhere commerce is on the rise. Businesses want to compete with the best in this post-pandemic era. Consumers are loyal to brands with frictionless checkouts. So, shippers need to have faster delivery systems, thus giving excellent customer satisfaction.

With this in mind, analysis of shipping data is necessary for businesses. The assessment of shipping costs with shipping reports was a part of our earlier blogs. However, this blog will cover the importance of shipping analytics and reporting.

Shipping analytics and reporting-why is it essential?

Shipping data is analysed based on the demand for shipping products, shipping costs, unshipped orders, and on-time performance by carriers, fulfillment centres, etc. Hence, understanding a company’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is critical in controlling costs. Shipping analysis of information increases savings with intelligent reporting across all regions. It helps in improving shipping performance and service.

Shipping analysis augmented by shipping reports

Analysis of shipping data gives companies a 360- degree view of their shipping profiles. Shippers stay updated on any shipping errors that occur during shipments. They get instant information about the on-time delivery of goods and any last-mile shipping costs. Shipping analysis involves a review of past shipping history data and its evaluation. Further, shippers can look for financial opportunities with the shipping analysis. So, companies receive all the above information through shipping reports.

What is a shipping report?

A shipping report gives an overview of a business’ shipping profile. It includes parameters such as the order number, order date, customer name and address, shipping items, quantity, etc. Shippers get regular updates about service changes made by shipping carriers like changes in tariff rates, discounts, and levy of surcharges. Analysts prepare various shipping reports that are simple to understand for businesses.

Kinds of shipping reports

There are various types of shipping reports that improve customer satisfaction. These reports are customized to make it easy for shippers to understand their shipping expenditures. Some of these shipping reports are

Shipping services report

This report provides shipping details about the shipping carriers and their services. Shipping services such as 1-day, 2-day, and overnight delivery by different carriers are evaluated and shared with the customer.

Shipping information report

Shipping information of parcel and freight shipping of each company is analysed based on the recent shipping activity. This report consists of the order number, order date, customer’s name and address, quantity shipped, weight description, delivery date, etc.

Freight shipment report

This report monitors and tracks freight shipment globally in real-time. It allows experts to analyse the shipping routes, locations, volumes, network of freight carriers, and more. In addition, shippers can make data-based, vital decisions on their freight shipments.

Logistics and supply chain reporting

Shipping analysis also includes logistics and supply chain reporting. The report monitors and optimizes KPIs and supply chain metrics. Further, supply chain metrics define and quantify supply chain performance. Examples of supply chain metrics include:

Freight invoice accuracy

Freight invoices issued by the shipping carriers contain a description of the freight, port origin, shipper’s name, shipment weight, etc. However, most freight invoices do not match the final, original quotation. It leads to duplicate payments, errors in discounts, incorrect delivery addresses, and overpayments. Thus, checking the accuracy of freight invoices is vital for businesses to save money.

Delivery time

Mentioning the precise delivery time improves the supply chain performance of goods. In addition, companies offer special delivery services to decrease delivery time. It improves customer satisfaction and attracts more orders from such companies.

Pick and Pack Cycle time

The time to pick an item from the shelf and pack it helps in learning the efficiency of the supply chain. Hence, tracking any delays and rectifying them will help bring down any inefficiencies in the system.

Container shipping analysis

According to some reports, the global shipping container market will grow by 12% from 2020 to 2028. Hence, analysis of shipping containers on intuitive shipping software platforms benefits companies. The analysis reports provide a comprehensive overview of revenue forecast, company ranking, volumes shipped, growth opportunities, and more. In addition, the analysis offers companies competitive strategies to stay ahead. Further, it provides the means to sustain in fast-evolving markets.

Advantages of using shipping analytics and reporting

Audintel is your audit partner in the shipping industry. We analyse shipping billing errors and instantly notify our clients. It allows our clients to take the appropriate action where possible. We assess the delivery performance of the various shipping carriers daily. Audintel has customised many shipping reports that provide our clients with information at their fingertips. Our intuitive dashboards help our clients have visibility to their shipments. In addition, we customise our shipping reports according to our client’s preferences.

Final thoughts

Shippers require transparency about their shipping profile to save money and reduce costs. For this reason, shipping analysis is essential for uncovering shipping errors. Further, the analysed data is represented in shipping reports so shippers can make informed decisions. Audintel is the best auditing partner for your shipping needs. Our intuitive dashboards and easy-to-use shipping reports help shippers make profits in their businesses. We are there for you. Contact us for further information on +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

UPS, FedEx shipping zones: an easy guide on shipping zones

Saving on shipping expenses is essential for e-commerce businesses. But, it gets confusing figuring out the shipping rates of different parcel carriers? UPS and FedEx have different shipping rates based on various factors, including shipping zones. Hence, knowing about zones is equally vital for businesses. In this blog, we will discuss the shipping zones of UPS and FedEx and their significance.

So, what are shipping zones?

Shipping zones are the geographical areas for the delivery of packages. The zones consist of a set of zip codes. Shipping zones give the distance a parcel takes from its origin to its destination. The zones are not universal or fixed. The zones vary according to the type of service and the weight of packages. In addition, each parcel carrier has different shipping zones. There are eight domestic shipping zones for the 48 US mainland states. A ninth shipping zone is for the US territories beyond the mainland.

Significance of zones

Free and fast shipping are essential for today’s customers. For this reason, keeping a tab on shipping rates is necessary. Shipping zones help in determining the shipping rates of parcels. In addition to the weight of packages, the dimensions also affect the shipping rates. Further, the cost and time of delivery of packages are vital factors in calculating shipping prices. For example, a parcel to be delivered in the same Zone (Zone 2) will take less time, less fuel, and will cost less when compared to a higher zone (Zone 8). Higher shipping zones cost more for size-able packages.

FedEx shipping Zones

Every year FedEx publishes its service guide with updated shipping rates by zone and weight. Shippers need to enter the package’s destination zip code to calculate the shipping rate. The standard FedEx zones start from zone 1: 0-50 miles till zone 8: More than 1801 miles. FedEx zones are available for both domestic and international shipments. Also, FedEx Express services deliver parcels fast, which is beneficial for businesses promising quick delivery. Further, FedEx offers negotiated rates for shippers with high-volume packages.

UPS shipping Zones

Shippers can understand the UPS shipping zone by entering the destination zip code on the UPS website. In addition, shippers can download the zone chart table. It gives information about shipments starting with the first three digits of the recipient’s zip code. For instance, the destination zip code which starts from 004 is Zone 2 for UPS ground services, and Zone 302 for UPS 3 Day Select service. Further, shippers can calculate the shipping rates by learning about UPS shipping zones.

Advantages of understanding Shipping Zones

Shippers benefit by learning about zones. As a consequence, they can strategize by:

Lowering Shipping costs

Shippers can reduce the transit time of products by partnering with third-party logistics companies. When shippers’ products are spread over many fulfillment centers closer to customers, it will keep shippers from paying high prices. Alternatively, shippers can reduce shipping costs with a single fulfillment center in a location where there are many customers.

Offering free shipping services

Shipping businesses offer customers free shipping if the parcel delivery is in the same zone or the next one. If the parcel is of a specific weight, shippers can give free shipping to customers.

Zone Skipping strategy

Additionally, shippers use zone skipping strategy to move the parcels near customers or the destination. Businesses can store their products in selective warehouses in some zones. Then, they can deliver the shipments to customers as and when required. For instance, FedEx Ground Economy uses the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the final-mile delivery of parcels. It helps in reducing the shipping costs.

Ability to choose the best parcel carrier

Shippers can choose a reliable parcel carrier to deliver their parcels by understanding the different zones. UPS and FedEx have different shipping rates for different shipping zones. Based on the services adopted by customers, shipping businesses can choose which parcel carrier delivers the parcels quickly and efficiently.

Audintel advises its clients regarding UPS and FedEx shipping rates. We understand the complexities of UPS and FedEx shipping zones. When shipping packages, our experts help clients choose the type of service and provide tools like rate calculator to compare between carriers. Audintel helps clients in negotiating agreements with parcel carriers.

The bottom line

UPS and FedEx shipping zones vary from each other in terms of service, weight, dimensions of packages, etc. But, this knowledge is necessary for shippers when negotiating with parcel carriers. Shippers can negotiate for discounts and other incentives by understanding the intricacies of zones. And so, if you are a shipper looking to deliver goods at fast speed and low costs, read on about UPS and FedEx shipping zones. For further clarification, you can call us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or contact us by clicking here. In addition, you can visit the Audintel website.

Ten ways to reduce shipping costs and meet customer expectations

Whether your business is big or small, you need to find ways to cut down shipping costs. Or they will eat into the profits of your business. In addition, meeting customer expectations is vital for business.

For this reason, shippers need to find strategies to reduce shipping costs. Here are 10 easy steps to reduce shipping costs and keep customers satisfied.

Ten steps to reduce shipping costs

1. Better contract negotiations with carriers

Shipping companies need to negotiate better when signing a contract with parcel carriers. Based on high shipping volumes, shipping carriers lower the shipping rate. In addition, small businesses benefit by shipping a large number of packages with shipping carriers. They can persuade carriers to offer lower rates by bargaining with them. Shippers have the option to choose hybrid services of carriers that reduce their shipping costs. Audintel helps its clients in contract negotiations with multiple parcel carriers, thus, lowering shipping costs.

2. Utilize zone skipping technique

Several packages destined for a single location are on hold in one place. It is the zone skipping technique. Shipping carriers hold individual parcels, and then all the packages are sent together to the same destination. It saves costs per package shipping. For instance, clients want to send 100 packages from Zone 2 to Zone 8 at once rather than 50 packages at a time. In addition, shippers can avoid delays at transits and hubs. Audintel provides details of zone skipping to its clients and saves money.

3. Cut down the package weight

Heavyweight packages cost more to ship. And so it helps to trim down the weight of the packages. For instance, cardboard boxes add to a package’s weight. However, the use of small, lightweight containers helps in reducing the overall weight. In addition, it helps to save money on DIM weight pricing. Audintel helps its clients in the weight analysis of its packages and saves money.

4. Reduce package size

It is necessary for the shipping companies to know the size of the packages before it is shipped. The packages that are the right size do not attract additional expenses. Alternatively, businesses pay additional fees if a parcel size exceeds the size regulations set by the parcel carrier. Shippers have to pay a Large Package surcharge if the dimensions of the package are wrong. Audintel gives information to its clients about shipping oversized items.

5. Negotiate for discounts with vendors

Negotiations with vendors that deal with raw materials are essential. Shippers get good discounts from these vendors. Further, purchasing packaging materials in bulk quantities from suppliers results in cost savings for businesses. Affordable, reusable shipping labels and packaging materials also help to save shipping costs. Audintel assists in the negotiations of discounts with the client’s vendors.

6. Minimize packaging

Efficient use of packing materials helps in reducing shipping costs. The use of poly mailers, bubble wrap, polybags as packaging materials reduces the weight of packages. Optimizing the packaging for each product minimizes the shipping costs. Alternatively, shippers can use the packaging provided by shipping carriers to save money. Audintel has a team that can help clients in shipping products with less shipping costs.

7. Use shipping insurance

Shippers incur costs when dealing with lost or damaged packages. Thus, long-distance shipments need insurance. In addition, it is best to use insurance for high-value shipments. Businesses can explore cost-saving insurance options offered by third-party insurance providers. Audintel offers to advise its clients regarding shipping insurance for products.

8. Optimal location of fulfillment center

Shipping packages close to where customers reside saves shipping costs for businesses. Additionally, it reduces delivery time, thus keeping the customers satisfied. Shippers need to understand their shipping destinations to lower the transit times. Hence, the optimal location of a fulfillment center is necessary to reduce outbound and inbound shipping costs. Audintel advises clients of the use of fulfillment centers depending on their shipping needs.

9. Choose Prepaid shipping

Shippers who consistently ship packages of the same weight and size can choose prepaid shipping. Businesses get better discounts from parcel carriers with prepaid shipping. It allows shippers to buy shipping labels upfront for their packages and use them when they ship out. Audintel advises shippers about prepaid shipping as per their needs.

10. Consider all the shipping fees

Parcel carriers have more than 75 special charges. Shippers need to be careful about the surcharges added to their billing accounts. Surcharges like Saturday delivery charges, special handling fees, etc., that do not apply to shippers should not be a part of the billing account. Audintel helps clients keep track of all the shipping fees charged by parcel carriers, thus saving money.

The bottom line

Careful monitoring of shipping costs can determine the success of businesses. Companies can save escalating shipping costs by using Audintel’s unique software solutions. The shipping needs of shippers are carefully taken into consideration by our managerial services. We offer to help negotiate carrier rates to reduce shipping costs. Discover further about reducing shipping costs by contacting us at [email protected]. To know more about our services, visit the Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.