Freight Audit Archives

Freight audit process: Six common challenges shippers face

January 15, 2023

by Blog Freight Audit

Freight billing errors, duplicate freight bill payments, complex tax rules of different countries; All this data requires efficient auditing by companies for better freight management. The freight audit process appears complex and difficult to comprehend for many businesses. But, an expert can pool-up all the relevant data and audit the freight bills. In this article, we will discuss the challenges faced by shippers during the freight audit process.

Why is the freight audit process complex?

Freight tariffs are complex, which are negotiated at the time of agreement between the shipper and carrier. It requires SME’s to understand the Freight tariffs, invoices and ensure proper billing by the carrier.

Freight rates proposed by shipping carriers change frequently; it could be due to fuel prices, tariffs, etc. That’s why freight auditing is vital for shipping companies. But, the freight audit process appears complex as it requires detailed invoice checking, diligent staff, and scheduling carrier payment in time.

The process becomes complicated when shippers have in-house manual audits that are not error-free. Also, the traditional way of freight auditing is time-consuming and stretches resources. Shippers face many challenges during the freight audit process.

The six common challenges faced by shippers during the freight audit process

The traditional way of auditing freight invoices does not solve the root cause of freight billing errors. Further, auditing involves disputing billing errors with the carrier, keeping track of freight disputes and requesting corrected invoices from shipping carriers. So, here are six challenges shippers face and the solutions to overcome these challenges.

Duplicate invoicing

Shipping carriers invariably issue duplicate freight invoices, companies dealing with huge shipping volumes receive thousands of freight invoices every year. Without proper auditing, businesses pay multiple times for a single invoice; thus causing huge loss of revenue.

Discrepancies in freight rates

Freight rates change constantly, but some companies use old freight rates during price calculations. It leads to confusion and disputes between the companies and the shipping carriers. Discrepancies in freight rates lead to inconsistencies in invoices and quotes.

Incorrect freight classification

Freight classification (NFMC) for shipments is essential for calculating shipping charges. This classification has 18 freight subclasses with different specifications for density, size, stowage, and liability of the goods shipped. Error in identifying the correct NFMC code for calculating freight charges will prove costly for shippers.

Shipping discounts

Shipping carriers offer discounts to their regular clients. Shippers can negotiate with shipping carriers for the best shipping discounts for freight shipping. However, if contract negotiations with shipping carriers are not updated regularly, shippers can lose out on the shipping discounts.

Tax and Tariffs

Applying tax rates for state, federal, and global shipping is vital for calculating freight charges. Wrong taxes or incorrect custom duties will affect the entire shipment. In addition, if taxes are not a part of the invoices, it will cause a delay in shipments, wasting valuable time and money.

Accessorial fees

Surcharges or accessorial fees influence freight shipping costs. It is essential to have an accurate accounting of Fuel surcharges, terminal handling surcharges, emergency bunker surcharges, peak season surcharges, etc. The wrong application of surcharges will lead to incorrect invoices and needs to be disputed with carrier..

These are some of the challenges faced by freight shippers that need quick resolution. The manual freight audit process involves teams that manage payment exceptions and vouchers. Further, the overworked staff of the audit teams is prone to cause human errors. So, it is essential to have digital solutions for optimizing shipping processes.

What are the solutions to overcome the challenges?

Technological innovation strategies and their implementation assist in the management of freight auditing. Automation of freight documents like freight billing will eliminate duplicate payments. Each invoice is validated to prevent overpayments with the help of effective auditing systems. In addition, shippers get greater visibility of the freight rate system with automated reports and innovative dashboards. With state-of-the-art freight post-billing solutions, shipping companies can understand freight classifications. Freight auditing software streamlines audits of freight invoices. Its real-time data helps in better negotiations with carriers for shipping discounts. In addition, it can schedule disputing errors with carriers in optimal time and receive corrected invoices without any hassles. Data accuracy ensures accurate tracking and monitoring of freight surcharges to shipments. Hence, state-of-the-art technologies and strategies help in effective freight management.

Benefits of partnering with Audintel

A freight audit provider, Audintel, provides quick audit solutions for freight billing inaccuracies. Shipping companies can improve their business processes with an efficient freight audit process which consists of 25 audit points. At Audintel, we do three-way match file audits that compare and validate the invoices of the shipping carriers and the shipment files. In addition, we carry out audits on freight rates, duplicate invoices, accessorial charges, and fuel surcharges. Our freight audit tools help in requesting corrected invoices from shipping carriers. We track and monitor accessorial fees so that our clients do not overspend. Our negotiating team experts conduct carrier contract negotiations for our clients and save money.

Final thoughts

Freight auditing may appear complex with complicated terms mentioned by shipping carriers. A trained eye can detect freight billing errors and claim corrected invoices immediately. With real-time intuitive dashboards and expert analytical resources, Audintel reduces freight costs and gives our clients a competitive edge. We, at Audintel, streamline the freight audit process for our clients. Discover more by reaching us, or by checking out the Audintel website or contacting us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

Freight audit services for greater transparency

November 24, 2022

by Blog Freight Audit

A freight audit is essential for checking incorrect freight billing errors. Outsourcing freight audits and payment helps eliminate overcharges and save money.

Companies that transport freight have to deal with overwhelming volumes of transactions daily. The amount of paperwork and complexity of freight rates is challenging for many organizations. In addition, payment to freight carriers has to be on time to avoid souring carrier-shipper relationships. Companies must perform a freight audit to identify freight billing errors and improve productivity. Hence, outsourcing freight audit and payment services to a third party maximizes a company’s bottom line. This blog discusses outsourcing freight audit and payment services to freight audit companies.

Freight audit

Earlier companies used manual freight audits that were time-consuming. The process was prone to mistakes. Now, freight audits are a combination of automation and manual processes. So, freight audits can give reliable freight rates and ensure invoices are not duplicated or overcharged. Freight payment involves the amount payable for transportation or freight invoices. Further, freight audit and payment processes improve logistics efficiency and monitor shipping carriers’ performance.

The importance of freight audit

A freight audit is necessary for all freight shippers. Freight rates are negotiated with shipping carriers before contracts are signed. However, many companies end up paying more than the agreed quote. Freight audits help companies gain better visibility on their overall shipping expenses. In addition, freight audits optimize invoice management and payment. Freight audit includes both pre-audit and post-audit services.

Pre-audit helps shippers understand if the shipping carriers are correctly charged based on the contractual agreement.

Freight post-audit services aid companies decide whether shipping carriers have overbilled them.

How does outsourcing freight audit work?

In the U.S., many companies outsource to freight audit and payment companies. Ideally, freight audit companies act as facilitators between shippers and shipping carriers. Freight auditors receive invoices from shipping carriers or for in-depth analysis. The analyzed data offers good insights into shippers’ operations. Duplicate invoices are verified, and only outstanding bills are processed. Finally, only confirmed invoices are paid by wire transfer or check for payment. In addition, any unpaid invoices and due balances are taken care of during the freight audit process.

Advantages of outsourcing freight audit

Conducting a freight audit in-house may seem the best option for many companies. But outsourcing freight audits identify the mistakes that internal teams cannot. Some of the significant advantages of outsourcing include

Reducing labor costs

Outsourcing freight audit helps in cutting labor costs with accurate freight billing. Manual verification of freight payments before invoice approval requires labor. Outsourcing reduces these labor costs and increases productivity.

Saving time

Companies need not waste their valuable time tracking each shipment, filing for claims, requesting refunds, and more. Outsourcing saves time for companies by streamlining the freight audit process. Further on-time accurate freight payment to shipping carriers improves the shipper-carrier relationship.

Increase in financial returns

Freight audit companies aid shippers in recovering lost charges. Based on carrier contracts, accessorial surcharges or late delivery charges are verified, reduced, or waived. Outsourcing helps in identifying wrong detention invoice rates. In addition, freight audits help in reducing inventory costs and improve productivity.

Greater visibility

Dashboards give shipper the capability to become pro-active instead of reactive by anticipating problems before they become a crisis. They allow shippers to easily view their transportation data in easy to read and interpret tables and graphs. Perfect Dashboards , customizable reports helps shipper to enhance decision-making. Dashboards and reports provide transparency and real-time visibility to a shipper’s freight spend.

The above advantages give a competitive edge to shippers. Freight audits provide new opportunities for companies to streamline their processes.

Save more with Audintel

Freight audits can transform businesses. Audintel’s customized, intuitive dashboards and shipping reports help our clients understand their freight shipping expenses. We uncover potential freight bill errors and provide accurate freight billing across each carrier agreement. Audintel has a dedicated, professionally trained staff at our Call Center that negotiates with shipping carriers periodically for claims and refunds. Our state-of-the-art technology tracks freight invoices and saves money for companies. In addition, we handle complex contracts and rates for our clients. Audintel‘s team has optimized the freight shipping processes of our clients, saving them millions of dollars in shipping costs.

The bottom line

Businesses can save a substantial amount of their freight costs by adopting a good freight auditing process. Freight audits help in identifying freight billing errors and resolve freight payment issues. Skilled and qualified auditors at Audintel identify freight billing errors. In addition, we resolve payment issues and follow clients’ precise business rules. Audintel has saved millions of dollars for our clients with our efficient freight audits. Would you like to learn more about freight audits and our services? For further information, you can contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

Efficient parcel auditing services save more with refunds

November 2, 2022

by Blog Freight Audit

Shipping services will be at their peak in the upcoming holiday season. Businesses need to track whether their packages reach on time to their customers. Due to the heavy rush, there will be a delay in shipments.

Many shippers are unaware of recovering refunds from carriers for late deliveries. With the help of parcel audit services, shippers realize the errors made by carriers during shipment. This blog explores parcel audit services recovering refunds from shipping carriers. In addition, learn more about billing overcharges.

Parcel audit services and shipping refunds

Parcel audit services check and verify invoices from different shipping carriers worldwide. They conduct a comprehensive audit to ensure an accurate assessment of each shipment. Shippers face service failures from their chosen parcel carriers. For example, shipping carriers give duplicate invoices to shippers for a single package. Sometimes errors are made by shippers that directly impact shipments. For instance, the wrong address shipping label on the parcel is the cause for a delay in shipments. Mistakes made by carriers or shippers harm customer service. Parcel auditing is essential for shippers to recover refunds to avoid negative customer feedback.

Shipping refunds

An audit team addresses service failures of shipping carriers. Refund requests are sent to the shipping carriers immediately for quick resolution. Further, companies shipping large volumes of shipments have contracts with shipping carriers. The contracts entitle shippers to money-back guarantees from parcel carriers for late deliveries and other service charges. However, requesting refunds from shipping carriers is a complicated process. Each shipment has to be checked and verified to claim a refund from the parcel carrier. Most companies end up paying carriers for promised services that are unfulfilled. Outsourcing parcel audit services help companies receive refunds for late deliveries, overcharges, etc.

What are the kinds of refunds identified by Parcel auditing?

Parcel audits recover shipping refunds for companies and improve their operational efficiencies. Parcel auditing identifies refunds caused due to

Duplicate invoicing- More than one invoice with different parameters like invoice date and amount for the same parcel.

Billing overcharges- Unforeseen charges are added to the invoice when there is a delay in shipment due to an incorrect shipping label on parcels.

Late deliveries- Packages delivered late due to carriers’ network disruptions or other reasons are eligible for a refund.

Lost and damaged deliveries- Packages lost or damaged during transit are eligible for a refund.

Invalid surcharges- Parcel carriers charge shippers additional fees for the wrong dimensional weight of packages, errors in addresses, incorrect delivery areas, and improper fuel surcharges.

Companies find it an uphill task to dispute the additional fees levied by carriers. Manual auditing is time-consuming and requires resources. Reliable parcel audit services can help companies in challenging charges and getting refunds. In addition, it can help companies simplify the refund process.

Refund process

Shippers are eligible for refunds for service failures and incorrect invoicing by shipping carriers. The refund process for a shipment begins with a request to the concerned shipping carrier. Further, filing a refund claim must be within fifteen days of the quoted delivery date on the invoice. Shipping carriers like FedEx and UPS have dedicated channels for claiming refunds. In addition, UPS and FedEx promise on-time delivery of packages in their contracts with shippers. So, shippers are eligible for a refund for late deliveries from UPS and FedEx (discussed in detail in our earlier blogs). Getting a refund for late deliveries is time-consuming, but outsourcing parcel audit services makes life simpler for companies.

Role of parcel audit services

Efficient parcel auditing services take care of identifying service failures and incorrect surcharges. Further, automated parcel auditing services recover refunds for carrier inefficiencies. Finally, refunds are directly transferred into the companies’ accounts effortlessly. In addition, audit companies aid companies in parcel contract negotiations, so they do not miss the money-back guarantees for late deliveries from shipping carriers. Parcel auditors maximize revenue for companies with their shipment tracking tools and state-of-the-art software.

Audintel’s parcel auditing services to recover your refunds

Receiving refunds from UPS, FedEx, and DHL is easier said than done. A team of parcel auditors at Audintel recover refunds for late deliveries, incorrect invoices, invalid surcharges, and more. Our intuitive software easily tracks shipments and identifies service failures instantly. Audintel Technology Development and Customer Service Call Center effectively request refunds from shipping carriers for service failures. We don’t just rely on automated software, but our dedicated and experienced team at the Call Center follow-up with the shipping carriers for quick refunds. Our clients can expect the most reliable parcel audit services from Audintel. Choose Audintel for recovering refunds instantly without hassles.

Summary

In the current economic situation companies need to spend less and save more. So, recovering refunds with the help of efficient parcel audit services is the best way forward. Companies need parcel audit services that understand their shipping costs and save undue expenses. Audintel fits the bill for businesses looking to increase their operational efficiencies. Receive refunds directly into your accounts with Audintel’s services. Contact us for more details about our services at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

Parcel auditing services: transforming businesses intelligently

September 19, 2022

by Blog Freight Audit

Small parcel audits in the U.S. are vital for all businesses. Parcel audits ensure that companies are not paying more to shipping carriers. Further, timely audits can unlock savings for companies.

Parcel auditing services are necessary for shippers in the U.S. It questions businesses about optimum usage of their shipping data for business growth. Our earlier blogs were on affordable parcel auditing services. The focus was on reducing shipping costs and identifying service failures with software. This article discusses the way parcel auditors use shipping data to help shippers. In addition, we will learn about the advanced technology that aids parcel auditing services save money for companies.

Parcel auditing services and data analytics

Parcel audits involve the process of studying the shipping invoices in detail. It also requires a review of carrier contracts and discovering unclaimed refunds. Technology in the form of data analytics helps shippers save money. As companies are aware, small parcel shipping generates lots of data. Analysis of the data helps in eliminating inefficiencies and errors. Parcel auditing services use the analysed data to control small parcel expenses.

What kind of Parcel data is important?

Understanding a company’s shipping profile is essential for parcel audits. Analyzing the following data on parcels helps shippers improve their bottom line. Data covering

the shipping weights of packages
the dimensional weight calculation of parcels
the shipping zones for shipments
the parcel delivery time
accuracy of shipping invoices
various surcharges of different carriers
minimum charges of lightweight packages

Further, knowing about the shipper’s data in carrier agreements is necessary. It helps shippers during carrier contract negotiations to save money.

KPI dashboards in Parcel auditing

Similarly, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are necessary to check a business’ progress. In addition, it helps companies identify problems and make quick, timely decisions. The KPIs include:

Number of orders shipped
Tracking the delivery time of shipments
Identifying potential shipping issues
Shipping costs during transit
Warehouse expenses

and more.

With this in mind, KPI dashboards are vital tools for parcel auditing services. The dashboards provide a complete view of the shipping data of businesses. For instance, KPI dashboards give information about the total shipping costs of different parcel carriers. Further, the dashboards provide an overview of shipping activity, late shipments, refunds, etc. Thus, KPI dashboards provide shippers with customizable data visualization with performance indicators.

Importance of Business Intelligence in parcel auditing

Business Intelligence (BI) plays a crucial role in parcel auditing. It provides shippers with shipping reports and dashboards for managing their shipments. So, let’s understand-

What is Business Intelligence?

Business Intelligence (BI) is software that utilizes business data and makes it user-friendly. BI uses data analytics, text mining, and machine language processes. BI tools collect, store and analyze data from businesses. The data presented to users is through graphs, dashboards, charts, and reports. Further, shippers utilize the information to understand trends and variances. Thus, they can take appropriate action.

Benefits of using BI in parcel auditing services

Shippers need detailed information about their shipping operations at their fingertips. Parcel auditing services use BI tools to collect and analyze data in real-time. Shippers receive the information in the form of reports and dashboards. Customized dashboards help in tracking shipping performance by benchmarking. Thus, shippers visualize their data and make informed decisions.

Parcel auditing services optimize the parcel shipping network with the help of BI. In addition, parcel audits help in consolidating shipping data. Further, it provides insights into critical KPIs. Parcel auditing services like Audintel help companies optimize their shipping needs.

How does Audintel deal with the shipping data of businesses?

Our data intelligence services include best-in-class cloud hosting. We have robust optimization tools and intuitive and customizable dashboards. In addition, we provide graphical visualization of KPIs. Audintel’s platform integrates seamlessly with legacy systems and processes. Our decision-making analytics helps shippers. Further, we compare multiple carrier contracts to give clients the best deals.

Audintel as a parcel auditing service provider

Our AACE (Audit Advantage Cloud Ecosystem) platform uses BI to identify billing errors. Audintel uses AACE technology integrated with machine language (ML), saving shipping costs for companies. We spot all invalid, inaccurate, or unwarranted charges in shipping invoices. Audintel’s state-of-the-art technology platform manages complex supply chain challenges. Our dashboards are easy to use and allow shippers visual feedback on their business performance. In addition, our auditing services help shippers receive refunds directly in their accounts.

Final thoughts

Many parcel auditing services are available in the U.S. market. But choosing the right one for your business makes all the difference. As a shipper, it is vital to partner with parcel auditing services that increase your company’s revenues. Audintel uses cloud-based business intelligence tools to understand complex shipping data. We help businesses grow and manage their shipping costs in real-time. With Audintel, you can be sure that all your data is encrypted and secure. For information about our parcel auditing services, contact us on +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Au dintel website.

Competitive parcel auditing services: essential for shippers

July 25, 2022

by Blog Freight Audit

With rising inflation and skyrocketing fuel prices, businesses need to economize and improve profitability. Shipping small packages to customers needs scrutiny as service failures lead to higher expenses for shippers.

Affordable patent auditing services are essential to monitoring shipping expenses. Our earlier blog focused on affordable parcel auditing services that reduce shipping costs. This article focuses on the various aspects of parcel auditing services, such as package shipping spend, services offered, and their software.

Affordable parcel auditing services

Parcel auditing analyzes the shipping data of companies and unearths any invoice errors. Parcel auditing services of parcel auditing companies work to fix the invoice errors and get refunds from the shipping carriers. Web-based technology used by parcel auditors spares shippers from purchasing hardware, thus saving money. In addition, parcel auditing services do not involve set-up fees or up-gradation in current technology resulting in cost savings.

Parcel shipping spend

According to the latest reports in business wire, US parcel volume will grow exponentially by 2027. It is due to increasing demand for internet retail. Small parcel shipping is a critical component of shipping systems. An audit on small parcel shipping spend allows companies to save money. Shippers are eligible for a refund from shipping carriers for service failures like late deliveries, invalid surcharges, billing errors, and more. Parcel auditors like Audintel have a real-time dashboard that monitors small packages’ shipping spend while controlling shipping costs.

Outsourcing parcel auditing

Manual parcel auditing is time-consuming and is prone to human errors. So, by outsourcing parcel audit work to a third party, shippers save time as they do not need to track each shipment and file refund claims. Further, the parcel auditors secure refunds for service failures with direct credit to shippers’ accounts. Parcel auditing services provided by a third party give companies valuable insights into their shipping process.

Services offered by a parcel auditing company

Small parcel auditing is a complex process that requires data evaluation at each stage of the shipping process. Parcel auditing companies analyze the parcel invoices from the shipping carriers. In addition, tracking parcel delivery to customers and information about any shortcomings is conveyed to the business owner. Some of the common service failures made by parcel carriers include:

Late deliveries: Parcel delivery to the customer beyond the scheduled delivery time

Surcharge errors: Parcel invoices with incorrect address correction charges, delivery area surcharge, and other surcharge errors

Dimensional weight errors: Shipping carriers levy wrong dimensional weight charges on packages

Duplicate charges: Double invoicing for a single parcel shipment

Manifested not shipped parcels: Shipping carriers like UPS charge for a package manifested but not sent to its destination

Deviation from negotiated shipping rates and discounts: Parcel shipment with different shipping rates and discounts.

Parcel auditing services offered by parcel auditing companies provide effective solutions for service failures. They inform business owners about billing errors, changes in shipping rates, additional surcharges, etc. Parcel auditors use intuitive auditing software that automatically notifies any discrepancies in the shipping process.

Small parcel auditing software

The tracking and monitoring of each small parcel shipment use cloud-based shipping software. The data analysis improves shipping spend management and curbs excessive expenses. In addition, the software monitors the performance of shipping carriers, identifies invoice errors, and files for unclaimed refunds. Shippers reduce their parcel shipping spend and improve their shipping operations with ease.

Freight audit software

Freight audit software minimizes complex freight auditing processes. Due to the automation of the freight audit process, labor decreases, and cost-efficiency increases. The shippers get greater clarity of their shipping expenses. Also, there is streamlining of the shipping process. Further, automatic uploading of the shipping documents into the system helps track invoices efficiently. Freight audit software benefits many industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, construction, electronics, etc.

The software used by parcel auditors improves customer satisfaction and increases brand loyalty, which benefits shippers’ businesses.

Benefits of using Audintel’s services

Parcel auditing services of Audintel are economical and customized to cater to our client’s needs. We provide greater transparency to our clients by using their shipping data. Audintel has more than forty customized dashboards and shipping reports for our clients. Our team uses updated, secure technology to track and monitor the shipping data of our clients. We assist business owners in negotiating the best carrier contracts and saving money. Companies benefit tremendously by partnering with Audintel as it honors their parcel delivery commitments to customers. We help shippers receive refunds promptly from shipping carriers for service failures and increase their profits.

Final thoughts

Small parcel delivery services like FedEx and UPS do not always stick to their delivery commitments. It impacts the shippers as they have to deal with angry customers. Companies offer extra credit or special offers to keep customers happy, thus involving double expenses. Audintel’s parcel auditing services give companies a helping hand in receiving all the refund credits from shipping carriers. To know better about the full extent of our parcel auditing services, contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

Affordable parcel audit services for reducing shipping costs

June 15, 2022

by Blog Freight Audit

Are you confused about the calculation of shipping rates during small parcel shipping? Find it difficult to track small parcels. Further, claiming refunds for late deliveries of packages is full of hassles. Then, it is time to partner with parcel audit services. This article will explore why parcel audit services are necessary for reducing shipping costs.

Why do businesses need parcel audit services?

The destination, type of parcel carrier, and weight of parcels control the shipping costs of companies. Shippers need cost-effective solutions to ship small packages internationally. Moreover, custom clearances of international shipments require proper documentation. Keeping track of refunds from parcel carriers is a tedious task if done manually. Also, shippers seek discounts when negotiating with shipping carriers. The above factors make it essential for businesses to partner with parcel audit services. It gives peace of mind and reduces shipping costs for businesses.

How do parcel audit services save money?

Manual in-house audits require time and engage the resources of companies. So partnering with parcel audit services helps companies save money on administrative costs and time. A comprehensive review of shipping invoices aids companies in identifying any service failures by parcel carriers. In addition, it allows shippers to claim refunds from the parcel carriers for overcharging, late deliveries, or incorrect shipping fees. The weight and dimensions of packages contribute to a rise in shipping costs. The innovative solutions provided by parcel audit services help in lowering shipping costs. Our earlier article gives more information regarding the benefits of parcel audit services.

Reduce international shipping costs with parcel audit services

International shipping has become expensive due to various reasons beyond anybody’s control. Due to a rise in shipping costs, customers abandon shopping carts leading to businesses losing money. By partnering with parcel audit services, companies reduce shipping costs seamlessly using different methods such as:

Negotiating with a fulfillment center

Companies negotiate with a fulfillment center for discounts according to their business requirements. Shippers can spread their inventory across many warehouses across a country due to fruitful negotiations with a fulfillment partner. These negotiations help in lowering shipping costs to a large extent.

Optimizing packaging of goods

Heavy and oversized packages are expensive for shippers. Shippers need to have better alternatives for overweight and oversize parcels. And so, innovative packaging helps shippers reduce the weight and dimensions of packages. For instance, poly mailers instead of boxes help in reducing packaging costs.

Switching parcel carriers

Shippers can save money by switching parcel carriers according to the suggestions given by parcel audit services. Hence, choosing regional parcel carriers that offer cheaper shipping rates with quality delivery service is more beneficial for shippers. Negotiating with several shipping carriers helps shippers get a better bargain for their shipping needs. In addition, hybrid services are gaining momentum among shippers.

Proper documentation

International shipments to different destinations need a lot of paperwork. Generally, most countries need documents like purchase order, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Letter of credit, export license, and insurance certificate accompanying the shipment. Lack of proper documents leads to late delivery of goods, thus leading to loss of revenue.

Prepaid shipping

Businesses that usually ship the same weight packages can opt for prepaid shipping. Prepaid shipping allows shippers to buy shipping labels in advance instead of paying for an individual one at the time of shipping. It provides a discount of up to 20 percent to businesses.

Parcel carrier contract negotiations

Parcel audit services negotiate with shipping carriers for better shipping rates and discounts. Shipping information that includes shipping history, volumes, and accessorial fees is a part of the negotiations. Having shipping data at the fingertips helps in parcel rate negotiations to a great extent. Parcel audit services have experts well versed in carrier contract negotiations and recommend different parcel carriers for particular services. Small parcel negotiations are essential for companies to get the maximum benefits without loss of revenue.

Parcel audit services help lower a company’s overall shipping costs without any hassles. Learn more about reducing shipping costs in our blog.

Reliable, affordable parcel audit services of Audintel

At Audintel, we reduce the shipping costs of businesses seamlessly. Our intuitive dashboards and comprehensive shipping reports are the best in the market. We have the expertise to handle the shipping data of our clients and negotiate the best deals with the parcel carriers. Our team of experts tracks each shipment and claims refunds for any damages or late deliveries from the parcel carriers. We offer insights into the future and identify conditions that can be prevented or need improvement. Our audits cover shipping invoices so that clients don’t get overcharged unnecessarily. Audintel provides intelligent, reliable, and affordable parcel audit services to clients.

To summarize

There are more than forty audit checkpoints, so shippers need help solving the various complex aspects of parcel auditing. Parcel auditing services have the requisite automated technology, data analysis skills, and experience to empower shippers to make informed decisions. In short, Audintel handles small parcel audit services for our clients, giving them the necessary peace of mind. Discover our entire range of parcel audit services by contacting us today or you can call us at +1 (619) 354 8539. Visit our Audintel website to know more about parcel auditing.

Global freight audit: essential for freight services worldwide

June 6, 2022

by Blog Freight Audit

Has it become difficult to daily track and monitor freight consignments and bills? Are you sure your company has not overpaid or underpaid for freight? Are the administrative and logistics resources hired for global freight monitoring suitable for the job?

Freight audit services resolve the above questions for companies. We had earlier discussed freight audit services in our previous blog. This article gives further details on global freight audits and freight audit companies. In addition, we explain the terms of freight reconciliation, freight audit, and payment.

Global freight audits

It is the examination and verification of freight bills on an international scale. Some companies manually analyze each freight invoice in-house. This manual audit process is time-consuming and prone to human mistakes. On the other hand, partnering with freight audit companies saves time and money for shippers. Freight audit companies monitor critical parameters such as shippers’ data management, shipping carriers’ contracts, and payments.

Freight bill auditing

Global freight audit services offered by freight audit companies help in checking invoices for freight billing errors. The errors include inaccurate shipping weight, incorrect time mileage, miscalculation of discounts, wrong freight rates, and more. Auditing freight bills is vital for improving shipping companies’ overall performance. Proper shipping data utilization reduces extra expenses of surcharges and accessorials. Freight bill auditing involves:

Centralizing invoice data for quick retrieval
Grouping freight bills by shipping carriers
Auditing for errors and verifying freight charges with SMC/ carriers’ contracts
Auditing Fuel Surcharges and other accessorial.
Providing bill payment reports for client

Freight bill auditing helps shippers save money and recover payment for billing errors.

What is Freight reconciliation?

Freight rates are a part of freight bill generation when the freight load is confirmed. Shipping carriers submit freight invoices to shippers. Freight reconciliation is a method of matching each freight bill with its corresponding freight invoice. The reconciliation process is manual or automatic. In either case, the reconciliation process involves submitting the freight invoice for payment by vendors.

Streamlining the freight reconciliation process

The freight reconciliation process may appear simple for one or two shipments a day. But, it is a complex process for businesses having thousands of freight shipping in a day. Freight audit companies use automation to streamline the reconciliation process by eliminating paperwork. In short, there is a consolidation of accounts payable and paperwork from multiple vendors. So, shippers receive a weekly freight invoice consisting of weekly freight shipping and vendor payments.

Understanding freight audit and payment

Inaccuracies in freight invoices and freight payments result in errors and high costs for shippers. Freight audits are essential for global shippers to prevent potential overcharging by parcel carriers. Freight audits reduce shippers’ transportation expenses. According to reports, the global freight audit and payment market will rise exponentially. It is due to an increase in demand for management systems in the transportation and logistics industry.

Freight audit and payment providers

It is challenging to manage freight payment processes due to inconsistencies. Thus, it is vital to partner with freight audit and payment (FAP) providers. FAP providers have the tools and expertise to manage global shipping transactions. They can root out duplicate invoices, verify freight rates, resolve claims, etc. In addition, FAP providers manage transportation spend on a global scale.

How to select the best freight audit and payment providers?

Freight audit and payment (FAP) providers have to use the latest technology in all aspects of shipping. So, reporting and collecting data in real-time ensures freight payments are on time. Shippers have to verify the business intelligence and reporting tools of FAP providers. In addition, verification of FAP’s software programs and reviewing their financial and credit history is essential. The FAP providers should increase their invoice capacity spend with the shipping needs of shippers. Finally, the freight audit and payment provider should have friendly business relationships with multiple shipping carriers to make matters easy for shippers.

Taking your freight auditing process to the next level with Audintel

Global freight audits identify errors and request refunds from global shipping carrier companies. Audintel analyzes complex freight data and provides customized shipping reports to our clients. Further, our team analyses shipping carrier contracts to lower shipping costs. We streamline freight payment processes to improve your company’s bottom line. Audintel conducts freight audits based on parameters, such as invoice date, invoice amount, shipping weight, bill of lading, etc. In addition, we have experts in freight contract negotiations to help shippers get the best freight carrier contract deals. Our freight audit services provide valuable insights into transportation spend.

Finally, shippers find it difficult to calculate freight rates for each freight shipment. In addition, freight rates and other surcharges change periodically. Freight audit services track and monitor changes in freight rates and accessorial charges and help shippers take the necessary action. Our team in Audintel deals with both freight and parcel audits, you can reach us for further discussions or you can call us at +1 (619) 354 8539. Further, you can also learn about our services on Audintel website.

Is outsourcing freight audit a good business choice?

January 12, 2022

by Blog Freight Audit

Understanding when to outsource your freight operations is key to being competitive in the face of globalization and to achieving cost-effective and data-driven freight operations. Freight bills are complicated, and as the firm expands, so does the complexity of freight audit and payment. Making it more difficult to effectively manage and evaluate transportation costs.

Outsourcing freight auditing does result in cost savings and improved visibility with a more modern system capable of handling thousands of invoices.

What does it mean to outsource a freight audit?

Freight auditing is the practice of inputting, analyzing and validating freight bills for accuracy. The freight bill is an invoice given by a carrier to the shipper. It outlines the complete charges for the freight shipment.

Outsourcing freight auditing entails handing over the freight audit task to a specialized third party. The audit of freight invoices and bill pay process is being outsourced to 3rd party specialized auditors; thereby reducing internal resources. A freight audit provider already has the groundwork in place, as well as modern tools to process data from all modes.

Outsourcing to an analytical-driven business partner that can input, process, and normalize data before using a unique platform to give actionable insights may assist enhance all aspects of operations.

How does outsourcing freight audit work?

A third-party freight auditor receives its clients’ freight bills directly from carriers to start the auditing process. After receiving the bills, they are loaded into the freight auditor’s system, either manually or by electronic data interchange (EDI). Then, the bills are audited for accuracy when they are entered. Auditors use correct agreements to examine bill validity, duplicate payments, base rates, discounts, and accessorial charges. If an overcharge or mismatch is detected, the auditor either files a claim or attempts to correct the problem. Uncertainties in pre-audited invoices are addressed before payment. After completing the audit, the charges are processed and verified, and the bills are paid.

The benefits of outsourcing freight auditing:

The following are some of the primary advantages:

Increasing productivity:

A manual examination of a freight invoice can be time-consuming and labor-intensive because of the variety and volume of information they contain. Then there’s the issue of appropriately allocating transportation and supply chain expenditures. Supply chain managers are frequently forced to assist accounts payable departments by performing this task themselves. This makes them devote important time away from overseeing freight operations.

Audintel, a freight audit service, has created solutions to simplify the massive work of auditing freight invoices. Outsourcing freight auditing reduces the need for internal employees to undertake this work, freeing up your back office to tackle other activities. Also, allowing your teams to focus on maintaining a lean, robust, and efficient supply chain.

Higher level of transparency:

Internal freight audit and payment have various flaws, including a lack of transparency and a bigger risk that stakeholders must deal with. Third-party providers provide full transparency into cost structures and verification methods to shippers and freight forwarders. As well as critical transportation expense data to help them make rational decisions.

Data-driven insights:

Data-Driven Insights gathered from reporting tools can help businesses make sound cost-cutting decisions. Data analytics is a constant goal for freight payment companies so they can provide greater insight from their data.

Reduction in the cost of operations:

You will undoubtedly save a significant amount of money if you outsource freight auditing services. This is because the freight along with the audit payment alternatives will be automated. Your accounts department would not have to waste time validating payments before approving invoices.

Gained visibility:

You won’t have to worry about your visibility or compliance if you outsource the responsibilities to the best freight audit and payment services. This means you’ll never have to rely on an inaccurate freight expense again. The business you select should have extensive experience operating freight auditing systems.

Conclusion:

Outsourcing freight audit delivers excellent outcomes in terms of cost savings, resource efficiency, and improved business or customer focus. With its powerful analytics and automation platform, Audintel, as an outsourcing audit business, delivers actionable and agile management of every part of your supply chain. If you would like to learn more about our freight auditing methods and systems, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit the Audintel website.

Is your small parcel audit service securing refunds promptly?

December 27, 2021

by Blog Freight Audit

What do you do if there are shipping invoice errors? Who do you turn to when faced with late deliveries of packages? We hope it is your parcel audit service provider. If not, you face the uphill task of asking for refunds from parcel carriers.

This blog deals with the audit services provided by parcel audit companies such as Audintel. In addition, we will discuss how auditing helps companies save money.

Parcel audit services

Parcel auditing services help businesses overcome manual time-consuming refund claims. The parcel shipment of each shipper is monitored and tracked by automatic parcel auditing software. Shippers can receive refunds from shipping carriers for late deliveries, damaged packages, and more. Further, Parcel audit services identify shipping inaccuracies and recover money for their clients.

Types of parcel audit impacting businesses

Initially, we will discuss the different audit points that impact businesses. Audintel identifies various audit points that need checking. These audit points are categorized further into three types of audits.

Service Audits

These audits are for deficiency in services provided by the shipping carriers. Small parcel auditors target the below audit points:

Late Delivery (Air, Ground and International)

Shippers are entitled to a refund from parcel carriers for late deliveries. Small parcel auditing services monitor the delay in package deliveries.

Voids

Shipping carriers generate labels for packages that are not shipped. At times, delivery of packages does not occur, and the shippers pay for such non-deliveries. Audintel helps shippers identify such shipments and recover money.

Duplicate Invoices

Shipping carriers may give shippers duplicate invoices for a shipment. Audintel identifies such errors and requests refunds.

Duplicate Tracking Number

Parcel carriers give duplicate tracking numbers by mistake. Audintel monitors duplicate tracking numbers.

Lost Claims

Audintel makes claims to the shipping carriers for lost packages. These claims include refunds for businesses.

Damage Claims

Packages damaged during transit are subject to claims. Audintel claims declared value or insurance for packages on behalf of the client.

Saturday Pick-Up and Delivery Validation

Shipping carriers pick up packages on Saturday and charge more for such shipments. Audintel verifies Saturday pick-up by parcel carriers, and if any errors occur, we file refunds for clients.

Invoice Audits

Errors in invoices are subject to audit by parcel auditors. The audit points that monitor inaccurate invoices include:

Incorrect Rate

Shipping carriers will publish shipping rates every year. Every package shipped is charged according to the decided rate during carrier negotiations. However, the parcel carriers may charge more than the negotiated rate. It leads to billing with inaccurate rates. Audintel files claims on behalf of shippers for refunds.

Incorrect Discount

During contract negotiations, shippers and service providers decide on discounts based on the shipping needs. A mistake in providing the correct discounts by carriers leads to refunds.

Incorrect Accessorial

Audintel requests refunds for shippers if accessorial fees and surcharges such as fuel surcharges are incorrect.

Commercial/Residential Adjustments

Packages to be delivered to commercial establishments may incorrectly charge residential location prices. Parcel audit services identify these inaccuracies made by shipping carriers.

Address Corrections Air and Ground

Shipped Packages by air or ground transport may not require address corrections. Nonetheless, shippers may charge incorrectly for address changes.

Delivery Area Surcharge

Shipping carriers charge businesses a surcharge if the delivery area is in remote locations. Audintel identifies any errors in DAS and requests refunds wherever possible.

Hundredweight Shipments

Multiple shipments going to one location will get discounts from shipping carriers. Audintel consults shippers to opt for these kinds of alternatives given by carriers so that they save money.

DAS Extended

Shipping carriers may charge more to shippers for shipments that have delivery areas beyond the remote areas. Audintel checks whether the delivery areas are beyond the distant locations and requests refunds where necessary.

DAS Rural

This surcharge is for rural areas. Parcel auditors check such DAS Rural for verification.

International Import and Export

Packages shipped to and from the US will have duties and taxes. Audintel ensures that shippers do not pay extra taxes.

Weight Accuracy

Parcel auditing helps in paying the right amount for package weights. For example, a package weighing 5 pounds may be charged incorrectly as a 7-pound package.

Additional Handling Charges

Our team verifies if the shippers are paying more for additional handling charges and helps how to reduce them.

Fuel Surcharge

Fuel surcharge changes frequently. Audintel verifies the fuel surcharge.

Hazmat Materials

Packages with hazardous materials have higher prices. Audintel checks the invoices to determine if the shippers get the correct bills.

Compliance Audits

Audits conducted by third parties are compliance audits. It is to check if both the shippers and parcel carriers are following their negotiated terms of the contract agreement. The audit points that are a part of these audits are:

Contract Rate and Tier Audits

Audintel has expert negotiators who have in-depth knowledge of carrier contracts. Additionally, we help shippers perfect their contract agreements with the shipping carriers to get the best deal.

Contract Negotiations

FedEx and UPS carrier Contracts/Agreements are very complicated and very difficult to negotiate with them. Our negotiating team ensures that the shippers’ contract agreements with parcel carriers are correct and there are no discrepancies.

Invalid Account Number Usage

Parcel auditors identify packages having invalid account numbers.

Incorrectly billed 3rd Party Shipments, who’s using your account number

Packages shipped are billed to a third party using account numbers that are not existing. Audintel identifies incorrect third-party account numbers.

Special Contract Consideration

Audintel checks contract negotiations made by shippers for inaccuracies and mistakes.

Small Parcel audits by Audintel: refunds and saving

Audintel identifies mistakes made by parcel carriers and requests refunds from them. We ensure our clients receive money in their accounts from FedEx, UPS, or other carriers. Audintel is a small parcel auditing company whose services do not end with just providing software solutions. But also with ensuring refunds for their customers. We help our clients save money by negotiating for discounts with shipping carriers.

Final Remarks Parcel audit services help businesses by requesting refunds for mistakes of parcel carriers. Several eligible refunds are unclaimed by shippers. Small parcel audit services claim refunds for businesses thus, saving money. The expert team at Audintel helps shippers to cut shipping costs. Reach out to us for a demo and benefit from our top-notch services. Visit the Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539 to know more about us.

How do small parcel audit services benefit businesses?

November 8, 2021

by Blog Freight Audit

Shipping companies lose money when they are unaware of their shipping data. Shipping couriers take undue advantage of this situation. In the past few years, parcel audit companies, are a boon for businesses.

They monitor the mistakes made by couriers. In this blog, we will discuss the affordable services of parcel audit companies. And their impact on shipping businesses.

Parcel audit services save money

Small parcel auditing identifies the errors made by shipping carriers. Companies save money as audits track surcharges, rates, and discounts offered by carriers. So, for instance, the recent introduction by FedEx of a 6% late payment fee. Companies can avoid this fee by paying their invoices on time. Or by reporting the error in adding this fee. Parcel audit firms like Audintel update their clients about new fees, surcharges, refunds, etc.

Benefits of parcel auditing services

Parcel auditing services reduce the transportation expenses of its customers. Shipping companies receive information on the total spend of each package shipment. Parcel audit firms like Audintel use state-of-the-art software to give information to shippers. Parcel audit services run diagnostics on a customer’s small parcel shipments. There is a check of each shipment for its service performance. In addition, audit experts advise shippers on any inaccuracies in carrier services.

What are the service areas that are a part of an audit?

Shipping carriers make mistakes that need to be kept in check. Different services of the parcel carriers are a part of the audit checklist. The main checkpoints that are a part of audit services include:

Late Delivery

It is the delivery of a small parcel shipment beyond its scheduled delivery time. As a consequence, shipping carriers have to give refunds to businesses. Parcel carriers do not provide automatic refunds. Companies have to request a refund. Parcel auditing services identify the mistake of parcel carriers and request a refund on behalf of companies.

Address Corrections

Parcel carriers charge for address corrections that are not needed for example, shipping carriers declare a change in the apartment number as address correction, even though the location is the same. Parcel audit services identify the invalid address correction charges. The carriers get notifications to rectify their mistakes.

Duplicate Invoices

Billing a package more than twice is one of the problematic areas of shipment. It becomes easy to audit every invoice with parcel audit services. Audit services identify duplicate invoices at a glance. As a result, shipping companies save money with parcel audits.

Voids

Shippers create shipping labels for shipments. However, shippers cannot edit the shipping labels. They have to void the existing shipping labels to create a new shipping label. Shipping carriers such as UPS charge companies for unused shipping labels. Parcel audit services track the unused shipping labels, void the shipments, and receive refunds from the shipping carriers.

Saturday Pickup and Delivery Audits

Parcel carriers charge more for Saturday Pickup and Delivery of packages. If the shipping carriers do not deliver the package on Saturday, they have to refund the amount. Similarly, the absence of services for Saturday PickUp leads to refunds from carriers. Parcel auditing tracks the refunds for deficiencies in carriers’ services.

Dimensional Weight

Shipping carriers incorrectly weigh packages and charge for high dimensional weight. Parcel auditing protects shippers from wrong dimensional weight charges. Parcel audit services ensure that businesses have accurate data to save money.

Incorrect Rate/ Discount

Shippers are given invoices with inaccurate rates. These rates are not the same rates during carrier contract negotiations. Parcel auditing identifies the wrong rates and asks for revised shipping invoices with the actual rates. In addition, shipping companies receive discounts for shipping packages from parcel carriers. However, shipping carriers do not apply discounts to these packages resulting in more money spent by the shippers. Audit services rectify the discount errors and request refunds for shippers.

Residential Address audit

For instance, when companies send parcels from one location to another commercial address- the parcel carriers may consider it as residential. Subsequently, the charges for residential areas vary. Audit services have the data to prove that the delivery was for a commercial location. In this way, audits hold the parcel carriers responsible for billing inaccuracies.

The Audintel Advantage

Audintel has robust, intuitive auditing software that helps shippers save money. We provide interactive, easy-to-use dashboards and shipping reports to our customers. Audintel‘s clients get better data visibility with our dashboards. We give our clients updates about their shipments and service errors by carriers. Audintel gives accurate information about late deliveries to receive refunds from parcel carriers. We also provide affordable services that are on par with our competitors’ services. Businesses can lower UPS, FedEx shipping expenses by partnering with Audintel.

Wrapping it up

Profitable businesses need to have information at their fingertips. More so in the case of small parcel shipments. Partnering with Audintel, a parcel audit company, is beneficial for businesses. We provide shippers access to their data at no extra cost. Our team of experts guides businesses in receiving refunds from couriers. Shippers can trust us with their data, and we deliver on our promises. Get affordable parcel audit services at [email protected]. To know more about us and our services, visit the Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.