Small Parcel Shipping Solution

Small Parcel: Reduce the complexity with our simplified solution

Businesses are competing with each other to provide the best customer experience. Be it the shipping costs or faster delivery time. Moreover, a customer’s decision to buy depends on shorter delivery times. The transit time for small parcel deliveries is three days or less. According to some reports, the parcel delivery market will grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2030. Expanding e-commerce companies are driving the parcel delivery market.

Due to a decrease in shipping volumes, small parcel shipping costs may increase in 2024. It will affect small and medium businesses with low shipping volumes. Companies require intelligent shipping options for small parcels. Shipping experts like Audintel can help plan small parcel shipping strategies by leveraging customer data.

The importance of small parcel audit and parcel shipping services was a part of our earlier blogs. This article will discuss how Audintel simplifies the complexities of small parcel shipping.

Small Parcel Shipping Services

Small parcel shipping is cost-effective for many businesses. Transporting lightweight and small packages is economical. Companies can optimize their shipping costs by opting for small-parcel shipping. Bulkier shipping orders will increase shipping costs. The process of shipping small parcels can overwhelm any shipper. Thus, it is necessary to choose the right small parcel shipping company. The shipping partner should understand the business needs and contribute to its long-term success.

Small parcel shipping services consist of

  • Ground Shipping

It involves transporting small packages by road or rail. It is the most cost-effective way of sending small parcels.

  • Shipping by Air

Time-sensitive shipments are sent by air, ensuring faster delivery of small packages.

  • Expedited Services

It involves shipping small packages through a fast courier service. Small parcel delivery can happen in a day, though expensive.

  • Economy Services

It involves the cheapest way to ship small packages domestically or internationally. It is ideal for less time-sensitive packages.

Small parcel shipping costs vary on factors like shipping rates, weight, size of packages, and surcharges. Further, shipping destinations, carrier selection, and volumes can impact expenses.

Shippers can ship small packages through various small parcel couriers and delivery companies. Small parcel delivery companies offer many services. The major shipping carriers are UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Regional shipping carriers also provide faster and more economical services.

Small Parcel Delivery Services

Small parcel delivery requires a parcel to be picked up, processed, and delivered from one place to another. Small parcel delivery services involve delivering packages of a certain weight. If the package weight surpasses the desired limit, it gets freight charges.

Shipping service pricing depends on factors: weight, size, distance, and speed. A well-designed packaging technique prevents paying high delivery charges. Shippers will know their package dimensions and weight to reduce parcel delivery prices. Further, consolidating shipments helps in decreasing shipping costs and increasing profit margins. Optimizing small parcel delivery prices is a vital facet of small parcel logistics.

Small Parcel Logistics

Many logistic companies provide efficient and reliable small parcel delivery services. They use technology in their fleet of vehicles to deliver small packages on time. 3PLs offer competitive rates for small parcel delivery services. The services include real-time tracking of small packages. In addition, the latest GPS technology benefits drivers of courier vehicles. They can deliver parcels faster with the best route for travel.

Small parcel fulfillment is possible through a 3PL provider for faster delivery of small packages. A 3PL company chosen based on the location of the target customers can reduce transportation costs. Order routing and efficient inventory management help in delivering  small parcels on time. Real-time data allows shippers to keep track of their shipments.

Logistic companies help in negotiating discounted bulk shipping rates for shippers. For instance, USPS offers the cheapest way to ship small packages. They get competitive rates by partnering with regional parcel carriers. Shipping options for small packages offered by regional parcel carriers are cost-effective. Further, they provide full tracking and same-day delivery services. Sometimes, parcel carriers offer flat-rate shipping that benefits businesses. Shippers pay a single rate where their package falls within a weight and size category.

Different shipping options for shipping small packages

Multiple shipping options are open for shipping companies.USPS (US Postal Service) is the cheapest way to ship small packages domestically. Shipping rates charged by USPS Priority Mail or USPS Ground Advantage are less those of UPS, FedEx, or DHL.

International parcel shipping costs depend on global import regulations and duties. The parcel shipping costs vary depending on the destination and the shipment value. UPS is usually the preferred parcel carrier for shipping packages to long distances.

Based on the delivery time, many shipping options are available. For two-day small parcel deliveries, small parcel carriers offer discounts. For example, UPS 2nd Day Air and FedEx 2Day offer cheaper shipping services. 3PLs also help in negotiating discounts for premium overnight services. Ex. UPS Next Day Air and FedEx Standard Overnight services for overnight shipping of small packages.

Small Parcel Shipping Solutions

Advanced technology tools help small businesses streamline their parcel shipping processes. Adopting a multi-carrier strategy for shipping small packages is a good option. Further, small parcel management technology gives shippers insights into parcel carrier selection.

Audintel offers a range of small parcel shipping solutions for businesses. These include:

  • Providing SaaS solutions for third-party logistics partners transforming their business processes.
  • Improving data visibility in real-time with Business Intelligence tools
  • Help make crucial decisions in choosing parcel carriers by comparing data
  • Automating invoice audits that help in efficient invoice processing
  • Timely carrier invoicing and improving bill payment processes

Further, Audintel has various intelligence tools and technologies aiding companies. Our tools include easy-to-understand intuitive dashboards that provide clients with information immediately. They  provide a graphical visualization of KPIs with insights into transportation spend. We increase operational efficiencies and reduce shipping costs.

Audintel’s team of experts analyzes the shipping profiles of clients and provides shipping reports. These shipment reports give in-depth shipping details to companies so that they can reduce shipping costs. In addition, we advise clients regarding the shipping rates of parcel carriers. Our team reviews Carrier Pricing Agreements that help in carrier contract negotiations.

Our Transportation Spend Management (TSM) services allow timely processing of carrier invoices. Cloud-based TSM tools reduce parcel shipping costs with accurate transportation data. We have professionally trained staff that help clients save more in refunds and claims from shipping carriers. Audintel’s cutting-edge technology simplifies transportation spend management services for shippers.

To sum up

Businesses can improve their operational efficiencies with the increasing demand for small parcel shipping. New-age technologies like AI provide valuable insights into shipping performance data. Further, drone deliveries give a glimpse into faster small parcel deliveries in the future. Tracking technologies allow businesses and customers to track their parcels in real time. Further, comprehensive small parcel audits help reduce shipping costs.

Audintel helps shippers save parcel shipping costs with its AI-powered technology tools. We provide comprehensive shipping information to clients in a simplified way. Our experts advise clients on small parcel shipping services. Audintel’s team helps businesses increase profit margins with simple small parcel shipping solutions.

Contact us to learn about our exciting small parcel shipping solutions at +1 (619) 354 8539. Further, you can learn about the various services provided by us on our Audintel website.

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Shipping Reports: Parcel shipping analytics in a nutshell

The rise in the e-commerce market has revolutionized the parcel delivery industry. Some reports have predicted an increase in the parcel delivery market. With digitalization, the delivery sector has undergone many technological advancements. As customer expectations rise, businesses focus on technology. New technologies enhance operational efficiency.

Innovations and AI are powering the logistics ecosystem. Businesses use wireless devices and IoT systems to track shipments in real time. It ensures the safe movement of goods and triggers alerts when errors arise. Some logistic companies have also used drones for their last-mile delivery of goods. Using drones in the future will cut shipping costs and speed up delivery time.

Shipping data allows logistic companies to optimize their shipping operations. Towards this end, shipping analytics tools gather and analyze data to identify mistakes. Further, shipping reports provide insights into parcel spend management. We have covered reducing shipping costs with shipping reports on this blog before.

This article gives an overview of parcel shipping analytics and the necessity of shipping reports.

Parcel shipping analytics

Shippers face the challenge of cost-effective and fast delivery of packages to satisfy customers. In addition, they have to deal with supply chain challenges that increase delivery time and costs. Parcel shipping analytics involves data analysis. Data analytics can identify patterns related to shipment delivery on time and other shipping metrics. It gives business intelligence tools to companies for streamlining their processes. Further, shipping analytics tools provide intelligent shipping reports to help in business growth.

Features of shipping analytics

Shipping analytics tools sift through data relevant to improving business finances. The features of shipping analytics include:

Data normalization

It is the process of eliminating inconsistencies in data and reorganizing data in a database. Data standardization occurs across the entire system. Shippers can run quicker queries through the massive data collection during shipping with data normalization. The chances of data duplication and errors decrease, thus unlocking business potential.

Forecasting

Businesses get insights into future supply and demand patterns with forecasting and predictive analytics. It helps shippers to plan inventories, manage warehouses, schedule shipments, and order fulfillment. Further, it aids businesses to understand customer demand, purchase behavior, and preferences.

Route optimization

Technology simplifies shipment route optimization. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can optimize routes with data from trackers on vehicles, real-time traffic updates, weather reports, etc. Moreover, data from different sources allows shippers to deliver time-sensitive goods, update the route in real-time, and improve customer experience.

Predicting shipping locations and time

Predictive analytics gives shippers and customers the shipping time estimation of goods. The companies and customers will know when and where the shipped goods will arrive. The information helps shipping carriers plan their routes and the ports for offloading the goods.

Shipping analytics tools help analyze data and generate shipping reports.

Shipping reports

Parcel or freight shipping analytics information is present in easy-to-understand shipping reports. Businesses can analyze their shipment performance with user-friendly shipping reports. Searching, sorting, and selecting the criteria in each shipment in detail helps shippers.

Multiple shipping reports can narrow the data to a particular time or date. For instance, companies can filter shipping reports by date, service level, carrier, customer, and more. Customized shipping reports help shippers monitor shipping rates and carrier performance.

The calculation of shipping costs is possible with the help of the shipping reports. For example, fees will vary for delivering goods to Zone 2 from that of Zone 8. Shippers can opt for 3PL for last-mile delivery of goods.

Shipping reports provide real-time shipping information that assesses painful points for better operational excellence. They also contain outbound or inbound goods in transit or delivered to the customer. Further, they provide information on old pending bills and time-sensitive shipments. Shipping reports are created based on a company’s needs. Shippers may require personalized reports for quick reference.

Our previous blogs gave insights into the shipping reports offered by Audintel. We also have highlighted four critical shipping reports aiding spend management.

Importance of Carrier Performance Analysis

Shipping reports also help businesses in choosing shipping carriers based on their performance. Shipping analytics tools do a carrier performance analysis. Important factors help assess various shipping carriers’ performance. One of the factors includes ranking shipping carriers on their on-time performance and invoice accuracy.

Further, shippers will get information about the actual cost in the invoices rather than the planned cost. Companies use alternate shipping carriers if the shipping carrier rates affect their profit margins. It will allow businesses to choose the shipping carriers best suited to their needs..

How to analyze real-time shipping performance data

Shippers can monitor and track real-time shipping performance data with data analysis. Intelligent solutions can analyze the shipping data to save money. Factors like order accuracy, inventory tracking (including returns), delivery time, etc., are shipping performance indicators. Better visibility of real-time data gives businesses a clear overview of missed or late deliveries, thus enabling them to take action. In addition, shippers can ensure that the shipping carriers are sticking to their carrier contract agreements.

Shipment automation for optimization

Shipment automation helps in the optimization of business operations. Automating shipping processes can reduce the risk caused by manual processing. Further, it can minimize the costs for re-shipments or returns. Customized cloud-based applications can help businesses track and manage shipments. Automated processes in the supply chain can reduce lead times, optimize inventory control, and improve customer services. Automation can process orders quickly and ensure faster delivery to customers.

Shipping analytics gives insights into supply chain management. Shippers improve their customer experience by understanding historical performance accessible in one place. AI tools can reduce the risk of overstocking while managing inventory levels. It can lead to faster processing time and lessen delays in the supply chain. Shipping reports provide  insights to improve the performance of shipping operations.

Audintel: Experts in shipping analytics

A cloud-managed Transportation Management System (TMS) is essential for automating shipping operations. Audintel provides advanced TMS services to its clients. Our consulting and technology services help optimize routing networks and reduce transportation costs. We help shippers manage carrier contract negotiations to get the best deals.

Audintel provides comprehensive reporting solutions to its clients. Our shipping reports give easy access to shipping data for businesses. Shippers can improve their operational efficiency and reduce shipping spend considerably. In addition, shipping reports are user-friendly and provide cost-effective shipping solutions. We also give customizable shipping reports to our clients to help their businesses thrive. Further, our intuitive dashboards give data, thus allowing our clients to make informed decisions.

Concluding remarks

Leveraging shipping data is transforming the supply chains of many companies. Effective use of data can help bring vast profits to businesses. Shipping reports provide a comprehensive overview of shipping data to shippers. It gives visual insights into your shipping profile and the carrier’s daily delivery performance. Further, shipping reports provide details of your orders by volume, service levels, delivery time, and more. Automation helps businesses streamline their shipping processes.

Audintel has the expertise to help businesses streamline their shipping processes. We will help you understand the complexities of shipping data through your easy-to-use shipping reports. For a free demo and other consultations, contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

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Minimize shipping operation costs with data analytics

As the trend to shop online is increasing among customers, it is essential to have a robust shipping operation. Towards this end, shipping data analytics enable businesses to make better decisions and improve shipping performance.

Optimize the shipping operations of a company by keeping track of shipping orders and inventory. This blog will try to understand the steps involved in optimizing shipping processes. In addition, we will explore the different ways businesses save money by utilizing shipping analytics.

Optimization of shipping operations

Shipping costs make a massive impact on a company’s budget. Optimizing shipping operations helps in cutting shipping costs for companies. A few vital steps are involved in optimizing shipping operations and boosting profit margins. These steps include:

  • Use of historical data to track shipping performance
  • Analyzing real-time data for seamless operations
  • Utilizing automated, easy-to-use dashboards
  • Reducing hidden costs with shipping analytics and
  • Partnering with parcel audit services to diagnose pain points

Improving shipping operations

Enhance shipping operations with proper planning and cost-effective use of resources. Shipping processes like packing parcels will affect shipping costs. Moreover, choosing the best shipping option will affect the shipping budget. An efficient transportation management system (TMS) aids companies in optimizing their shipping operations. TMS creates transparency as companies can track shipments in real time. In addition, shippers can take advantage of aggregating multiple shipments into one order, thus saving money. Further, companies expand their businesses with different shipping routes and modes of transportation. Automated software systems and data security enhance the shipping operations of a company.

Optimization of Freight

Freight optimization involves reviewing possible modes of transport for a shipment. Diversifying vendors and carrier networks is an efficient way to secure competitive freight rates.  Further, freight shippers can explore multiple routes for better markets with a freight management system. Companies can leverage the right software to stay ahead of the competition. In addition, shipping data analytics will affect the growing freight management systems.

Role of shipping data analytics

Shipping logistics management is possible with the help of automated software. With cost modeling tools and predictive rate simulation, shippers can understand their shipping expenses. In addition, a better review of delivery routes allows companies to leverage the dynamic rerouting of parcels. It prevents shipment delays so that time-sensitive and urgent shipments reach on time. Further, customer satisfaction increases with more information about the updated delivery status of shipments.

Predictive rate simulation allows shippers to visualize the shipping spend on package weights, zones, service levels, etc. Predictive analytics is to understand to determine where delays will likely occur. In addition, it helps to boost customer service levels. Moreover, Big Data in the shipping industry provides valuable insights to minimize late deliveries.

Big Data in Shipping

Big Data enables shippers to predict and address problems, prevent shipment delays, and gain a competitive edge. The different ways in which businesses can make use of Big Data in optimizing shipping operations include:

  • Reduce shipping costs with actionable insights into carrier contracts: with big data and shipping analytics, shippers understand shipping expenses.
  •  Make strategic decisions: real-time Big Data analysis helps to recommend the best decisions for companies.
  • Recognize potential frauds: Shipping analytics solutions identify shipping patterns and detect multiple payments

Big Data in maritime analytics affords efficient bunkering, crew management, efficient cargo handling, tracking goods, fleet tracking, detecting anomalies, and more Predictive analytics is transforming the shipping industry by enhancing the safety of ships and environmental protection.Big Data controls parcel expenses with actionable intelligence. It offers valuable insights to shippers about shipping costs.

Optimizing Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence tools consider special handling and accessorial fees in calculating shipping rates. Further, business intelligence offers insights to companies on past and recent shipment movements. It provides information about how the competition behaves and knowledge about emerging markets. BI tools help to analyze massive amounts of data quickly. Audintel‘s state-of-the-art BI platform helps track shipments, refunds on late deliveries, and more.

Optimize shipping operations with Audintel

Shipping operations are improved with proper planning and by adopting the best practices. Parcel invoice audits identify errors in shipping operations, such as fuel surcharges, total spending on shipping, etc. Audintel offers parcel invoice audits to shippers for their shipping operations and helps save money. Our Transportation management system (TMS) services guide shippers on the different aspects of shipping parcels. We provide insights into carrier contract negotiations with shipping data analytics. Our team helps shippers cut shipping costs and optimize their shipping operations.

Conclusion

Operational efficiency is essential for a business to be more profitable. Optimizing shipping operations with accurate planning and bagging the best deals is vital for shippers. A robust auditing system with BI tools increases a company’s shipping efficiency and lowers operation costs. Audintel has a wide range of BI tools and state-of-the-art dashboards that transform the shipping operations of companies. We provide the competitive edge to operate efficiently in the marketplace. To know more about our services and BI platform, contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

Shipping reports

Shipping reports: Optimize shipping performances with data

This holiday season, economic uncertainty and rising inflation will hit many industries. Also, these industries will face customers who want more goods and services at a lesser price. Further, shipping companies deal with high shipping costs and holiday surcharges. In addition, companies will have to attract customers with great shipping experiences.

Transportation spend solutions like shipping reports make shipping simple and easy. Earlier, we had discussed shipping reports help in reducing shipping costs. This blog explores shipping reports, managing shipping costs, and shipping metrics.

Shipping reports: its essentiality

Companies require comprehensive solutions to reduce unnecessary surcharges. Automated parcel auditing help companies in saving money to a great extent. There is less reliance on manual, time-consuming manual auditing processes. Shipping reports provide companies with complete visibility of parcel shipping history, tracking data, shipping rates, and more variables. In addition, shipping reports use intelligent automation to identify billing mistakes and overcharges and efficiently track shipments. Shipping reports by Audintel give detailed, in-depth information on carrier performance, service levels, accessorial charges, etc.

Shipping cost management with shipping reports

It is becoming increasingly difficult for shippers to understand shipping rates and complex surcharges. Shipping reports provide details of the shipping processes to maximize operational efficiency. Companies that incorporate real-time analytics can provide quality service to their customers. Shippers have greater visibility in parcel spend management with the help of real-time shipping data and analytics. Further, leveraging the right technology helps in better shipping cost management.

Shipping metrics in shipping reports

Not just shipping cost management, shipping reports play a vital role in tracking the on-time delivery of packages. Shipping metrics like on-time delivery performance by shipping carriers offer clarity to shippers. It helps them recover refunds from shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx and reduce shipping costs. Further, parcel auditing involves using business intelligence solutions to reduce shipping costs. Some of the shipping metrics that are a part of shipping reports include

  • Accessorial charge summary-summarizes accessorial charges by invoice number
  • Address correction details-detailed information about the addresses that are corrected
  • Weight adjustment details-original weight and billed weight of package adjustments are listed.
  • DIM weight verification-details the dimensional weight variations of packages
  • Lost or damaged packages details-lists the lost or damaged packages
  • Invoice summary-summarizes invoices within a time frame or date range
  • Insurance detail-shows the insurance packages, values, and charges for each package
  • Delivery status-list the delivery status of a package and confirm whether residential or commercial delivery, zone, weight, etc.

The above metrics give a glance at what to expect in shipping reports. The shipping data in shipping reports covers the various aspects of shipping a package. Companies can minimize shipping costs with quick resolution of carrier errors and additional surcharges.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track shipping performance

There are various key performance indicators (KPIs) that help in monitoring each business area. Companies benefit by spotting financial problems early, making timely adjustments, and undertaking quick decisions with KPIs. The KPIs relate to Order management metrics such as the number of shipments, shipping time, and accurate order pick-up. In addition, Transportation management metrics help improve shipping operations with freight payment accuracy, on-time delivery, and transportation costs. Using transportation management metrics, companies can automate shipping processes. They can improve inventory management and identify unnecessary charges leading to extra costs. In addition, KPI dashboards help in tracking shipping performance.

A way to lower shipping costs

Shipping reports help to analyze historical data and share results in real time. They give clarity on service errors by parcel carriers and service refunds. And so shippers can negotiate discounts with shipping carriers and lower their shipping costs. In addition, shippers use real-time data to track each shipment and reduce shipping costs. Companies can increase the delivery speed of their packages with the correct data. A parcel auditing solution provider, Audintel helps companies follow the best shipping practices and save shipping expenses.

Customized shipping reports by Audintel

Parcel auditing services of Audintel audit every overcharge and invoice error. Our services provide transparency to transportation spending management. The shipping reports provided by Audintel give in-depth information on the shipping details of shipments. Our clients can save hundreds or thousands of dollars on their parcel spend.Audintel helps companies understand their transportation spend management more efficiently. Our shipping reports track the last-mile delivery status of a package, thus giving clients peace of mind. We provide real-time dashboards and customized shipping reports that help our clients reduce shipping costs. With lower shipping costs, shippers receive a great on-time delivery experience to customers.

Conclusion

Shipping during the holiday season is crucial for all companies. Customer satisfaction and optimum operational efficiency are essential during this period. Companies optimize their shipping operations with lower shipping costs. Audintel helps companies reduce shipping costs with their data analytics tools. Our customized shipping reports allow companies to gauge their shipping expenses and save money. So, for an increase in operational efficiency and quick turnaround time, contact our services at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

Shipping analytics

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.

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

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Know your shipping spend from four critical shipping reports

As a shipping business, you are always on the lookout for profitability. When shipping parcels from place A to B, you need to know the cost of the shipment. Keeping a tab on the packages shipped becomes difficult for businesses. For this reason, shipping reports are vital for shipping businesses.

The shipping reports give an overview of the shipping costs. And help the shipping business save money. This article will explore the concepts of shipping spend. And the four critical shipping reports that address shippers’ spend, and save money.

What is shipping spend?

The cost incurred during shipping packages is known as shipping spend. Shipping spend includes transportation fees, accessorial fees, warehousing, labor, insurance, etc. Managing shipping costs along with labor and product costs is a balancing act for businesses. Automation and digitalization are helping companies to understand their spend management. Shipping spends management gives visibility to shipping costs. In addition, it provides insights into cost-saving opportunities and strategies for businesses to adopt.

How is shipping spend analysis improving data visibility?

Shipping businesses can manage and optimize shipping operations with the correct data.  Shipping spends analysis starts with collecting data and analyzing it in detail. Data from shipping carriers, customs, shipment count, fuel purchasing system, and more are not enough. In addition, shipping businesses have to analyze real-time data with advanced technology like IoT. Advance technology improves data visibility so that shippers can make informed decisions. The data helps in reducing shipping costs for shippers.

Shipping reports aiding spend management

Proficient software tools aid in analyzing shipping spend. An automated software helps to identify the areas of financial opportunities. Based on a shippers’ key performance indicators (KPIs), the software generates shipping reports. The customized shipping reports shed light on specific shipping details and help in making data-informed decisions. Towards this end, we have detailed the four critical shipping reports that are vital for shipping businesses to understand shipping spend.

1. Annual Summary Report

A summary of all the charges per package for each service is in this report. It calculates the average cost per package for each service.  The report is essentially an analysis report from a particular date range. It includes the shipping spend, the number of packages, cost per package, and the weight of the parcels for each service. For example, for a 1-day service, customers can compare the charges levied in the current year to that of last year.

2. Net Spend Summary Report

An easy-to-use report that highlights a business’ total spends and refund for each service “at a glance”. This report gives the net spend and refunds for each service weekly. It is an essential report for customers. It provides an insight to customers about the total amount spent on each package per week. Customers can manage expenses and save money by using this report.

3. Service Level Summary Report

It provides all the shipping charges by service level. The report covers expenses on the total packages, gross amount, discounts, and discount percentages for each service.  The amount charged without applying any discount is known as the gross amount. In addition, the report explains the average cost, weight, and zone for each service. The average weight is the total package as against the total weight of the package. In addition, average zone means shipping to each shipping zone on average.

4. Service Summary Report

This report gives an overview of all the services the client uses. It provides details like net charges, carrier-published charges, accessorial charges, surcharges, the weight of the package, and the number of packages. Carrier-published charges are the charges to which the shipping carrier has agreed with the shipper. The report analyzes the amount the carrier charges per zone.  Furthermore, it indicates the percentage with which the shipping carrier is increasing their deliveries.

Benefits of shipping reports

Shipping spends analysis is characterized by shipping reports. The information in the shipping reports helps shippers in optimizing their shipping strategy. Further, it improves the visibility of the shipping data. And help shippers root out invalid charges claimed by shipping carriers. Audintel gives customers an overview of their shipping costs with these reports. Audintel provides in-depth shipping spend information. Customers can make decisions with the data received from shipping reports.

Closing remarks: Shipping businesses worry that their expenses do not cost them dearly. With this in mind, shippers try to gain more information about their shipping spend.  However, the process takes a lot of time and money. But, when you partner with a parcel audit company like Audintel, life becomes easy. Audintel provides customized shipping reports that provide spend management solutions to their customers. As a result, customers have critical data insights in their hands to negotiate with shipping carriers concerning their shipping spend. To learn more about shipping reports, contact us at [email protected]. You can also learn about us by visiting our Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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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.

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Reduce costs and improve efficiency with Shipping Reports

Shipping reports play a significant role in improving the shipping processes. They enhance shipping efficiency. Track parcel delivery in real-time. And lower overhead costs.

Shipping reports contain vital data of all your shipment. This data is a powerful asset that helps improve processes and optimize operations. This data helps you assess the different areas of operations, run reports, and take corrective actions. Efficient operations, favorable fuel, and labor costs determine the profitability of shipping companies. In this context, having thorough shipping reports are essential. They give an overall view of the shipping profile of shippers. In addition, they enhance shipping efficiency. In this blog, we will discuss the way shipping reports are making an impact.

Understanding the shipping process

Ordering products online seems easy. But shipping is a complex process involving different stakeholders, government regulations, the entire supply and distribution channels, and safe delivery. Hidden costs and carrier inefficiencies hamper a smooth operation. The process needs to have transparency for better operational efficiency.

So, how to improve the shipping process?

There are many ways to improve the shipping process. The chief among them are:

  • Streamlining the shipping process
  • Sustainable and attractive parcel packing
  • Offering customers multiple delivery options
  • Researching and choosing reliable carriers
  • Keeping the customers informed about the shipment

Further, shipping reports aid in improving the shipping process.

Shipping reports and their role

Visibility of data is vital to ensure that the shipping process is being executed well. The shipping reports provide a single consolidated view of the complete data. Shippers access the data, analyze and act on it, and make informed decisions. The entire shipping profile of companies is available in these shipping reports. They provide a detailed 360- degree view of the minutest relevant information on each package shipped.

Audintel has various shipping reports that make it easier for our clients to evaluate, optimize and improve their shipping processes.

Some of Audintel’s reports are:

Shipment details report:

This gives detailed information for each package. Information like sender’s and receiver’s addresses, the weight of each parcel, etc., along with the charges, are easily accessible in the report.

Payment report:

This report gives consolidated report details of the payment for each parcel to carriers by shippers. The clients need not visit each carrier’s website to get the payment information. Thus, it expedites carrier payment and saves time. This also makes the comparison between different carriers easy and helps clients evaluate carrier performance at a glance.

Recovery and transaction report:

This report presents details of credits from the carriers. It mentions the number of transactions along with the charges. In addition, there is an indication of the refund amount. Tracking shipping costs is easier with the shipping reports.

An Audit credit report:

This report presents details on a refund for a package. It is filed by an audit company, like Audintel. On the other hand, client credit is possible. So it is when clients file for refunds or get payment from the carriers directly. This report enhances shipping efficiency.

Address correction report:

This is a vital report to identify charges for change in address of the package. Sometimes the rise in expenses is due to incorrect addresses during delivery. This report presents a complete view of such instances.

Exception and reason report:

These reports come in handy to track delays in package delivery. For example, the report captures details such as package delivered after business hours, weather delay, receiver not available at the delivery time.

Late with exception and reason report:

This is a consolidated report for packages that were delivered late and the reasons behind their delays. This report gives insight to the shippers regarding delivery improvement.

Saturday pickup and delivery report:

These reports help shippers evaluate the extra charges incurred for a Saturday pickup and delivery of packages.

Lost and damaged packages report:

These reports present the data on the number of lost or damaged packages during transit. These reports lower the overhead charges for the shippers.

There are many more reports available that give an easy and simplified view of all the complex data available in the shipping reports. The reports can be further customized as per customer needs. The report presents an enhanced shipping efficiency and saves money.

Closing remarks

The shipping experience should be a pleasant one. Not only for the customers but also the shippers as well. Shipping products to customers need to be fast, hassle-free, and on-time, every time. For achieving this objective, shipping reports offer the right insights for analyzing performance, optimizing services, and enhancing customer experience.

If you’d like to know more about Audintel’s best-in-class shipping process management and reports systems, write us today at mail to [email protected] or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our website here.