why

Why incorporating GSR/MBG waiver in shipping contracts is a bad idea?

by BlogCost Optimization

On-time delivery of shipments is vital for shippers. Late parcel deliveries test a customer’s patience. At times, customer dissatisfaction leads to financial loss. With this in mind, shippers have a refund clause in their shipping contracts with the shipping carriers. Shipping carriers promise a refund for service failures such as late deliveries.

Approved late delivery refund requests save 100% shipping costs. But, in the past few years, FedEx and UPS are offering shipping refund waivers with incentives. Large shipping carriers are aggressively vouching for refund waivers. So, what are these shipping refund waivers? And, why should shippers not accept such Guaranteed Service Refund waivers? Read on for all this and more, in this article.

What are shipping refund waivers?

Shipping carriers like FedEx and UPS offer shipping refund waivers. Shipping refund waivers are clauses within the shipping contracts that provide discounts to shippers. These discounts are in return for waiving off the shippers’ rights to claim refunds. FedEx’s refund waiver is known as Money-Back Guarantee (MBG) waiver. And UPS’ refund waiver is known as UPS’ Guaranteed Service Refund (GSR) waiver. In addition, UPS and FedEx aggressively market these waivers to shippers for earning extra revenue.

Incentives in exchange for GSR waiver

Often shipping carriers offer discounts and incentives in exchange for signing an agreement with Guaranteed Service Refund waiver.  Shipping carriers who want GSR waivers entice shippers with attractive discounts during contract negotiations. The incentives include an additional package rate discount and small discounts in the accessorial charges for a short period. But, shippers generally don’t benefit much from these incentives, as there are other charges on the package.

Why should shippers not sign an agreement with UPS’ GSR or FedEx’s MBG waivers?

UPS’ GSR ensures the on-time delivery of all Ground and Express Packages.  When shippers sign GSR waivers, shipping carriers can no longer be held accountable for late deliveries. For instance, a parcel’s delivery time is the same day, but the delivery occurs the next day. The customer will hold the shipper responsible for the delay and not the shipping carrier. The shippers cannot demand a refund from shipping carriers on signing a GSR waiver. As a consequence, shippers face loss of revenue and customer dissatisfaction. That is why Audintel strongly suggests that shippers should not sign agreements with UPS’ GSR or FedEx’s MBG waivers.

Disadvantages of accepting shipping refund waivers

The disadvantages of accepting MBG waivers include lost customers, an increase in returned shipments, etc. Packages that are delivered late are a chief reason for shippers losing customers. Minimum service charges on each parcel eat away any discounts received on account of the GSR waiver. FedEx may offer an additional package rate discount with an MBG waiver. But, when FedEx applies minimum service package charges, these additional discounts will be negligible and lead to revenue loss. According to recent studies, waiving away MBG rights will cost shippers 1-5% of their entire parcel spend.

How can Audintel help?

Audintel has a well-experienced team of experts who are well-versed in contract negotiations. We compare the services of the shipping carriers before signing a contract. Audintel studies the fine print of each shipping contract with shipping carriers. We will help in getting you discounts while keeping the Guaranteed Service Refund clause intact. We ensure that our clients save more by not signing an agreement with a GSR waiver.

Services offered by Audintel concerning GSR Waiver

Audintel will never suggest a GSR waiver for its clients. We believe the credibility of the client will be affected by accepting the GSR waiver. When a GSR waiver is signed, shippers cannot question the shipping carriers for late deliveries. Shippers’ business gets affected due to delays in parcel deliveries. Shippers are in safe hands when they trust Audintel to manage their shipping portfolios. We not only track each parcel for late deliveries but also request for GSR. Our services help our clients receive the refund amount due to them. As well as enhance customer satisfaction bringing in more business for our clients.  Audintel holds the shipping carriers responsible for deficiencies in services. We can save at least 2-5% of overall parcel spend for our clients.

Late delivery refunds are essential for the small parcel industry. Late delivery refund claims save money for shipping companies. There is an estimate that over 3 billion dollars from unclaimed refunds are collected by UPS and FedEx when shippers sign GSR waivers. The refund amount belongs to shippers but, the amount remains unclaimed due to lack of auditing and claim processing. Shippers need professionals who can help them in monitoring their shipment portfolios at every stage. Audintel offers comprehensive audit services to clients, focusing on analyzing and optimizing shipping expenses to help you save money. As a trusted name in parcel service auditing and a SOC 2 compliant organization, Audintel ensure that your data is handled with the highest level of security and care. For further details, write to us at [email protected] or please visit our Audintel website, or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

smartmockups_kuwfb6uh-768x511 (1)

Reduce shipping costs of small parcel shipments seamlessly

by BlogTSM Services

The postage charges of the U.S. Postal Service are rising, according to the latest news. USPS Ground Advantage service is one of the simplest, affordable ways of shipping small parcels. But, its prices have increased. Similarly, there is an increase in the prices of USPS Priority Mail® and USPS Priority Mail Express® services. Further, the annual shipping rates of major small parcel carriers like FedEx and UPS have seen an upward trajectory.

It has led to a rise in the cost of shipping services for businesses. Many shippers are searching for faster and cheaper ways of shipping small parcels. Small parcel delivery companies offer discounts and affordable shipping rates. However, shippers need to know where to look to get the best service.

Regional carriers compete with the bigger shipping couriers with offers of different service options, fees, and more. Nowadays, the demand for free shipping and fast delivery is growing. E-commerce owners have to fulfill customers’ expectations and lower shipping costs. So, companies must find ways to reduce shipping costs.

This blog will cover the five ways to lower shipment costs and make profits for companies.

Factors affecting shipping costs

Small parcel shippers face challenges of packaging and labor shortages. To increase business profits, reducing shipping costs is vital. In addition, it is necessary to meet customer expectations when delivering small parcels. There are several factors affecting shipping costs.

The main factors affecting shipping costs include

  • Delivery speed and service

Faster small parcel delivery satisfies customers’ needs. Last-mile delivery of packages can influence shipping costs. In addition, the service levels provided by small parcel carriers like ground or air transport affect the shipping costs.

  • Weight and dimension of packages

Heavier packages cost more. Package dimensions also can affect shipping costs. Bulkier packages occupy more space in a delivery truck. Thus, small parcel delivery companies charge more for the packages.

  • Shipping distance

It will be costly to ship a small parcel far away. It will be cheaper to ship it to a nearby location. Small parcel shipping costs increase depending on the shipping zones within the contiguous US states. Small parcel international shipping involves taxes and duties affecting shipping costs.

  • Surcharges

Accessorials can influence the shipping expenses. There are many surcharges, like additional handling charges, fuel surcharges, residential delivery fees, delivery area surcharges (DAS), and more. The surcharges can add to the shipping costs if the shippers are not vigilant during shipping.

These factors will affect the calculation of shipping charges. Companies can reduce expenses by partnering with 3PLs and warehouse management. Further, they can invest in efficient packaging methods and streamline the shipping process.

Five ways to reduce shipping costs

According to the latest statistics, 47% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to extremely high costs. The high shipping costs could be due to taxes or shipping rates. Longer delivery time is also one of the reasons for cart abandonment. Shippers can reduce shipping costs in several ways. Audintel advises our customers about the ways to save money. Here are five easy ways to lower shipping costs.

  • Using advanced tracking software tools

Automated Transportation Management Software (TMS) allows shipping companies to reduce expenses. The tracking software helps shippers track their shipments. It provides an accurate shipment delivery time. Companies can cut shipping costs by effective planning of transportation budgets.

Audintel’s TMS effectively manages shipping spend by managing small parcel carrier payments and performance. It gives shippers an edge over shipping carriers when requesting refunds for late deliveries. Audintel monitors the package deliveries and files a refund for our customers. Shippers get insights into real-time tracking of small parcels.

  • Management of shipping rates

Small parcel carriers offer different shipping rates and delivery services to customers. FedEx and UPS increase their shipping rates annually. Shippers can choose the service levels that suit their business needs. Further, they can check the services of alternate shipping carriers. So, shippers choose from the shipping rates of many prime and regional small parcel carriers.

Audintel gives comparison data about the parcel carriers’ rates to shippers. It provides valuable data insights to shippers. Audintel helps companies optimize their shipping operations with small parcel data management. Managing shipping rates of small parcel carriers allows shippers to save money.

  • Negotiating with small parcel carriers for the best shipping prices

A well-negotiated deal is the core of each shipment. Thus, negotiations with small parcel carriers are vital for companies. Shippers can reduce shipping costs by negotiating a flat fee from small parcel carriers. Shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx offer better fees for small parcels based on the size, weight, and destination. Shippers can expect discounts for some services from small parcel carriers.

Experts from Audintel have the data about shipping rates and discounts of shipping carriers. They inform shippers about the discounts and shipping rates of the small parcel carriers so that they get the best deal. Businesses can negotiate shipping rate discounts before the annual General Rate Increase (GRI). In this way, shippers benefit from discounts offered by small parcel carriers.

  • Inform shippers of the importance of shipping audits.

Customers hate unexpected charges in their invoices during the checkout process. Shipping companies can educate customers on the complexities of the shipping process. Shippers can reduce shipping costs by creating pick-up points for customers’ orders. Businesses can negotiate with fulfillment centers for shipping packages quickly.

Moreover, shippers can decrease the size of the packages to save money. For example, use a poly mailer for small parcels instead of a box. In addition, companies can reduce the weight and dimensions of small parcels. For instance, use lightweight and compact packaging material.

Shipping audits are essential for companies to lower shipping costs. Our team at  Audintel provides an in-depth audit of the shipping process. It identifies mistakes made by small parcel carriers. We point out any improper invoicing or unnecessary charges levied by shipping carriers.

  • Streamlining the shipping process

The entire shipping process requires streamlining from beginning to end. Companies can increase profit margins by optimizing the supply chain model. Identification of supply chain bottlenecks in time prevents shipping disruptions. In addition, shippers need to pay attention to customers’ needs. Shipping companies need to adopt advanced shipping processes with efficient planning.

Audintel advises shippers about shipping strategies to increase profit margins. We provide business models to shippers that lower shipping costs. Presenting real-time delivery updates to customers helps increase customer satisfaction. Further, Audintel provides customized shipping reports for shippers to streamline their shipping processes.

How Audintel services reduce shipping costs

Audintel’s audit team has TSM services to help shippers manage their shipping profiles. Our TSM services include

  • real-time tracking of shipments
  • identifying invalid, inaccurate billing charges
  • assessing carrier contracts
  • saving with accurate pricing calculations
  • analyzing Transportation Spend
  • claims and refund processing, etc.

Audintel’s state-of-the-art cloud-based software provides access to the best shipping rates. It allows shippers to compare shipping rates of different small parcel delivery companies. We offer real-time shipping data to shipping companies. Our AI-based technology saves money and time for our clients. We aid shippers in negotiating good contracts. As a result, shippers receive the best deals and discounts. In addition, we provide shipping strategies to customers that help reduce shipping costs.

The bottom line

Small parcel shipping is complex, whether you ship locally or globally. Small parcel delivery companies add to the complexity by increasing their shipping prices. Businesses are looking for ways to ship small parcels economically and effortlessly. Small parcel audit companies help companies lower shipping costs with minimum hassles. Audintel gives shippers peace of mind with its sophisticated business intelligence solutions for Transportation Spend Management. The data analytics provided by Audintel helps shippers save money. Need help in reducing shipping costs- contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539. Further, visit our Audintel website to learn more about our services.

smartmockups_kxoh1cwc-768x568

Receive refunds quickly with Small Parcel Audit Services

by BlogSpend Management

The US e-commerce parcel delivery market reportedly will grow to USD 160.07 billion by 2032. There is increasing demand for speedy delivery services from small parcel delivery companies. For example, the United States Postal Service (USPS) small parcel delivery is economical, especially for last-mile deliveries. However, it has recently faced international shipping disruptions in many countries due to conflicts, winter weather, and local delivery issues. 

So, what if the small parcels arrive late? 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 small parcel audit service provider. If not, you face the uphill task of asking for refunds from small parcel delivery companies.

This article deals with the small parcel audit services and audit points provided by Audintel. Further, we also mention how the small parcel audits recover refunds for clients.

Small parcel audit services

Small parcel auditing services help businesses overcome manual, time-consuming refund claims. The monitoring and tracking of a parcel shipment by each shipper is possible with automatic parcel auditing software. Shippers receive refunds from small parcel delivery companies for inaccurate fees, late deliveries, etc. In addition, small parcel audit services help recover money for their clients by identifying shipping mistakes.

Small parcel auditors provide options for switching small parcel carriers to shippers. Businesses can benefit by choosing a fast, cost-effective small parcel delivery company. Shippers can choose small parcel carriers that are affordable and don’t have hidden charges. The small parcel delivery companies include major players like UPS, FedEx, and USPS. DHL Express, Sendle, OnTrac, etc., are the other small parcel delivery companies.

Small parcel audits review billing inaccuracies, overcharges, and service failures by small parcel carriers. Further, they help to keep shipping costs under control and optimize shipping spend.

Types of Small Parcel Audits

The types of small parcel audits include manual audits, parcel audit software, and parcel audit services.

Manual audits are time-consuming and laborious, requiring employees to examine each invoice by hand.

Parcel audit software automates the manual auditing process. However,  training and optimum use of the software are essential to get positive results.

Parcel audit services are outsourcing of small parcel audits. It avoids the hassle of learning parcel audit software by companies. It provides shipping strategies and ways to obtain refunds from small parcel carriers.

Small Parcel Audit services: audit points identified by Audintel

In this section, we explore the different audit points that impact businesses. In addition, these audits help in getting refunds from small parcel carriers. Audintel identifies various audit points that need periodic checks. These audit points are categorized further into three types of audits.

1. Service Audits

These audits are for deficiencies in services provided by the shipping carriers. The below audit points target the service deficiencies of small parcel carriers:

  • Late Delivery Ground
  • Late Delivery Air
  • Late Delivery International

Shippers receive refunds for late deliveries by small parcel carriers by ground or air. It can be for domestic or international shipments. Small parcel auditing services inform shippers about the delays in package deliveries.

  • Voids

Small parcel carriers generate labels for all packages. Sometimes, these packages may not be shipped. However, the shippers eventually pay for the non-deliveries. Audintel tracks such non-delivery shipments for refunds.

  • Duplicate Invoices

Small parcel delivery companies generate invoices twice for the same shipment. Audintel identifies the duplicate invoices and requests refunds from them.

  • Duplicate Tracking Number

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

  • Lost Claims

Audintel makes claims for refunds to the small parcel carriers for lost packages.

  • Damage Claims

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

  • Saturday Pick-Up and Delivery Validation

Small parcel carriers pick up packages on Saturday. They charge extra for Saturday pick-ups and deliveries. Audintel validates such shipments. If there are mistakes made, we claim refunds for clients.

2. Invoice Audits

Invoice errors are a part of small parcel audit services. Here are some audit points that monitor inaccurate invoices:

  • Incorrect Rate

Small parcel carriers publish shipping rates every year. During carrier contract negotiations, both parties decide the charges for each package shipped. However, the small parcel carriers may bill excess to the negotiated rate. It leads to billing with inaccurate rates. Audintel audits the shipping rates levied by the shipping carriers and requests refunds where necessary.

  • Incorrect Discount

During contract negotiations, shippers and small parcel shipping carriers decide on discounts based on the shipping needs. Audintel identifies errors in providing the correct discounts by small parcel carriers, leading to refunds.

  • Incorrect Accessorial

Audintel requests refunds for shippers if accessorial fees, like fuel surcharges, are incorrect.

  • Commercial/Residential Adjustments

Small parcel carriers may charge small parcel delivery to commercial establishments at residential location prices. So, small parcel audit services by Audintel recognize the mistakes made by shipping carriers and request refunds.

  • Address Corrections Air or Ground

Packages requiring air or ground shipping do not necessarily need address corrections. However, Audintel requests refunds when shippers face wrong charges for address corrections.

  • Delivery Area Surcharge (DAS)

Shipping carriers charge businesses a surcharge if the delivery area of the small parcel is in a remote location. Audintel requests refunds when the DAS is inaccurate.

  • Hundredweight Shipments

Small parcel carriers provide discounts for multiple shipments going to one location. Audintel advises opting for alternative suggestions by small parcel carriers to save money.

  • DAS Extended

Small parcel carriers may charge extra for shipments with delivery areas beyond the remote locations. Audintel verifies whether the small parcel shipment is in the delivery area beyond the distant location. It requests refunds for discrepancies.

  • DAS Rural

This surcharge is for rural areas. Small parcel auditors verify the surcharge for accuracy.

  • Contract Negotiations

During carrier contract negotiations with the small parcel carriers, there are discussions on shipping rates and other surcharges. Audintel has an expert team to help shippers in carrier contract negotiations.

  • International Import and Export

Small parcel delivery internationally attracts duties and taxes. Audintel audits the shipments to ensure shippers do not pay extra taxes.

  • Incorrectly Billed Collect Shipments

Audintel checks if the shipments paid by third parties are correct.

  • Weight Accuracy

Small parcel audit services help shippers pay the exact amount for parcel weights. For example, a package that weighs 10 pounds may be charged incorrectly as a 15-pound package.

  • Additional Handling Charges

The Audintel team audits the shipments to verify if the shippers pay extra for handling packages.

  • Fuel Surcharge

Audintel verifies the validity of the fuel surcharge.

  • Hazmat Materials

Packages with hazardous materials have higher prices. Audintel audits the shipping invoices for the correct calculation of the shipment.

3. Compliance Audits

Audits conducted by third parties are compliance audits. It is to check if the shippers and small parcel carriers are following the negotiated terms of the contract agreement. The following audit points are integral to the compliance audits:

  • Contract Rate and Tier Audits

Audintel helps shippers with their contract agreements with small parcel carriers to get the best deal. We have expert negotiators who have in-depth knowledge of carrier contracts.

  • Contract Negotiations

Our negotiating team ensures that the shippers’ contract agreements with parcel carriers are correct and there are no discrepancies.

  • Invalid Account Number Usage

Small parcel auditors identify packages having invalid account numbers.

  • Incorrect billed 3rd Party Shipments using the client account number.

Audintel identifies incorrect third-party account numbers that do not exist. It notifies shipping carriers of incorrect billing of third-party shipments.

  • Special Contract Consideration

Audintel notifies shippers of any mistakes made in the contract negotiations.

Small parcel audit services by Audintel: refunds and savings.

Audintel requests refunds from small parcel carriers for mistakes made by them. We ensure our clients receive money in the accounts from  FedEx, UPS, and other small parcel carriers. As a small parcel auditor, Audintel ensures that its services do not end with just providing software solutions. We also ensure refunds for our customers. We help our clients save money by negotiating discounts with shipping carriers.

Final Remarks

Small parcel audit services help businesses request refunds for mistakes of small parcel carriers. Several eligible refunds are unclaimed by shippers. With the help of small parcel audit services, companies can claim refunds and save money. Audintel experts help shippers cut shipping costs with data insights. We help shippers choose the small parcel delivery company that serves their business needs.  Reach out to us for a demo and benefit from our state-of-the-art services. Contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website to know more about us.

Small parcel audit to improve bottom line

Small parcel audit: necessary to improve your bottom line

by BlogSpend Intelligence

Same-day shipping has become the norm for most e-commerce orders. Further, according to reports, e-commerce sales are growing exponentially every year. Emphasis on digitalization and cashless payments are on the rise. There are chances of shipping and invoicing mistakes by shippers and shipping carriers. Identifying these mistakes is essential for conducting profitable businesses. A small parcel audit helps shippers identify and rectify these mistakes.

In this article, we will explore the concept of small-parcel shipping. In addition, we will discuss small parcel auditing. We will also discuss why small parcel audits are necessary for logistic businesses globally.

Small parcel shipping

Small parcels are packages that weigh less than seventy pounds. Goods get packed in envelopes, poly mailers, or boxes for cost-effective shipping. Customers receive their small parcels through shipping carriers. Shipping small parcels requires careful planning and good logistics. The choice of shipping carriers can impact the shippers’ bottom line.

Small parcel delivery is vital for businesses to retain their reputation. Shippers face the customers’ ire if a small parcel gets delayed, damaged, or misplaced. Customer satisfaction is paramount for business to grow. Thus, tracking small parcel deliveries and saving time is necessary for shippers. A small parcel audit can help any business save money and time.

What is a small parcel audit?

A small parcel audit involves reviewing shipping bills and invoices. It helps identify overcharges and service failures by shipping carriers. Many shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL promise refunds for errors or service failures. A small parcel audit reviews each shipment for errors and service failures. In addition, it conveys the results to the shippers for appropriate action.

What are service failures?

Small parcel delivery services are possible through small parcel carriers like FedEx, UPS, Ontrac, DHL, CanadaPost, Purolator, etc. Their failure to ship small parcels as committed is a service failure. There are several service failures from shipping carriers.

Some of the service failures by shipping carriers include:

  • Late deliveries- Delivery to the customer beyond the committed time and date.
  • Voids- Packages are billed but not shipped.
  • Duplicate charges- Invoice billing done twice.
  • Avoidable address corrections- Charges for trivial address corrections.
  • Incorrect dimensional weight charges- carriers have taken the wrong measurements of the parcel.
  • Account validation – failure to validate shipments considered for payment for an existing customer account number.
  • Proof-of-Delivery –incorrect identification of POD or an invalid POD.
  • Zone validation – fail to use correct postal codes to validate carrier zone assignment.
  • Erroneous rates- the shipping carrier has given the incorrect discount.

These service failures need rectification immediately so that shippers do not lose money. Logistic businesses can claim refunds for service failures from small parcel carriers. Further, it can reduce shipping costs.

Small parcel auditing

Earlier, there was manual parcel auditing. Employees had to identify all billing errors physically. They had to review several invoices. The review of excessive paperwork was tedious. Shippers had to hire specialist auditors for this labor-intensive work. It took time to gather information and was not cost-effective. Many resources had to spend time and money during auditing. Shippers could save money and resources by adopting small parcel auditing software.

Software-assisted small parcel auditing

US parcel shipping volumes are likely to reach 225 billion by 2028, according to Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index. There’s a need to optimize shipping operations with shipping volumes increase. Shipping companies have started adopting software technology, which is maximizing their profits. Shippers require in-depth visibility of parcel spend with the help of data. Further, shippers can review their invoices digitally. By analyzing the data readily available, enhancement of shipping methods is possible.

Small parcel auditing is possible with specialized software. It gives complete visibility of the shipping operations. Small parcel management with real-time tracking of shipments is beneficial for shippers. Further, refunds for late deliveries from shipping carriers aid businesses in saving money and time. In addition, surcharges like residential delivery surcharges, address correction surcharges, remote area fees, etc., are monitored by the software. Businesses can avoid extra fees with data-backed small parcel audit software.

Small parcel audits benefit a logistic business

Small parcel audits are essential for logistic business operations. These audits help in saving shipping costs for shipping companies. Businesses can monitor the complexity of managing fees, agreements, and money-back guarantees. Small parcel audit processes reduce overall shipping costs for companies. Shipping costs can decrease to about 20% by claiming eligible refunds from shipping carriers.

Small parcel audits allow businesses to save money through refunds from small parcel carriers. Small parcel audits help in the timely identification of late deliveries and automatic refunds. Moreover, shippers can profit by renegotiating their carrier contracts with the shipping carriers. Shippers can negotiate for an advantageous deal with valuable insights from small parcel audits.

Additional benefits of using small parcel audit services

Shippers can save immensely by reviewing data from small parcel audits. It helps shippers to understand any inefficiencies in their systems. These audits identify additional surcharges to companies. For instance, a small parcel audit can identify a parcel sent to the wrong location and recover money. Based on shipment complexity, in-house auditing is expensive for businesses. And so, when logistic companies want to save time and money, they outsource to companies providing small parcel audit services.

One such company is Audintel, which can analyze data to identify billing errors and overcharges. We can strategize solutions to remedy the mistakes. We provide small parcel audit services with state-of-the-art AI-powered dashboards and business intelligence tools. Moreover, we give easy-to-understand shipping reports for businesses to save thousands of dollars.

How do small parcel audit services function?

Companies offering small parcel audit services understand the shippers’ business needs. Small parcel audit services create an online login for the shipper. Further, there is a linkage with the parcel carrier’s systems. Real-time parcel tracking till the point of delivery of the shipment is carried out. Whenever there is a service failure, the generation of an invoice occurs. Subsequently, there is an automatic invoice audit, and an automatic claim is submitted. The audit team contacts the shipping carriers with the claim. The shipping company gets a quick refund. The entire process involves a software tool working in the background.

Small parcel auditing and technology

Small parcel audit services have a dedicated database for each shipping company. There is visibility on each aspect of the shipping information. The data ranges from the parcel origin, destination, charges, etc. Small parcel audit companies use interactive, AI-powered dashboards. An automated BI platform helps to identify extra fees. They help in analyzing problematic areas and negotiate knowledgeably with shipping carriers. After a parcel is shipped, there is an audit at each level. In addition, there is evidence at each service level.

Shippers can save money by claiming UPS and FedEx refunds that otherwise go unclaimed every year. Small parcel management is possible with easy-to-use dashboards and dynamic shipping reports provided by small parcel audit services.

What are the advantages of using small parcel audit services?

The services provided by a small parcel audit company include:

  • E-connectivity with the shipping carrier and parcel invoicing system
  • Transparency in shipment operations
  • Tracking each parcel with accuracy
  • Interacting with parcel carriers to resolve any disputes
  • Check for any violation of guaranteed service agreements
  • Identifying any overcharges made by the parcel carriers

Small parcel audit services provide support to logistic companies. The experts providing these services are well-versed in each aspect of the shipping process. Their exhaustive auditing processes help shippers reduce costs.

Summary

Customer satisfaction is paramount for the logistics industry. Customers can change their choice of company or business based on a bad or good shipping experience. It is painful for shippers if they lose customer trust. A small parcel audit helps identify each charge and ask for a refund. It is vital for real-time confirmation of billing errors. Logistic companies can reduce shipment spend by doing a small parcel audit. Audintel provides small parcel audit solutions for seamless shipping operations.

For further queries on small parcel audits, please call Audintel at +1 (619) 354 8539 or drop a mail at [email protected].

smartmockups_ldoi7li8-768x511

Minimize shipping operation costs with data analytics

by BlogSpend Intelligence

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.

smartmockups_lcye7677-768x511

Freight audit process: Six common challenges shippers face

by BlogFreight 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.

Carrier contract negotiation

Do you know everything about carrier contract negotiations?

by BlogCost Optimization

It’s that time of the year again for evaluating your expenses, especially for parcel and freight shipments. As a sign of good practice, companies should review their contracts with shipping carriers annually. It not only helps in understanding the shipping costs but also in saving money efficiently.

We have discussed carrier contract negotiations in our earlier blogs. Here, we will share experts’ advice on the prudent way to negotiate carrier contracts.

Companies with high shipping volumes can reduce costs with an efficient carrier contract management system. Experienced professionals believe that a well-informed shipper can diligently negotiate on the negotiation table and reduce shipping costs. So, let’s understand the importance of carrier contract negotiations. In addition, gain the know-how to prepare for the negotiation process from experts.

Importance of carrier contract negotiations

Businesses face rising shipping prices and increase their profits while fulfilling customer expectations. So, it becomes essential for shippers to negotiate better carrier contracts and save money. Due to labor shortages, shipping carriers such as UPS and FedEx are increasing their shipping rates. Companies end up paying more to these shipping carriers if their carrier contract negotiations do not cover some services. With an optimized carrier contract, companies can drastically reduce their shipping costs.

Contract negotiation process

It is necessary to understand the complexities of the contract negotiation process for the best deals. Ideally, the contract negotiation process involves understanding the shipper’s shipping volume in different categories. Businesses need to identify their shipping volumes in terms of service with zones keeping their historical data in mind. It helps to identify the service that can fetch more discounts from the shipping carrier. Moreover, additional evaluation of weight slabs helps shippers receive discounts, particularly in specific slabs having high shipping volumes. Further, a proper Dim Weight shipping volume assessment helps reduce the Dim Weight.

Negotiating Parcel Contracts

Negotiating carrier contracts can also involve identifying shipments to specific destinations. For instance, shippers can get discounts, particularly for Western States or Eastern States in the contiguous states within the country, or Import/Export to specific countries. In addition, negotiating parcel contracts brings discounts on fees. The parcel carriers offer discounts on high-volume surcharges can significantly reduce shipping rates.

Experts having vast experience in carrier contract negotiations believe that shippers should know which services attract the maximum discount. During carrier contract negotiations, shippers can target the services that will give them the most rebate. In addition, shippers should clarify the minimums applied to each service. For instance, if the shipper has a high possibility of shipping rates at the minimum, then negotiations should be on the minimum reduction amount on the minimums. Further, shippers should negotiate for a higher dim factor for specific services.

Use of Multiple Carriers

According to experienced carrier contract negotiators, shippers should consider alternative parcel carriers. A shipper using a shipping carrier for a prolonged period may miss out on crucial shipping discounts on specific services. A multi-carrier strategy identifies the current carrier costs for alternative carriers. Companies can compare the current shipping costs of the old parcel carrier with that of the new shipping carriers to help them decide the best shipping carrier for their business.

A better understanding of surcharges

Value-added charges or surcharges may not appear in the initial contract with shipping carriers. But, an accurate assessment of the value-added fees at regular intervals helps companies save money. Shipping surcharges and charges of the parcel carriers change frequently. Some of the fees that see frequent changes are

  • General Rate Increase (GRI)
  • Courier and documentation fees
  • Pallet fees

Carrier contract management can keep track of the surcharges so that shippers don’t pay extra. In addition, carrier contract management supports negotiation strategies with parcel carriers. Parcel contract negotiations require expert management to get a complete understanding of different nuances during the contract negotiation. Companies that do not have an in-house contract negotiation team can always partner with third-party experts.

Get expert opinion from Audintel on carrier contract negotiations

Shipping companies have to understand their shipping profile before entering into contract negotiations. Audintel helps shippers evaluate their historical data to know the areas that can reduce shipping costs. Shippers should pay attention to any changes in the shipping carriers’ fees. Our team provides updates about any changes in the shipping carriers’ fees and surcharges so that the shippers don’t pay more. In addition, Audintel also supports its clients in renegotiating contracts as and when needed. We help shippers to review their carrier contracts periodically to avoid payment of unseen charges in the future.

To sum it up

Parcel shipping is becoming expensive every year. A good carrier contract helps shippers overcome hidden fees and surcharges. Effective carrier contract negotiations at the right time help companies get the best out of their shipping carrier contracts. Audintel’s experts in carrier contracts negotiations help shippers save money. For further information, contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

UPS Shipping Invoice Audit

UPS shipping invoice audit: why use a third-party auditor?

by BlogSpend Management

Companies shipping large volumes of parcels during the holiday season don’t have time for parcel audits. In addition, it is hard to oversee mistakes and overcharges made by shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx. So, many companies are moving towards automated audit solutions to save time and resources. This article will discuss the need for auditing UPS shipping invoices. Also, we will highlight the benefits of using a third-party auditor.

But first, we need to understand-

UPS audit-what is it?

UPS offers businesses various incentives for shipping parcels through their company. Shippers also enter into contracts with UPS for their different shipping services. However, checking each UPS shipping invoice for incorrect surcharges and late deliveries is tedious. A UPS audit thoroughly examines each UPS shipping invoice for potential errors. It helps shippers claim refunds from UPS and understand their shipping spend.

UPS shipping invoices

The contents of UPS shipping invoices require information like

  • Shippers’ name and contact address, contact number
  • Shipment details like a tracking number, shipment ID, date of shipping, invoice number, purchase order, etc.
  • Recipient’s name and contact address, contact number
  • Quantity of goods
  • Description of goods
  • Value of goods
  • Declaration statement

Further, shippers provide information about the discount, insurance, total weight, and the total number of packages. For further details, check UPS site. UPS will charge the shipper more if inaccurate and incomplete shipment information is on the shipping document. UPS has the right to audit any package to check its weight and dimensions. If there are any discrepancies, UPS will charge more to the shippers.

Need for audits of UPS shipping invoices

Parcel and freight auditing gives shippers better insights into their shipping needs. Companies can renegotiate better shipping rates with UPS based on the shipping data. An audit of UPS shipping invoices will unravel duplicate charges and other overlooked errors. UPS audits are to be quick and accurate as the window for recovering UPS refunds is time-bound. Companies can recover refunds for UPS late deliveries within fifteen days from the date of shipment. Audits retrieve money owed to companies from shipping carriers like UPS.

Benefits of parcel auditing

The growth of small parcel shipping has caused a rise in small parcel costs. With the demand for faster parcel deliveries, shippers deal with monitoring surcharges and shipping rates. As part of cost-saving strategies, companies are cutting down on excess packaging of goods. In addition, they are investing in parcel auditing services for a detailed understanding of their shipping spend.

How a third-party auditor helps companies reduce their transportation spend?

Parcel audit services by third-party auditors conduct audits on UPS shipping invoices. Their proprietary parcel audit software runs a complete audit checklist on UPS shipping invoices. The refund process is automated, and the refund amount gets credited to the shippers’ accounts directly. The auditor accesses all the shipping data and provides in-depth reports to the shippers on their shipping expenses. Some of the audit checklists of UPS shipping invoices include

  • Late deliveries
  • Lost packages
  • Duplicate Billing
  • Address correction charges
  • Residential charges
  • Incorrect Dimensional weight charges
  • Missed discounts as specified in service contracts and many more

Third-party auditors provide customized reports to companies regarding their UPS shipping invoices. It allows shippers to renegotiate with UPS regarding certain services and reduce their transportation spend.

Parcel invoice audit software

Many parcel auditors have specialized AI-driven UPS invoice audit software. The AI platform automatically audits UPS invoices every week and uncovers any hidden errors instantly. Further, the data analytics reveals UPS late delivery refunds uncompensated and other billing errors. The real-time shipping data helps shippers improve their delivery efficiency and recover lost profits. In addition, effective parcel audit software guides shippers in addressing last-mile delivery issues and optimizes shipping methods.

Partner with us for the Audintel advantage

It is difficult understanding the complexities of UPS shipping rates, surcharges, and refund processes. Audintel has experts who have worked with shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx and have a thorough knowledge of these charges. We have an AI-powered platform that automatically checks UPS shipping invoices. Line-auditing of every invoice ensures that shippers recover their shipping costs. In addition, we have a team that pursues the billing mistakes with UPS so that clients do not lose even a single dollar due to unfair billing. Our customized shipping reports provide insights into shipping data. It also provides visibility of any hidden surcharges levied by UPS after the delivery of packages. By partnering with Audintel, shippers can cut shipping costs by making smarter shipping decisions.

Final thoughts

Parcel auditing is a time-consuming process. Companies do not have the time or the resources to manually audit shipping invoices. So, auditing UPS shipping invoices for individual packages is a big task, especially for a company shipping large volumes of parcels. Outsourcing parcel auditing to experts like Audintel helps companies claim refunds for UPS late deliveries. In addition, parcel audits provide greater visibility to shippers to reduce their shipping expenses. For more information about Audintel and our services, contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

freight audit services

Freight audit services for greater transparency

by BlogFreight 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.

Shipping reports

Shipping reports: Optimize shipping performances with data

by BlogSpend Intelligence

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.