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Scenarios in which to negotiate a new contract with shipping carriers

by BlogCost Optimization

Are shipping companies satisfied with the services provided by shipping carriers?  Also, are shippers overspending on their parcel shipment?  Shipping contract negotiations with shipping carriers can address these queries. Shipping companies require contracts that provide quality service at the best price.  So, shippers can reduce shipping costs at each stage. This article covers the kind of improvements to existing shipping agreements. We will also discuss the scenarios for the preparation of new or renewal of shipping contracts.

Shipping contract negotiations

Shipping companies enter into shipping contracts with carriers for parcel shipping.  Shippers have to know their shipping profile when negotiating with shipping carriers. Shipping companies must understand what the fine print of the contract says. As the shipping rates change every year, shippers need to keep a tab on the shipment costs. In addition, over time, shippers may realize that some parts of the agreement need improvement.

What are the improvements to be made to existing shipping agreements?

Shipping companies view information on shipment details. The shipping reports provide them information on the number of packages, total spend, services, etc. They want to see improvement in the delivery services and costs.  As a result, they examine the shipping agreements to make any improvements. These improvements could be in Dim divisor, surcharges, earned discount and base discount, minimum, MRA, etc.

Scenarios for preparing shipping contracts

Shippers are looking for ways to renew shipping contracts that benefit them. Alternatively, they are searching for shipping carriers that offer competitive prices with quality delivery service. There are five scenarios that shippers look at based on data inputs and other parameters.

  • Optimization of existing shipping agreement

Initially, when shippers and shipping carriers sign shipping agreements, the parameters are different. These parameters include surcharges, accessorial charges, weight calculation, minimum charges, and more. Each year, these charges vary due to new regulations. Consecutively, the shipping costs on each package increase every year. So, to optimize existing shipping agreements, parameters including discounts, MRA, Minimum, Dim Divisor, Surcharges are considered. For example, shippers need to review the respective carrier’s Money-Back Guarantee regularly to receive the refunds due to them.

  • Change in existing shipping contracts for cost-effective services

Existing shipping contracts require change when the services are costly. Components such as maximum weight, zone, etc., interfere in providing cost-effective services. In the case of short-distance shipments or not urgent packages, it is wise to choose cheaper services. For instance, shippers change from one service to another service that costs less for shipments.

  • Use of alternate shipping carriers for business profitability

Shippers use multiple shipping carriers to increase their business profits. The shippers have an understanding of what the competitors are offering. While negotiating shipping contracts, shipping businesses can shortlist the shipping carriers that bring them profits. If a shipper is not happy with a particular carrier’s terms and conditions, they can opt for alternate carriers which have better terms and conditions suitable for their business.

  • Expired shipping agreement

For a shipping agreement that will expire in a year, shippers can consider a new shipping agreement or renew the old one with new terms. Shipping companies can set their timeline for the termination of the shipping agreement. They can put favorable terms and conditions in the shipping contracts that improve their bottom line.

  • Discontinuation of services of shipping carriers

Shipping contracts with shipping carriers should give prominence to quality service. But if the services are causing harm to the shippers’ profits, it is best to discontinue those services. For instance, if a shipping carrier does not provide accessorial discounts to domestic Air express services. Then it is best to shift to another shipping carrier that provides these services.

How is partnering with Audintel helping shipping businesses?

Audintel plays a vital role in empowering shippers to get the best out of their shipping contracts. Our experts analyze the data and also review and improve the shipping contracts of our clients. We point out any deficiencies in the shipping contracts. Audintel helps in improving the shipping costs for shippers. Audintel helps clients understand the intricacies of an existing shipping contract. And if necessary, we help to negotiate a new shipping contract on the clients’ terms.

Conclusion

When negotiating shipping contracts, understanding shipping rates is vital. Also, the reliability and efficiency of the shipping carriers are essential. Shipping contracts should be beneficial for both shippers and shipping carriers. Audintel helps you in cutting shipping costs and balance your bottom line. If you need help in shipping contract negotiations, contact us at [email protected]. You can also learn about our services by visiting our Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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Know your shipping spend from four critical shipping reports

by BlogSpend Intelligence

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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Do you know about the timeline to apply for a refund when FedEx delivers packages late?

by BlogTSM Services

When FedEx packages reach late, shippers receive flak for it.  Most of the time, shipping carriers are responsible for the delay. Nevertheless, shippers can claim compensation for FedEx delays. But, they miss the deadline to claim a refund.

Shippers need a dedicated team to handle this process. Partnering with an audit company like Audintel gives shippers breathing space. This article will discuss the process and the time to claim compensation when FedEx delivers a package late.

FedEx services that promise MBG compensation

FedEx offers Money-Back Guarantee (MBG) for late deliveries. FedEx’s MBG can be suspended, modified, or revoked at their sole discretion. FedEx offers MBG to all U.S. shipments, commercial and residential, in 50 states. The following services are eligible for FedEx MBG.

  • FedEx International First
  • FedEx Priority Overnight
  • FedEx First Overnight
  • FedEx Standard Overnight
  • FedEx International Priority
  • FedEx International Priority Freight

For instance, if a parcel delivered by FedEx Standard Overnight service is late by even a minute to a U.S. business, the shipper is eligible for a refund.

FedEx delivery time and limitations

FedEx estimated delivery time differs on various factors, including the services selected by businesses. Here FedEx Ground services deliver domestically in 1-5 business days. And FedEx International Services in 1-4 business days. By business days, we mean working days, Monday-Friday. And does not include weekends.

There are some limitations to the FedEx delivery time. For example, scheduled shipments on holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. The delivery of such shipments will be on the next business day.

Refunds for FedEx service failures

For many audit points, FedEx offers refunds. These audit points include late deliveries, lost shipments, duplicate charges, address correction charges, and more. If a package is late by even 60 seconds, FedEx offers a 100% refund of the shipping costs. However, FedEx does not inform businesses when there is late delivery. So, don’t be surprised if the courier refuses to refund based on their MBG policy.

The process to file a claim with FedEx for late delivery

It is a complex process to file a compensation claim. Especially for FedEx’s late delivery of packages. Initially, businesses have to identify the shipments delivered by FedEx for late delivery.  After identification, they have to request a refund. There are a few ways to request a refund from FedEx.

  • Shippers can submit a request by writing a mail to FedEx
  • They can submit a request through customer support by calling 1 (800)463-3339
  • Businesses can submit a request online on the FedEx website.

Online claim for compensation on the FedEx website

There are some steps involved in filing an online claim for compensation. The steps involve:

  • Logging onto the FedEx website and selecting the claim type
  • Completing and submitting an online claim form to FedEx
  • Tracking the status of the claim

The process may sound simple, but doing it is not. Shipping businesses send thousands of packages every day through FedEx. And so, tracking each package for late delivery while claiming compensation for it is tedious.

Time to file FedEx claims

There is a short period to file claims for any of FedEx’s service failures.  For instance, the time to claim a refund for each FedEx late delivery is 15 calendar days from the shipping date or invoice date. It is a race against time for shippers to file for late delivery claims.

So, it is vital to have parcel audit companies like Audintel to help shipping businesses.

Audintel makes it easy to claim compensation from FedEx Late Delivers

Our automated shipping solutions are monitoring FedEx’s late deliveries for our customers. We help shipping businesses save money by receiving refunds. Audintel reduces the time spent on claiming compensation for shippers. The advanced technology at Audintel monitors each package that has a late delivery. We help shipping businesses file a claim with FedEx for service failures. Audintel audits each shipment to track the refund that is due. Our intuitive dashboard gives a clear picture to shippers regarding their refunds. Moreover, customers can track the progress of each package refund on the dashboard.

It gets exhausting and stressful for shipping businesses if they do not claim compensation in time. Further, getting in touch with FedEx customer support for each FedEx late delivery is not feasible. At Audintel, shippers can avoid the stress of claiming compensation in time. Audintel has the most advanced, scalable technology platform that provides insights into each shipping portfolio. Thus, claiming compensation for late delivery of FedEx parcels is made to look easy by Audintel. For further details, write to us at [email protected] or please visit our Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

Get refunds with UPS Guaranteed Service Refund

Get refunds for late deliveries with UPS Guaranteed Service Refund

by BlogTSM Services

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

UPS’ Refund Policy for late deliveries

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

What are the limitations to UPS’ refund policy?

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

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

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

What is the process to receive UPS Guaranteed Service Refund?

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

Requirements for receiving UPS Refund

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

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

What are the steps to request a UPS refund?

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

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

OR

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

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

UPS refunds and claims made easy by Audintel

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

To summarize

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

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

by BlogTSM Services

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

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

The Refund policy of shipping carriers

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

How to receive a refund for late deliveries

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

  • Contacting the shipping carrier’s customer service hotline

OR

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

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

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

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

Documentation to request for a refund for late deliveries

The documents required to request a refund are:

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

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

Delivery exceptions posed by shipping carriers

Some of the delivery exceptions are:

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

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

Advantage of partnering with Audintel

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

Conclusion

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

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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 provides encompassing audit services to its clients. We help in analyzing your shipping spend and save money. Audintel is a name you can trust for auditing parcel services. For further details, write to us at [email protected] or please visit our Audintel website, or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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How to get a refund for late deliveries with FedEx Money-Back Guarantee?

by BlogTSM Services

Customers expect shipment deliveries on time. If a delivery is delayed, customers may not order from the shipper again. Sometimes, they may not even raise a complaint but shippers may lose revenue and the trust of customers. Did you know that shipping carriers, such as UPS and FedEx, give a refund for late deliveries on request? If not, then read on and get to know about refunds given by FedEx, such as the FedEx Money-Back Guarantee.

What is FedEx Money-Back Guarantee?

FedEx is a multi-national parcel carrier that promises on-time delivery of packages. If a parcel delivery is delayed by 60 seconds or more, they promise a 100% refund on shipping charges. This refund policy offered by FedEx is known as FedEx Money-Back Guarantee (MBG). It is for small parcel services (Ground and Express) and is initiated only on shippers’ requests.

Requirements to avail FedEx MBG

The shipments that have an exact delivery commitment time are entitled to refunds. To avail FedEx Money-Back Guarantee, shippers need to provide information such as:

  • Tracking number
  • The date of shipment
  • Origin and Destination of the shipment
  • Schedule date time
  • Delivery date time

The submission of the claim should be within 15 calendar days from the invoice date.

How does Audintel submit claims for FedEx MBG?

Audintel is the right logistics partner to make refund claims easier for you. Audintel automatically uploads the data taken from clients into its state-of-the-art auditing software. Audintel’s software monitors the scheduled date and delivery time of the packages. On behalf of their clients, Audintel identifies if a package is on time or late.

Further, a request is made to FedEx for Money-Back Guarantee in case of late deliveries. The refund request is through FedEx Billing Online or the invoice adjustment feature at fedex.com.

Money-back Guarantee for FedEx service failure

FedEx has to refund shippers’ transportation charges when there is a service failure. The refunds are given only on request. There is no commitment for delivery of shipments on which there is a suspension of FedEx Money-Back Guarantee. The conditions under which shippers are eligible for FedEx Money-Back Guarantee are that FedEx has to refund or credit transportation charges on request. This refund is applicable if a package gets delivered in 60 seconds. Or later than the committed time for a particular destination. There is one refund for each FedEx package delay.

A request for Money-Back Guarantee should include the FedEx account number, airway bill, tracking number, weight of the package, the shipment date, and receipt’s name, address, and ZIP code.

Audintel receives refunds for its clients from the shipping carriers. The refund gets seamlessly credited into the client’s accounts. Audintel shares the refund amount with the client after charging a nominal commission fee.

Exceptions to FedEx MBG policy

FedEx Money-Back Guarantee has certain exceptions. FedEx will not provide refunds due to these exceptions. The exceptions are:

  • Customs or regulatory delays due to errors in documentation
  • Undeliverable or Ground returned packages
  • FedEx package with an incorrect address
  • Shipments containing dangerous goods or dry ice shipments
  • Non-payment of duties and taxes before customs clearance or at delivery
  • Incomplete recipient information
  • Oversize or unauthorized packages
  • Unavailability of eligible persons to accept the delivery or sign the package
  • Shipment on Wednesday before Thanksgiving and seven calendar days before Christmas

To get FedEx MBG, trust Audintel

Many shipping companies do not realize that they lose money by not claiming FedEx’s Money-Back Guarantee. Audintel processes the claims for shippers and helps in getting FedEx MBG. An automated audit system at Audintel monitors FedEx packages for late deliveries.

We help our clients in getting refunds. Audintel’s interactive dashboard displays the refund process, which is easily visible to clients. The requests for refunds are within the stipulated time. We save 3-5% shipping costs every month for clients with FedEx MBG. Our clients trust us to get FedEx MBG without any hassles.

To sum up

Shippers must save money wherever possible. Shipping carriers like FedEx do not give refunds for late deliveries unless requested. Busy shipping companies may find it a hassle to keep track of late deliveries, losing revenue in the process. Audintel helps solve the difficulties of these shippers. Using Audintel’s automated software, clients get FedEx MBG for late deliveries. For further details, write to us at [email protected] or please visit our Audintel website, or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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How do analytics & BI tools help optimize shipping costs?

by BlogSpend Intelligence

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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Best Practices For Shipping Contract Negotiations

by BlogCost Optimization

Shipping contract negotiations are essential for the shipping business. They help in saving the costs of the shipping companies. However, contract negotiations are complex and time-consuming. The negotiations have to be mutually advantageous to both clients and carriers. There needs to be transparency and open communication. With this in mind, let’s explore the best practices in shipping contract negotiations.

To begin with, let us understand: What are Shipping contract negotiations?

Shipping contracts are legal documents between a client and a carrier. The regular review of contracts is necessary to increase the shipping business of client with carrier. Shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx announce rate increase periodically. Therefore, it is essential to track the rise in shipping spend. The shipping contract negotiations relate to services, weights, accessorial charges, and more.

There are different kinds of shipping contract negotiations such as:

Small Parcel contract negotiations

Small Parcel contract negotiations involve reading the fine print of the contract with the carriers. Shippers need to review their service contracts regularly. In addition, they have to be aware of the incentive offers and discounts. The shipping contracts should list all the services that are essential for shippers. In addition, it should give clarity about surcharges and tariff rules. Nonetheless, negotiating the best parcel rates requires careful planning and monitoring. Audintel services help small parcel businesses in shipping data analysis, optimizing agreements, and reduce parcel costs.

Freight contract negotiations

Negotiations regarding freight contracts include volatile freight rates. In addition, negotiations should consider unforeseen surcharges. Also, there should be clarity in the contents of the freight contracts. Factors such as rates, routes, services, free days, space protection, surcharges, and credit terms play a vital role in discussions. Negotiating freight rates is a complex process, which experts at Audintel are good at handling.

Negotiating rates with carriers

For successful negotiation of shipping contracts, shippers need to know the carriers and their services. Even after finalizing a shipping contract, new surcharges and tariff rules can emerge. Re-negotiations are necessary when an existing shipping contract does not align with a company’s business. Audintel has insights on the working of the carriers. Their team of experts will help in negotiations that are favorable for shippers.

The Best practices followed for negotiating Shipping Contracts are:

  • Gathering relevant data

Before starting negotiations, shippers should have relevant shipping data. The data contains the past performance of the shipping carriers.  Reviewing the historical shipping data gives an insight into the most frequent shipping zones, etc. Moreover, the data helps in identifying the rates and factors to determine the transportation needs. Audintel reviews the historical data for providing to-the-point negotiations.

  • Request for Proposal (RFP) drafts

Shippers send out Request for Proposals (RFP) after gathering data. A good RFP encourages potential carriers to give clients the best, competitive contract. The draft of the RFP includes the background of the shipping company and the types of products sold. Further, it should contain the shipping history, delivery requirements, and terms. RFPs help shippers in reviewing carriers’ proposals and compare their offers. Audintel takes a close look at RFP drafts and suggests shipping carriers to their clients.

  • Identify accessorial charges and surcharges

Shippers need to reduce additional expenses during shipment. The additional fees are also known as accessorial charges for carriers like FedEx and UPS. These charges occur where there is redelivery of packages, residential deliveries. Further, surcharges include fuel surcharge, after-hour deliveries, Saturday Delivery, additional handling, etc. Audintel helps in identifying the extra expenses. Audintel suggests cost-effective charges so that the shippers can save money while negotiating with carriers.

  • Review packing strategy: Dimensional weight Pricing (DIM)

The majority of the shipping carriers use a pricing technique called DIM weight. The dimensions of the package are in consideration for the price calculation. Shippers can cut shipping costs by reviewing the packing strategy. Packaging odd-sized materials require efficient use of packaging material. In addition, Audintel can negotiate with shipping carriers to improve the DIM divisor appropriately for shippers. As a result, it will reduce shipping costs.

  • Use of carriers

For better negotiations, shipping companies can use multiple carriers or single carrier for effective cost.  It leverages competition between the shipping carriers so that shippers get the best price for their business. As a result, shippers get better rates. They can choose the shipping carrier with the best delivery performance and rates. Audintel suggests alternative shipping carriers based on the parcel spend characterisitics.

  • Know the terms and conditions of the contract

Before signing shipping contracts, it is necessary to read all the clauses. It is essential to understand the terms and conditions of the shipping contract. There is a need for regular review for open-ended negotiations. Shippers need to thoroughly read the shipping contract and assess what will be beneficial for business. Audintel helps shippers understand the intricacies involved in the shipping contract negotiations.

The novel approach adopted by Audintel

Audintel follows the above best practices. And we have a novel approach towards contract negotiations. We have an intelligent mechanism in place to enhance your savings. The holistic approach adopted by Audintel is advantageous for clients.

Finally

It is vital to have good relationships with shipping carriers. A business negotiation based on mutual respect and trust will go a long way. Having a good rapport with the shipping carriers will ensure successful shipping contract negotiations.

When you sign up for services from Audintel, negotiations become simple. For further queries and details, write to us at [email protected] or visit our website Audintel, or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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Reduce costs and improve efficiency with Shipping Reports

by BlogSpend Intelligence

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.