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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.

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.

freight audit services

Global freight audit: essential for freight services worldwide

by BlogFreight Audit

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

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

Global freight audits

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

Freight bill auditing

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

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

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

What is Freight reconciliation?

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

Streamlining the freight reconciliation process

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

Understanding freight audit and payment

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

Freight audit and payment providers

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

How to select the best freight audit and payment providers?

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

Taking your freight auditing process to the next level with Audintel

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

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

global freight audit

LTL and TL shipping rates: know more to lower shipping costs

by BlogFreight Audit

Speed is the need of the hour for e-commerce giants such as Amazon. Companies that deal with high shipping volumes opt for faster, cheaper ways of freight transport. Depending on the specific freight requirements, companies opt for the mode of freight shipping. Freight transportation by land is by trucks and sometimes rail.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, “trucks carry most of the tonnage and value of freight in the United States.” In addition, many factors impact trucking freight rates of shipments. This article discusses LTL and TL freight shipping modes and shipping rates. Further, we focus on picking the right freight services to save on shipping costs.

So, let’s learn about LTL and TL shipping rates, but before that

What are TL and LTL shipments?

TL (or FTL) is Truckload or full Truckload shipments. Shipments that require the entire truck are Full Truckload or Truckload freight. A whole truck will exclusively move the shippers’ goods, whether full or half empty. Shippers opt for TL freight when they want their goods to reach their destination in time or when volume of goods shipped is more.

Less-Than-Truckload shipments are known as LTL shipments. Multiple shippers share a single truck to ship their goods. It is ideal for small e-commerce businesses that do not send goods in bulk or want to save money.

TL shipping rates

TL freight delivery is faster and requires less intermittent stoppage. The Full Truckload prices are more predictable than LTL shipping prices.  Further, Truckload shipping rates are easier to calculate from origin to destination. However, factors affecting TL shipping rates include:

  • Mileage

The cost of any shipment depends on the distance it travels. Longer distances incur higher charges due to the high amount of fuel used in delivery, driver time, etc.

  • Capacity

The capacity of trucks shrinks when the trucks are booked ahead for the movement of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Refrigerated trailers, also known as reefer trailers, are set at specific temperatures to ship dairy goods, flowers, fruits, meat, vegetables, and more. These truckload shipments are slightly more expensive due to special conditions such as temperature control.

  • Peak season surcharge

Shippers face a rise in shipping rates during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas due to the high demand of consumers. Peak surcharge by shipping carriers raises shipping rates.

  • Flexibility and timing

Shipping rates increase if shipping carriers do not have the flexibility to ship goods, In addition, weekend pick up and odd hour timings will cost more for shippers.

  • Fuel surcharges

Shipping carriers charge fuel surcharges based on the market price of diesel. The government-approved fuel charges change weekly.

  • Accessorial charges

Accessorial charges are expenses incurred for additional work done by shipping carriers, like handling charges, extra attention to freight in loading/ unloading, etc.

TL shipping rates change with the current market and fluctuate even within a day or hour. They also vary from carrier to carrier. And so, choosing the correct shipping carrier is essential for businesses to save money.

LTL shipping rates

LTL shipments are cost-saving as shippers only pay for the space their goods occupy in the truck. LTL freight shipping has frequent pick-ups/ drop-offs at multiple locations, hence longer transit time. As a result, LTL shipping rates are complex and not easily understood by shippers. Nevertheless, the calculation of Less-Than-Truckload shipments depends on a few factors, such as:

  • Weight

LTL freight is consolidated into pallets to protect goods in transit. The weight of LTL pallets is usually between about 100 and 10,000 lbs. The heavier the shipment, the less it will cost per hundred pounds (CWT), but the total cost will increase. Most LTL class rates have six-tiered weight break-off points, including the minimum charge per shipment.

  • Density

The density of LTL freight’s calculation involves dividing the weight of the shipment by volume (length x width x height – DIM Factor). Lower density shipments take more space in the truck and will cost more. The density of LTL shipments increases or reduces LTL shipping rates.

  • Freight Class

Each trucking shipment has a freight classification that affects the trucking rates. In the US, the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) has 18 cargo classes ranging from 50 to 500. Determination of freight class is by value, handling, stowability, and liability. The higher the freight class, the more expensive the shipment.

  • Distance

Shipping rates depend on the distance of each shipment. Long distances are more expensive. Shippers need to know the origin and destination zip codes to reduce shipping costs. In addition, knowledge about the shipping lanes or routes having high traffic is essential.

  • Accessorial Charges

Extra services cost more and are a part of accessorial charges. Special fees for pick up or delivery from remote locations, weekend delivery, special handling charges, and fuel surcharges are expenses that contribute to shipping rates.

LTL shipping rates vary from carrier to carrier. Choosing the shipping carrier for LTL shipments is critical for saving money for businesses.

How Audintel helps you choose freight shipping mode and rates

After seeing the above two freight options, it becomes difficult to decide which shipping mode is the best for your business. For this reason, partnering with an audit company, Audintel, benefits shipping businesses to a great extent. Our team monitors the TL and LTL freight shipping rates and guides shipping businesses. We audit fuel surcharges applied by carriers to TL or LTL shipments. Our team of experts helps shippers negotiate the best freight shipping rates with shipping carriers. Further, Audintel helps its clients track, monitor, audit, contest with carrier in case of dispute their freight shipments so that there is no loss of revenue.

To Summarize

LTL and TL shipping rates depend on the shipper’s freight requirements. While LTL shipping mode is appropriate for businesses with smaller loads, it is better to know the shipping rates of TL if the load occupies more than half truckload space. Alternatively, TL shipments reach on time, but they cost more. Partnering with Audintel will help you find a balance in choosing LTL and TL shipping modes and managing their shipping rates. You can reach us for further discussions or you can call us at +1 (619) 354 8539. Further, you can also learn about our services on Audintel website.

freight audit

Is outsourcing freight audit a good business choice?

by BlogFreight Audit

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

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

What does it mean to outsource a freight audit?

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

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

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

How does outsourcing freight audit work?

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

The benefits of outsourcing freight auditing:

The following are some of the primary advantages:

Increasing productivity:

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

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

Higher level of transparency:

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

Data-driven insights:

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

Reduction in the cost of operations:

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

Gained visibility:

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

Conclusion:

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

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How Audit companies deal with Freight logistical and operational challenges?

by BlogSpend Management

Nowadays most companies are leveraging worldwide logistics to spread their footprints globally. Companies will incur huge costs in transportation hence Transportation Cost Control is required to be competitive in the market. To optimize cost and overcome the freight logistical and operational challenges, industries are consulting freight audits and payment companies.

Freight audit and payment companies will help identify the challenges industries are facing with respect to logistics and operations.

Common freight logistical and operational challenges

Dealing with Bulk Data:

The number of shipments is increasing day by day and the companies use multiple carriers for shipment which leads to the bulk of invoices. The amount of paperwork backup required to validate the charges increases tremendously which is impacting the amount of time required for freight reconciliation and also on-time payments. Hence affecting supplier/partner relationships and hugely impacting business.

Improper Freight Billing:

If the carrier contact information or weight information on your bill of lading is entered incorrectly, carrier obtains inaccurate shipment information and that can lead to a number of consequences such as delayed delivery and overcharging on the freight bill. Audintel uses advanced business intelligence solutions to achieve 100% correct billing.

Higher Shipping Rates:

Shipping cost is one of the major contributors to overall Inbound and outbound logistics costs. Shipping expense is something every company has to worry about. We need to be careful in choosing the right carrier and right shipping mode when transporting goods to larger distances as this will incur higher costs. Audintel analyzes the market data to determine how well a carrier is performing and compares the cost of transport against different carriers. Audintel also helps in making tactical and strategic decisions by choosing the right carriers with the lowest cost possible.

Data Transparency:

Companies have access to lots of data at the same time it became difficult to get easily accessible information. Visibility and understanding of data are very important for companies to make the right decisions.

Dashboards are an important component of Auditing companies. Audintel provides new dashboards highlighting a variety of data including shipment overview, annual summary details, audit activities, net spend, etc…

How do Freight Audit Companies help in freight logistical and operational challenges?

Freight audit companies examine the freight bills to verify information on invoices and ensure that the invoice has not already been processed using EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). By automating Freight reconciliation, we can eliminate paperwork and errors caused through manual work. If errors are found on the invoice Freight audit company reaches out to the carrier and ensures corrected invoices are sent whenever errors are found in invoices.

According to third-party logistics research, lowering transportation costs is at the top of the list of logistics sector priorities. Increased optimization using advanced shipping analytic tools makes it easier for the clients to choose the cost-effective carrier and analyze data to determine how well a carrier is performing.

Using BI, Visualization, and Data analytics to spot trends, Audintel provides powerful and interactive Dashboards for clients. Dashboards are also featuring drill-down functionally. At the highest corporate level, the dashboards are designed for the client to view the graphs. It also provides graphic breakdowns of your current rate sheets, so you can quickly see what your rates are with each carrier.

Streamlining invoice processes, reducing costs through invoice audits, and providing actionable insights are just a few of the benefits. All of the steps that were previously completed manually can now be completed using the services of a freight provider and their automation.

Conclusion :

Audintel provides shipping logistics companies full visibility of their supply chains and manages their resources efficiently. Features like Freight Audit, optimization, selection of carriers and data transparency helps customers in choosing the best suppliers. To learn more services provided by Audintel, contact us at [email protected]. You can also learn about our services by visiting Audintel Website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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A simple way to verify freight bills, using freight audit services

by BlogFreight Audit

Freight Audit Services help in auditing the process which is essential for shipping companies. Shipping large volumes of goods at a fast pace and at less cost is vital for shipping businesses. Freight are shipments that weigh more than 150 lbs. Transportation of freight is a complex logistic process. Shippers have to pay freight bills to shipping carriers for freight transportation.

Factors like modes of freight transportation, distance, type of shipping goods influence the invoice amount. An audit is required to verify the invoices. In this article, we will discuss freight audits, their types, and the benefits of using freight audit services.

Overview of Freight transportation modes

There are different modes of freight transportation: road, air, maritime, rail, intermodal, and multimodal.  Transporting goods by these modes have a different impact on businesses.

Road transport is the most popular mode of transportation used by shippers. Businesses that transport thousands of packages use trucks or trailers. There are two types of road transport: Full Truck Load (FTL) and Less-than-Truck Load (LTL). In FTL, shippers can ship a truckload of freight and pay for the full truck. While, in LTL, shippers only pay for the part of the truck that contains their goods but takes a longer shipping time.

Maritime (Ocean) transportation is the slowest mode but transports the highest volume of freight. They are two types: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL).

Air cargo transportation is the fastest mode of transportation for shippers. Shipping carriers transport high-value freight and require quick delivery by this mode.

What is Freight Audit?

A business process where a shipper’s freight bills undergo examination, analysis, and verification is a Freight Audit. Freight bills are invoices from a shipping carrier to a shipper. Advanced software is in use to analyze freight bills for accuracy. A freight audit finds billing inaccuracies and saves money for shipping businesses.

Types of Freight Audit

A freight audit process can be manual, automated, or a combination of both. A Manual Freight Audit process is time-consuming and may lead to errors. The Automated Freight Audit process uses sophisticated software to give consistent and quick results. There are different types of audits based on factors affecting the freight invoices.

1. Freight rate audit

Shippers and carriers decide on a tariff for freight transportation.  Freight rate auditing checks the freight bill entry process. The audit is on the transportation charges and discounts. The shippers find it hard to calculate tariff rates as it varies based on a variety of parameters like shipper address (city, state, country, zip) to consignee address (city, state, country, zip), the permutations and combinations are generally exponentially high. Automated freight rate audit of Audintel can verify the freight rates charged by shipping carriers. We identify if there is overcharging or tariff rate change by the shipping carriers. We will raise a dispute with the carrier and get the carrier to properly charge the client.

2. Duplicate Invoice audit

An audit helps in identifying shipments that have multiple duplicate invoices. For example, if a single consignment has two closely matching invoice numbers, shippers may end up paying twice. Audintel conducts audits on shipments based on parameters such as invoice date, the weight of the shipment, bill of lading (BOL), invoice amount to prevent duplicate invoicing. Invoices that are duplicates are moved to zeropayclose and not forwarded to the client for payment.

3. Three-way Match audit

A three-way match audit involves three parties, the shipper, shipping carrier, and the auditor. It requires matching the invoice of the shipping carrier with the shipper’s match file. The match file comprises invoice records and estimated shipping price. The auditor compares the files and invoices to check for any errors in the invoice of the carrier.

4. Surcharge Audit

Other than transporting charges, freight carriers offer facilities to shippers. The facilities include lift gate charges, toll fees, additional handling charges, and more. There is an agreement between our client and shipping carriers regarding fees. Audintel audits surcharge levied by the shipping carriers and ensures that there is no overcharging.

5. Fuel Surcharge Audit

Fuel costs vary every day. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) announces weekly fuel prices on its website. The freight carriers adjust the fuel surcharge amount based on EIA published fuel prices based on the pre-agreed weekly days with the client. Audintel is a freight audit service provider that monitors any additional fuel surcharge applied by the shipping carriers during shipment.

Benefits of Freight Audit Services offered by Audintel

Audintel saves money for its customers with its freight audit services. It is a tall claim. Our customers can see the benefits of partnering with us. Our software helps customers

  • Review freight invoices
  • Minimize billing errors
  • Save time and money
  • Optimize supply chain operations
  • Calculate fuel surcharge rates
  • Make the freight billing process simple

Audintel has the best freight audit software that takes care of shippers’ freight billing.

To summarize

Shippers need to invest time and resources to verify freight bills.  Businesses are losing money and time by manually tracking freight bills. Shipping businesses recover 5% to 10% of their freight costs through auditing. By using freight audit software, shippers have better control over their transportation expenses. Freight auditing is a way to control a shipper’s freight spend. Audintel is providing real-time information through its intuitive dashboard. We use state-of-the-art technology to audit freight invoices and save money for our customers. For further details, write to us at [email protected] or please visit our Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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Reasons to consider a Freight audit software solution

by BlogFreight Audit

Freight Audit Software Solution

The freight audit software solution will help companies save costs incurred through invoices. This will, in turn, have a huge impact on their annual profits.

Nowadays charges from various transporters are negotiated and impacted by the oil market. Without a firm understanding of all the intricacies of the shipping industry, a company is always at risk of being consistently over-charged. That is why many businesses turn to a freight audit software provider or a freight audit and payment company. Audit companies handle the laborious task of auditing their freight bills.

Most of the companies will not be able to handle the massive task of processing, organizing, auditing, and paying the carrier companies. It is not only time-consuming but also requires dedicated internal staff. The opportunity to maximize your profit margin through business intelligence will be missed if your company does not take advantage of the intelligence gained from the data.

Freight Bill Audit and Pay

So freight bill audit and freight payment software is an essential component of any business. Many companies do not utilize technology to manage freight bills, resulting in a lost opportunity for multiple cost savings.

The old-school way of manually processing freight bills and hoping for the best overlooks many important and potentially expensive factors. Some companies shipping and receiving more than hundreds of shipments every month, resulting in paperwork in different formats from carriers. In the long run, this will become overwhelming, and inevitable errors get cropped in either from human inaccuracy or a processing mistake.

Discrepancies In Freight Bills

But if your company is being regularly wrongly billed, the costs add up quickly. Most companies do not have the resources to devote to auditing every single bill, so some will resort to a random check, giving the organization only a sample of the entire picture. This will result in risking the forfeit of any lost capital due to overpayment, errors, hidden fees, or redundant costs.

It should be clear that a sound strategy is a priority when it comes to Freight Auditing and Payment. Experts estimate that a company can expect freight charges to typically represent up to 10% of a company’s total cost of goods. It is a significant enough portion to pay attention to and to apply the most effective tactics to minimize.

Freight Paper Invoices

Paper invoices run the risk of becoming lost, and a company loses the ability to analyze bills and data. The cost to internally process and pay freight invoices can be measured at around $11-$12 per invoice. Along with the cost of allocating manpower to perform this laborious task, human inaccuracies or inattention to unforeseen factors may choke even the most well-intentioned internal department. Also, the opportunity to file a claim for reimbursement for any error is typically 180 days and must be handled on time.

Freight Bill Auditing Process

The freight audit company follows a specific process to confirm all inaccuracies are noted and corrected. It provides the client with a detailed evaluation of their shipping and receiving procedure based on ad hoc data. The process begins when the shipping invoice is received either manually or through EDI. The freight audit company will then verify the bill, inspect for errors or inaccuracies, and ensure that:

  • The invoice has not been previously paid or is not a duplicate,
  • Is indeed the responsibility of the shipper to pay,
  • Any tariffs were calculated correctly,
  • Accessorial charges are legitimate and
  • All necessary documentation such as the Bill of Lading and purchase order numbers are included.

They will file a claim to be reimbursed for the mistake or oversight whenever inaccuracies are spotted. If they are assigned to make the payments as well, they will handle the processing of the bill to ensure that it arrives as scheduled.

Audintel’s role :

We at Audintel have a freight audit software solution, which consists of various audit checkpoints to capture any discrepancies done by the carriers. We provide business intelligence reporting which can be used for detailed insights and also plan a better strategy when compared to the competitors. For further queries, please visit Audintel or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or mail to [email protected].