Small_Parcel_Shipping_Challenges

How to overcome challenges of small parcel shipping?

by BlogTSM

Small Parcel shipping is challenging for many shippers. Businesses need strategic solutions with the right software tools to ship small parcels efficiently.

The convenience of ordering online is here to stay. Experts believe there’s been a significant increase in the volume of shipping small parcels to customers directly over the past few years. However, small parcel shipping domestically or internationally requires strategic planning. Inflation, record-high gas prices, supply chain disruptions, and more contribute to various challenges during shipping. Shippers need to automate shipping processes to save time and enhance customer satisfaction. This blog will focus on the challenges shippers face when shipping small parcels.

Small parcel shipping

Packages such as envelopes, posters, small boxes, etc., weighing less than 150 lbs are small parcels. Shipment of small packages requires efficient pickup, transit, and delivery. They do not occupy full truckload capacity like freight or large packages. Each small parcel order is unique and has various requirements. Shippers face challenges when shipping small parcels direct to customers (D2C).

Some of these challenges include:

  • Management of high volumes of small parcels

As customers shifted to e-purchases, there has been a rise in small parcel shipping volumes. Warehouse workers and truckers keep parcel volumes moving to prevent supply chain disruptions. LTL carriers disassemble small parcels or less than pallet load (LPL) shipments to fill their trucks. It may cause damage to the goods during transit.

  • Labor requirements

Processing small parcel shipments requires more labor or workers than bulk shipments. It leads to higher shipping costs for shippers. This cost is either transferred to customers as shipping fees or is a part of the product. Companies hire more people for warehouses and fulfillment centers for shipping small parcels.

  • Overcoming packaging hurdles

Small packages can vary in size, weight, and dimensions. Picking out the ideal packaging material is necessary to prevent shipping delays. Padded mailers and envelopes are appropriate for single items. Fragile items need packing in boxes with proper dimensions to avoid damaging goods in transit. In addition, heavy packages cost more to ship than light ones.

  • Accessorial fees charges

Many transportation service providers charge accessorial fees for small parcel shipping. These fees are residential charges, additional handling, address correction, weekend pickup/delivery, and more.

  • Selection of appropriate parcel carriers and services

Last-mile delivery of small parcels is essential for better customer satisfaction. Choosing the correct local parcel carriers is necessary as inexperienced and untrained courier staff can damage the goods. Hence, selecting the parcel carrier and the appropriate services allows shippers to cater to their customers’ needs.

Retail consumers expect on-time delivery and updated arrival status of packages. And failure to meet customers’ expectations causes loss of repeat business. Providing reliable services with greater visibility gives shippers an advantage over their competitors. Many parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx enhance customer experience with their services.

UPS small parcels

UPS has various options for small parcel delivery that are tailor-made for small businesses. They provide access to Drop Boxes, pickup options, and an-inclusive rate for shipments. They have defined the price range and service level for small parcel deliveries of particular dimensions at specific times. For example, UPS Ground services can provide 1-5 delivery dates for shipping small parcels.

FedEx small parcels

FedEx has different package classifications based on size and weight for delivering small parcels. For instance, FedEx’s Flat packages have short dimensions and a volume of around 400 cubic inches. FedEx has various small parcel limits for domestic Ground services than Express Services.

A third-party (3PL) provider helps shippers in carrier management. They can negotiate better shipping rates for shippers to get better discounts. Further, they can compare carrier performances and suggest services of multiple parcel carriers. With expert knowledge of packaging expertise, they can provide cost-effective solutions.

Audintel- for faster and cheaper small parcel shipping

Our state-of-the-art shipping optimization platform helps manage small parcel delivery. We offer customizable dashboards that continuously monitor shipping status and on-time delivery of packages. Audintel’s automated real-time customer notifications keep our clients abreast of the entire shipping operations of packages. Our expert team can provide shippers with data to compare carrier performance, identify areas of saving money and time, and more.

Companies can streamline their small parcel shipping needs with Audintel’s Transportation Management System (TMS). We provide customized views within our dashboards even for the shipping’s made through small parcels to different destinations. Moreover, our software tools help reduce shipping costs for our clients by providing alternate solutions.   

Finally

During the pandemic, there was a drop in sales of brick-and-mortar products. E-commerce sales of small packages have grown exponentially. Smooth, reliable small parcel shipping is vital for shippers to improve their profitability. So, efficient management of high volumes of small parcels with advanced shipping software solutions is the need of the hour. Partnering with Audintel helps shippers overcome these challenges. We address each business’ unique customer preferences to ensure effortless, cost-effective delivery of small parcels.

Along with customized dashboards, Audintel do have 200+ reports available in their portal which are available for live customers which will help in generating and scheduling the reports based on their required criteria.

Wondering how much it will cost for small parcel shipping? Learn more about small parcels by contacting us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visiting our Audintel website.

parcel auditing services

Parcel auditing services: transforming businesses intelligently

by BlogFreight Audit

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

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

Parcel auditing services and data analytics

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

What kind of Parcel data is important?

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

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

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

KPI dashboards in Parcel auditing

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

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

and more.

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

Importance of Business Intelligence in parcel  auditing

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

What is Business Intelligence?

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

Benefits of using BI in parcel auditing services

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

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

How does Audintel deal with the shipping data of businesses?

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

Audintel as a parcel auditing  service provider

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

Final thoughts

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

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Competitive parcel auditing services: essential for shippers

by BlogFreight Audit

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

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

Affordable parcel auditing services

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

Parcel shipping spend

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

Outsourcing parcel auditing

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

Services offered by a parcel auditing company

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

  • Late deliveries: Parcel delivery to the customer beyond the scheduled delivery time
  • Surcharge errors: Parcel invoices with incorrect address correction charges, delivery area surcharge, and other surcharge errors
  • Dimensional weight errors: Shipping carriers levy wrong dimensional weight charges on packages
  • Duplicate charges: Double invoicing for a single parcel shipment
  • Manifested not shipped parcels: Shipping carriers like UPS charge for a package manifested but not sent to its destination
  • Deviation from negotiated shipping rates and discounts: Parcel shipment with different shipping rates and discounts.

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

Small parcel auditing software

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

Freight audit software

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

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

Benefits of using Audintel’s services

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

Final thoughts

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

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Shipping trends of 2022 that redefine the way we ship

by BlogSpend Management

The supply chain industry has faced many challenges in 2020 and 2021. This year appears to be difficult for small and mid-sized businesses. In addition to the pandemic resurgence in some countries, the Ukraine conflict has posed many challenges.

Shipping costs have risen as FedEx has hiked its peak surcharges for international parcel and freight shipments. Many areas of the shipping industry have also seen disruptions. This article will explore the shipping trends of 2022, focusing on small packages.

Shipping trends of 2022

Online buying has put tremendous pressure on the supply chain industry. E-commerce customers are expecting faster delivery and returns of items. Small and mid-sized businesses are looking for opportunities to mitigate late parcel deliveries. With this in mind, here are ten shipping trends of 2022 that will change the way we ship parcels.

  • A rise in shipping costs

Parcel carriers have hiked annual general rate increases (GRI) and surcharges leading to a rise in the shipping costs. Unprecedented consumer demand for same-day delivery has led to increased shipping volumes. In addition, inflation is surging upward due to supply chain issues. Shippers need to evaluate the services they need to spend on to offset the rise in shipping costs. Further, businesses are advised not to change their parcel carriers or renegotiate their carrier contracts. It is because parcel carriers offer less attractive terms than their existing agreements.

  • Congestion at warehouses, port terminals

Due to the pandemic restrictions in countries, the waiting time to load and unload goods has risen. As a result, there is congestion at warehouses and port terminals, causing shipment delays. There is a backlog that is hampering shipping operations. Opening new fulfillment centers or physical stores in heavily populated areas brings products closer to the public. It allows shippers to provide quick parcel shipping to their customers.

  • Digitalization

The pandemic caused a shortage of professional workers such as logistic operators. Digitalization of shipping processes like warehouse operations is improving supply chain efficiency. Shippers can avoid several manual steps during order fulfillment by using shipping software solutions. Digital solutions are reducing shipping costs and enhancing shipping processes.

  • Personalized delivery experience

Customer experience is essential for recurring shipping business engagement. It is necessary to provide a personalized delivery experience with reliable, on-time delivery of packages. Clear and transparent communication regarding delivery and tracking of parcels helps customers. Further, adopting new technology to limit package theft and enhance the delivery process are other factors to increase customer satisfaction.

  • Sustainability

An increasing number of consumers are trying to reduce the carbon footprint of parcel deliveries. Re-cyclable biodegradable material is in use for packaging and shipping goods. Further, shippers use ground services to reduce overall transportation routes. Shipping businesses keep sustainability in mind by using eco-friendly boxes and mailers. Parcel carriers are using electric vehicles for shipping parcels to customers. Moreover, shipping carriers meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards by using electric-powered delivery vehicles.

  • Optimization of supply chain management

The “just-in-time” supply chain has become unpopular during the pandemic time. Shippers have shifted to holding a large buffer stock for any surges in demand and a decrease in the supply of goods. Shippers are examing their logistics and inventory data to optimize supply chain management. Inventory and e-commerce data help shippers optimize their shipping processes while reducing shipping costs.

  • Last-mile innovation

Last-mile delivery of packages is an integral part of customer satisfaction for businesses. Shortage of drivers can cause a delay in last-mile deliveries of parcels. Innovation in the form of robotics, drone, and self-driven vehicles will prevent poor last-mile delivery experiences. Some shipping businesses are already using drones to drop off medicines. However, using a drone for parcel delivery is difficult for communities. They require special permission to receive such deliveries. Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning have the potential to make logistic processes more simple.

  • Reverse logistics

A drawback to the increase in online shipping is the rise in returned packages. Shipping businesses have to pay for the returns processing fee with the increased shipping rates of parcel carriers. It eats into the profit margins of shipping companies. As a result, some big businesses offer refunds and keep the product in the customer’s hands. Alternatively, some shipping companies are mitigating returns costs with a multi-carrier strategy. Therefore, shippers use artificial intelligence to calculate whether it is economical to process a return.

  • Local pop-up e-commerce distribution centers

Shipping companies respond to local shipping demands by operating local pop-up distribution centers. Shipping parcels from long distances costs more. Lessening the delivery time by renting out warehouses allows customers to receive orders sooner. Expect gig economy carriers to rise in 2022. Shippers are planning to use the services of gig economy carriers to deliver packages within a few hours to customers.

Partnering with parcel shipping audit company

2022 will be a challenging year for shipping businesses. But, partnering with the right parcel shipping audit company can save money for businesses. In addition to negotiating the best shipping rates, Audintel helps businesses receive discounts for services from parcel carriers. Audintel helps shippers analyze their shipping data for inaccuracies, accessorial charges, refunds, etc.

Finally, the Shipping industry has to change with the times. What was popular two years back is not feasible now. Shippers have to make critical decisions and adapt to the ever-changing consumer demands. Data-driven innovation will have an impact on package deliveries in 2022. Partnering with Audintel will be beneficial for shipping businesses. 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.

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Is your small parcel audit service securing refunds promptly?

by BlogFreight Audit

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

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

Parcel audit services

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

Types of parcel audit impacting businesses

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

Service Audits

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

Late Delivery (Air, Ground and International)

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

Voids

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

Duplicate Invoices

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

Duplicate Tracking Number

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

Lost Claims

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

Damage Claims

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

Saturday Pick-Up and Delivery Validation

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

Invoice Audits

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

Incorrect Rate

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

Incorrect Discount

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

Incorrect Accessorial

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

Commercial/Residential Adjustments

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

Address Corrections Air and Ground

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

Delivery Area Surcharge

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

Hundredweight Shipments

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

DAS Extended

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

DAS Rural

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

International Import and Export

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

Weight Accuracy

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

Additional Handling Charges

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

Fuel Surcharge

Fuel surcharge changes frequently. Audintel verifies the fuel surcharge.

Hazmat Materials

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

Compliance Audits

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

Contract Rate and Tier Audits

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

Contract Negotiations

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

Invalid Account Number Usage

Parcel auditors identify packages having invalid account numbers.

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

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

Special Contract Consideration

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

Small Parcel audits by Audintel: refunds and saving

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

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

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How do small parcel audit services benefit businesses?

by BlogFreight Audit

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

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

Parcel audit services save money

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

Benefits of parcel auditing services

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

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

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

Late Delivery

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

Address Corrections

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

Duplicate Invoices

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

Voids

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

Saturday Pickup and Delivery Audits

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

Dimensional Weight

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

Incorrect Rate/ Discount

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

Residential Address audit

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

The Audintel Advantage

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

Wrapping it up

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

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Reduce shipping costs of small parcel shipments seamlessly

by BlogTSM Services

“Fast delivery” and “free shipping” are the terms keeping businesses on their toes. Small business owners have to fulfill customers’ expectations while keeping shipping costs down.

It is difficult for small businesses as they know the expenses involved in shipping. In addition, shipping carriers increase shipping rates each year. Here, we will cover the ways to lower shipment costs and make profits for companies.

Factors affecting shipping costs

Reducing shipping costs is vital for increasing profits in businesses. The main factors affecting shipping costs include

  • Speed and service
  • Weight and dimension
  • Shipping destination
  • Shipping volumes

These factors affect the calculation of shipping charges. However, shippers can reduce expenses by making changes in shipping methods.

Ways to reduce shipping costs

69.8% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to extremely high costs (research by Baymard Institute). The rise in shipping costs is due to various reasons.  It could be due to taxes or shipping rates. As shipping companies have no control over taxes, there are some ways to reduce shipping costs. We, at Audintel, advise our customers about ways to save money.  Here are five easy ways to lower shipping costs.

1. Use of modern tracking software

Shipping companies should use tracking software such as transportation management software (TMS). The software help shippers track their shipments. The tracking tools provide an accurate shipment delivery time. TMS gives shippers an edge over shipping carriers when requesting refunds for late deliveries. Audintel screens the packages and files a refund for our customers. Our automated software guides shippers’ insights into real-time shipment processes.

2. Managing shipping rates

Shipping carriers offer different shipping rates and delivery services to customers. Software like TMS gives businesses insights about shipping carriers. Shippers can choose from a list of shipping rates that suits them best. Audintel gives comparison data about the carriers’ rates to shippers. Audintel provides analytics to support shippers in making decisions regarding shipments and save money.

3. Negotiate the best price with shipping carriers

The core of each shipment is a well-negotiated deal. As a result, negotiation with shipping carriers is vital for companies. Shippers negotiate for a flat shipping fee to reduce costs. Shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS offer better rates for packages based on the size, weight, and destination. Audintel aids shipping companies in negotiating the best price with shipping carriers. We negotiate discounts with different shipping carriers for businesses. So shippers benefit from discounts offered by the shipping carriers.

4. Educate shippers on the shipping process

Shippers hate unexpected charges in their invoices during the checkout process. Shipping companies need to understand the complexities of the shipping process. Shippers need to decrease the size of the packages to save money. For instance, use a poly mailer instead of a box. In addition, companies need to reduce the weight of the parcels. For example, use lightweight packaging material. Audintel provides essential services to companies to bring down costs. We do a thorough audit to curb any mistakes caused by shipping carriers. Our checkpoints halt improper invoicing done by shipping carriers.

5. Streamline the entire shipping process

The entire shipping process from end to end needs streamlining. Companies have to optimize the supply chain model to increase profit margins. Alternatively, shippers need to pay attention to customers’ requirements. Shipping companies need to adopt processes with efficient planning. Audintel provides business models to its customers that cut shipping costs. We advise shippers about shipping strategies to increase profit margins. Shipping small parcels can be made seamless with low shipping costs.

These cost-effective ways potentially help shippers to save money and increase profit margins.

Let Audintel audit your shipments to cut undue expenses.

Shipping companies can rest easy by letting Audintel audit and manage their profiles. Our services customize tracking of shipment packages. Audintel’s shipping software provides access to the best shipping rates. It allows shippers to compare rates, pick the best one, and save time. We aid shippers in negotiating good deals. As a result, our customers receive best-in-class services and discounts. In addition, we provide shipping strategies to customers that help in reducing shipping costs.

To sum it up

Shipping is an integral part of all businesses, whether big or small. Hence, managing the shipping costs of shipments becomes crucial. With this in mind, partnering with audit companies is essential. Audintel keeps track of shipments and streamlines the process giving shippers peace of mind. The analytics provided by Audintel helps shippers to save money. If you need help in reducing shipping costs, contact us at [email protected]. To know more about us and our services, visit our Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

parcel

Parcel audit-Small parcel audit improves your bottom line

by BlogFreight Audit

There is an urgency to ship medical, protective, and cleaning supplies. E-commerce orders are piling up. There are chances of shipping and invoicing mistakes.  A parcel audit is an essential feature when managing the shipping process. In this article, we will explore the concept of parcel auditing. We will also discuss why it is necessary for logistic businesses around the world.

First, we need to understand-What is a Parcel audit?

A parcel audit involves reviewing shipping bills and invoices. It identifies overcharges and service failures by carriers. Many carriers such as FedEx, UPS, DHL promise refunds to shippers. A parcel audit reviews every shipment for errors and service failures.

What do we mean by service failures?

US Shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS, Ontrac, DHL, CanadaPost, Purolator are responsible for shipping the goods. Their failure to do so is what is a service failure. There are several service failures.

Some service failures by carriers include:

  • Late deliveries- Delivery beyond the committed time and date.
  • Voids- Packages have been billed but not shipped.
  • Duplicate charges-Verifies the invoice hasn’t been billed previously.
  • Avoidable address corrections-Charges for trivial address correction.
  • Incorrect dimensional weight charges- Wrong measurements of the parcel.
  • Account validation – Validates that all shipments considered for payment are tied to an existing customer account number.
  • Proof-of-Delivery – Identifies instances where there’s no POD or an invalid POD.
  • Zone validation – Uses postal codes to validate carrier zone assignment.
  • Erroneous rates- The shipping carrier has not given the correct discount.

Logistic businesses can claim refunds for service failures from carriers. They can reduce shipping costs.

Parcel auditing

In the early days, there was manual parcel auditing. It required employees to identify all billing errors. They had to review several invoices. The review of excessive paperwork was tedious. Shipping companies had to hire auditors to do this labor-intensive work. It was a time-consuming process to gather information. It was not cost-effective for companies in the long run. Adopting parcel auditing software was the way forward.

Software-assisted parcel auditing

There was a need to optimize shipping operations. It was due to an increase in shipping volumes. Shipping companies have started adopting software technology. It is maximizing their profits. On the other hand, shippers can review their invoices digitally. Enhancement of shipping methods is possible. This is by analyzing the data readily available.

A Parcel audit benefits logistic business

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

Additional benefits

Reviewing data from parcel audits can lead to huge savings. It helps shippers to understand any inefficiencies in their systems. These audits identify additional surcharges to companies. However, in-house auditing is expensive based on shipment complexity. When logistic businesses want to save time and money, they outsource. Businesses such as Audintel are providing parcel audit services.

How do these parcel audit services work?

The business offering these audit services understands the needs of a shipping company. They create an online login for them. Then link it with the carrier’s systems. There is real-time parcel tracking till their point of delivery.  There is a generation of an invoice when there is a service failure.  Next is an automatic invoice audit.  Then there is a submission of an automatic claim. The audit team contacts the carriers with the claim.  The shipping company gets a quick refund. The entire process involves a software tool working in the background.

Parcel auditing and technology

Parcel audit services have a dedicated database for each shipping company. They provide an overview of the shipping information. It ranges from the origin, destination, charges, etc. Parcel audit companies use Interactive, AI-powered dashboards. An automated BI platform helps in identifying overcharges. They help in analyzing problematic areas and improve negotiations with carriers. After a parcel is shipment, there is an audit at each level. There is proof at each service level.

What are the advantages of using Parcel audit services?

The services provided by a parcel audit company include:

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

Parcel audit services provide support to logistic companies. Their exhaustive auditing processes help shippers to reduce costs.

Summary

Customer satisfaction is paramount for the logistics industry. A customer has the choice to change the company based on a bad experience. The loss of a customer is painful for shippers. A parcel audit is an answer to each charge and refund. It is vital for real-time confirmation of billing errors. Logistic companies can reduce shipment spend by doing a parcel audit. For further queries, please visit Audintel us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or mail to [email protected].

Mover,Guy,Holding,Cardboard,Gesturing,Being,Late,Looking,On,Wrist

How late shipments could impact shipper’s KPIs

by BlogTSM Services

Overview 

Late shipments are something that shippers should be paying attention to. Shippers have to take necessary action steps to improve their KPIs and cut down costs.

What will you know from this article

  • An overall insight into how to identify late shipments and the need for identification, through market research.
  • Financial impact on shipment costs.
  • How to submit claims to carriers.
  • The role of audit firms in the identification and submitting claims through a variety of software tools.

How can Audit firms help the shippers

We will discuss the need for shippers to make a strategic decision whether to go with audit firms or not. Lastly, we shall talk about the audit firm’s add-on services offered, compensation models, and how firms deploy security measures to protect the confidentiality of sensitive customer information.

We hope this article surely helps you to take your current business to the next level just by implementing some of the best practices discussed in detail below.

Let’s deep dive on, what are late shipments and how would you identify a late package?

In the current context even if we try to know we cannot find out if the package is delivered on time. Most of the time, it is very difficult to identify, and this is where the tools come into the picture. The best-in-class tools produce the best result.

What is the need to identify late packages?

  • For explanation purpose, we would like to categorize the reasons into two: First and foremost is the performance of a company depending on how well they are satisfying their customers. Customer satisfaction depends on a better price, quality product, and product on-time delivery. On-time delivery plays a pivotal role in the success of a company. But identifying the late packages is one of the KPI for the company’s growth.
  • The second reason is the huge unimaginable revenue potential. Most of the carriers offer GSR (Guaranteed Service Refunds) for shipments not delivered on time. If in case they don’t fulfill the promise, the carrier would offer a refund on shipping charges. However, they just don’t refund the money just like that. There is a process built around for claiming for refunds, on which this article is built upon.

Submitting Claims for late shipments:

The main catch for submitting the claims is, these usually have to be submitted within 15 calendar days of product delivery or invoice date. Usually, most companies simply don’t have time to pursue these. The majority of shippers don’t even realize that they are leaving money on the table. This is because any shipment if delivered even a minute late to committed time is considered late. The shipper is entitled to a refund for such late shipments. Research reveals that Late shipments recoveries can recoup up to 3% of shipper’s costs. However, handling these claim submissions is a little time-consuming. It involves identifying the late packages, process them in the system and submit for claims. This is where audit/recovery firms come into the picture.

Role of Audit firms :

Audit firms analyze each package, identify late packages using their software tool, and submit claims on the behalf of the shipper. They just charge a contingency fee based on the savings made. The percentage of recoveries generated by shippers versus audit firms varies significantly as audit firms have processes in place, complete domain knowledge, tools in place, and manpower to implement. The higher percentage of credit received depends on the proficiency of the audit firm.

How Audintel can help you :

AUDINTEL is a one-stop solution that delivers a secure small parcel audit platform by using proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive predictive analytics, hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the best in class cloud hosting provider. AUDINTEL’s 36-point parcel audit is the most proficient auditing process currently available, and its ability to maximize credits from your carriers is very unique. AUDINTEL’s small parcel audit disputes all eligible late deliveries and any other mischarges tied to the package. For further queries, please reach out to [email protected].

Shipper’s decision-making evaluation:

Depending on the volume of shipments, a shipper can approach the audit firm for helping them in recovering the percentage of their costs. After thorough market research, the shipper should be finalizing the company. It constitutes a team with an immense knowledge base and has shown proven results. Audintel has a fully automated monitoring system and has security controls in place. The client’s shipping data consists of customer names and addresses and hence should be kept confidential.

On the same lines, Shippers should also be checking on add-on services offered by the audit firms to justify the cut offered. Add-on services may include rate audit (whether the carrier is applying the correct rate and is not charging unnecessary surcharges), Audit platform access, reporting, and maintenance. The contracts between shippers and auditors may vary from shipper to shipper. The compensation plan may vary from gain share split/contingency basis to a flat rate per transaction, whichever suits the shipper.

Conclusion:

To conclude, customer service is of prime essence, a satisfied client means you are satisfied. Hence, it is highly encouraged for shippers to not sign a waiver on GSR with any carrier. Additionally, you ensure that you get refunds for late deliveries. For further queries, please visit Audintel or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or mail to [email protected].