Shipping Refunds

Efficient parcel auditing services save more with refunds

by BlogFreight Audit

Shipping services will be at their peak in the upcoming holiday season. Businesses need to track whether their packages reach on time to their customers. Due to the heavy rush, there will be a delay in shipments.

Many shippers are unaware of recovering refunds from carriers for late deliveries. With the help of parcel audit services, shippers realize the errors made by carriers during shipment. This blog explores parcel audit services recovering refunds from shipping carriers. In addition, learn more about billing overcharges.

Parcel audit services and shipping refunds

Parcel audit services check and verify invoices from different shipping carriers worldwide. They conduct a comprehensive audit to ensure an accurate assessment of each shipment. Shippers face service failures from their chosen parcel carriers. For example, shipping carriers give duplicate invoices to shippers for a single package. Sometimes errors are made by shippers that directly impact shipments. For instance, the wrong address shipping label on the parcel is the cause for a delay in shipments. Mistakes made by carriers or shippers harm customer service. Parcel auditing is essential for shippers to recover refunds to avoid negative customer feedback.

Shipping refunds

An audit team addresses service failures of shipping carriers. Refund requests are sent to the shipping carriers immediately for quick resolution. Further, companies shipping large volumes of shipments have contracts with shipping carriers. The contracts entitle shippers to money-back guarantees from parcel carriers for late deliveries and other service charges. However, requesting refunds from shipping carriers is a complicated process. Each shipment has to be checked and verified to claim a refund from the parcel carrier. Most companies end up paying carriers for promised services that are unfulfilled. Outsourcing parcel audit services help companies receive refunds for late deliveries, overcharges, etc.

What are the kinds of refunds identified by Parcel auditing?

Parcel audits recover shipping refunds for companies and improve their operational efficiencies. Parcel auditing identifies refunds caused due to

  • Duplicate invoicing- More than one invoice with different parameters like invoice date and amount for the same parcel.
  • Billing overcharges- Unforeseen charges are added to the invoice when there is a delay in shipment due to an incorrect shipping label on parcels.
  • Late deliveries- Packages delivered late due to carriers’ network disruptions or other reasons are eligible for a refund.
  • Lost and damaged deliveries- Packages lost or damaged during transit are eligible for a refund.
  • Invalid surcharges- Parcel carriers charge shippers additional fees for the wrong dimensional weight of packages, errors in addresses, incorrect delivery areas, and improper fuel surcharges.

Companies find it an uphill task to dispute the additional fees levied by carriers. Manual auditing is time-consuming and requires resources. Reliable parcel audit services can help companies in challenging charges and getting refunds. In addition, it can help companies simplify the refund process.

Refund process

Shippers are eligible for refunds for service failures and incorrect invoicing by shipping carriers. The refund process for a shipment begins with a request to the concerned shipping carrier. Further, filing a refund claim must be within fifteen days of the quoted delivery date on the invoice. Shipping carriers like FedEx and UPS have dedicated channels for claiming refunds. In addition, UPS and FedEx promise on-time delivery of packages in their contracts with shippers. So,  shippers are eligible for a refund for late deliveries from UPS and FedEx (discussed in detail in our earlier blogs). Getting a refund for late deliveries is time-consuming, but outsourcing parcel audit services makes life simpler for companies.

Role of parcel audit services

Efficient parcel auditing services take care of identifying service failures and incorrect surcharges. Further, automated parcel auditing services recover refunds for carrier inefficiencies. Finally, refunds are directly transferred into the companies’ accounts effortlessly. In addition, audit companies aid companies in parcel contract negotiations, so they do not miss the money-back guarantees for late deliveries from shipping carriers. Parcel auditors maximize revenue for companies with their shipment tracking tools and state-of-the-art software.

Audintel’s parcel auditing services to recover your refunds

Receiving refunds from UPS, FedEx, and DHL is easier said than done. A team of parcel auditors at Audintel recover refunds for late deliveries, incorrect invoices, invalid surcharges, and more. Our intuitive software easily tracks shipments and identifies service failures instantly. Audintel Technology Development and Customer Service Call Center effectively request refunds from shipping carriers for service failures. We don’t just rely on automated software, but our dedicated and experienced team at the Call Center follow-up with the shipping carriers for quick refunds. Our clients can expect the most reliable parcel audit services from Audintel. Choose Audintel for recovering refunds instantly without hassles.

Summary

In the current economic situation companies need to spend less and save more. So, recovering refunds with the help of efficient parcel audit services is the best way forward. Companies need parcel audit services that understand their shipping costs and save undue expenses. Audintel fits the bill for businesses looking to increase their operational efficiencies. Receive refunds directly into your accounts with Audintel’s services. Contact us for more details about our services at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

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Pragmatic details for shippers’ contract negotiation

by BlogCost Optimization

Shippers need efficient parcel contract negotiation with parcel carriers to maximally reduce their shipping charges. The shipper needs to know the shipment trends and characteristics before moving for carrier contract negotiation. There are many factors that affect the cut down in pricing which needs to be negotiated carefully. Being clear with these and also knowing where the carrier can leverage his profits, the negotiation table becomes a clear platform for the shipper.

Some factors to be aware before contract negotiation

Know your shipping volume and spend based on service and zone

The shipper has to be clear about how much volume and spend he does on an average per year. This should be further split into service-based and zone-based. This would make it easy to focus on key spend areas for negotiating discounts. The key spend areas should have flat discounts or in carrier terminology, the base discounts. Also, while negotiating, the carrier, knowing these details, generally, negotiate for less discounts to maximize their profits. The shipper has to be careful in these areas and not get carried away when the shipper offers more discounts in other areas.

Know which surcharges(accessorial charges) you incur more in volume and spend

The shipper should be aware of both volume and spend as discounts for surcharges are quite lucrative. One should be clear and discrete to ask for a specific percentage of discounts in these surcharges. Some surcharges have high pricing per package and it helps to get significant discounts on them. Also, it’s worth having discounts on all accessorial charges that have minimum threshold packages.

Know if you have Dim weight or actual weight in volume and spend

Dim factor is crucial if you are sending customized packages and more often the carrier applies dim weight than the actual weight. Negotiate dim factor, especially for the packages in the services that have this. The factor should also be significant to get close to the actual weight or less. This is an additional asset to shipping contract negotiation.

Know your weightage of Domestic versus International shipping

Carriers tend to give inclined discounts to either domestic or International packages depending on the spend. The shipper can get carried away and lose on the other side. One has to be careful to get the right balance of discounts in both areas.

Know if packages are hitting minimums in large volume

More often, the packages can hit minimum and the package discount is compromised. Knowing the volume can have the shipper negotiate for the Minimum Reduction Amount (MRA). Proper MRA value helps in getting savings for shippers.

Things to be beware on the contract negotiation table

Carriers’ focus

Carriers are for customers’ satisfaction and they are generally well advised on the package flow of the shipper. They know which discounts are crucial. They make the shipper comfortable to negotiate but ensure that these areas are not discussed much. Always be alert in negotiation with the carrier. They tend to divert focus from the necessary discounts to other areas where shippers would not fetch much.

How much discount can be fetched for the annual spend of your stature?

Generally, the other shippers’ discounts are not known and hence, the trend of how much to bargain for each category of percentage has to be known from experts. The carrier is not going to give more than what the shipper asks!

Focus on getting more of Grace/Base discount than earned/performance discount

It’s worthy to get Grace/Base discount as it’s a flat discount and guaranteed. Earned/performance discount places variation based on the spend. Unless the shipper is absolutely sure of his spend, it’s always recommended to secure the Grace/Base discount.

Fetch the necessary Grace/Base discount, dim factor, surcharge discount without fail

Do not come back from the negotiation without fetching the necessary Grace/Base discount, dim factor, surcharge discount. The shipper should be prepared before the meeting with the carrier on each specific aspect and gracefully convince the carrier on these.

Consider alternative carrier and negotiate to know the value of your shipping

Its always recommended approaching more than one carrier when one is not satisfied with the present carrier. By analyzing the past shipping details of the shipper, auditing companies will help in deciding which carriers to choose. Usually, for parcel shippers, UPS contract carrier agreement and FedEx contract carrier agreement are complementary to consider.

Be careful in negotiating minimum performance to make the discounts valid

The carrier always has a clause of minimum performance for aspects of the agreement to be valid. One should be careful to set these at the minimum for the rainy season.

How does Audintel help?

Audintel helps shipping companies analyze and identify shippers’ data. Analysis of key areas where they need to be careful to get the maximum discount and to select alternate carriers. Also, the minimum threshold in others.  Audintel reports help the shippers to analyze the new contract presented by the carrier. The savings using already shipped packages with the new contract is presented. This carrier contract optimization can be done either for complete contracts or amendments.

Final Remarks

Shipping companies need a lot of input on their data. The trends where other shippers fetch the discounts. The carrier gives varying discounts depending on the awareness of the shipper. All aspects where discounts can be fetched with the maximum are clearly understood. This means, critical reporting capabilities and cost model philosophy clearly presented to the shipper. All assistance is given to fetch secure new and improved carrier rates. For further advice and services, call us today at +1 (619) 354 8539 or contact us or visit our 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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Scenarios in which to negotiate a new contract with shipping carriers

by BlogCost Optimization

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

Shipping contract negotiations

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

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

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

Scenarios for preparing shipping contracts

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

  • Optimization of existing shipping agreement

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

  • Change in existing shipping contracts for cost-effective services

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

  • Use of alternate shipping carriers for business profitability

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

  • Expired shipping agreement

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

  • Discontinuation of services of shipping carriers

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

How is partnering with Audintel helping shipping businesses?

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

Conclusion

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