How to lower shipping costs

How to reduce shipping costs credibly with a rise in revenue?

by BlogSpend Management

Shipping carriers have diverted trade from the Red Sea in the past few weeks. Ocean freight is taking longer routes around Africa to avoid the threat of violence in the Middle East area. Shipping parcels and freight to different places is becoming expensive. And so, shipping costs are rising for many businesses globally.

Furthermore, the shipping rates imposed by different parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx will increase in 2024. Companies have the challenge of reducing shipping costs efficiently. In addition, it is necessary to build back some profit margins for e-commerce businesses.

Calculating and understanding shipping costs is confusing for many shippers. So, we have compiled ways to reduce shipping costs in this blog. Our earlier blogs on shipping costs are also helpful. Check our blogs on shipping costs related to shipping reports, data analytics, and more.

Initially, let’s start with the concept of Shipping costs.

Shipping costs

These are the expenses involved in sending packages from warehouses to customers. Packaging, transportation expenses, labor, carrier fees, etc., form part of the shipping costs. In addition, fuel charges, taxes, shipping services, and distance contribute to shipping costs. Moreover, businesses have to find the shipping carrier that suits their needs. The cost of shipping can lead to customers abandoning their carts.

Businesses can cut down shipping costs by adopting cost-effective strategies.  Further, shippers can improve their profit margins by following reliable ways to reduce shipping expenses.

Efficient and reliable ways to reduce shipping costs

Many factors cause a rise in shipping costs. Understanding them is essential in lowering shipping expenses. Below are a few ways to reduce shipping costs and boost profits.

  • Make packaging lighter and smaller.

Packaging is an integral factor in reducing shipping costs. Shippers can optimize packaging using efficient, lightweight packing materials like corrugated cardboard, EPS foam, PET plastic, etc. Lightweight packaging helps reduce storage costs and the weight of the shipments. In addition, recyclable materials and customized packaging can save money for businesses.

By using small boxes and mailers, shippers can reduce transportation costs. Small packages occupy less space, allowing companies to ship more packages quickly. For instance, using poly bags or mailers for shipping clothes is feasible. Sustainable and durable packaging can improve businesses’ operational efficiency. Low package weights can minimize shipping costs considerably.

  • Keep DIM Weights in check.

Dimensions of parcels can make a difference in shipping expenses. Dimensional (or DIM) weights can determine the shipping costs. DIM weights are calculated based on the space occupied by a package rather than its actual weight. For instance, an irregular box containing balloons will cost more than a compact box of books. Space-consuming packages cost more.

Shippers can keep DIM weights in check by opting for small and compact packaging materials. In addition packaging efficiently and using sustainable options helps the environment. Some companies can also partner with third-party Logistics (3PL) for managing DIM weights.

  • Utilize packaging provided by shipping carriers.

Another way of reducing shipping costs involves the use of packaging provided by shipping carriers. Companies that use their packaging might face additional charges. For instance, shippers pay more if the box size exceeds the shipping carriers’ regulations.

Parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx have their branded logo on their boxes. The advantage of using carrier packaging is shippers don’t need to calculate their DIM weights. Moreover, shipping carriers give special rates or services for using their packaging.

Shippers can look for discounted supplies to decrease shipping costs. Shipping carriers like UPS offer discounts or free supplies to small businesses. Packaging materials like bubble wraps, poly mailers, etc, can be purchased in bulk. Many companies offer discounts for buying supplies in bulk. Discounted supplies will help small business owners to boost their profits.

  • Consolidate orders wherever possible

Businesses can consolidate orders in a single shipment if many items go to the same address. Shippers save money if they don’t have to pay for multiple packages. Consolidating orders improves the customer experience and reduces the need for returns. It helps in reducing shipping costs and minimizes package waste.

  • Opt for PrePaid Shipping

Shippers can purchase numerous prepaid shipping labels from shipping carriers. Prepaid shipping labels contain the required information with a barcode. It helps businesses ship packages at no additional cost. It is ideal for packages with the same weight to be shipped out often. Businesses get discounts from shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx for using their printing services. It is a way of reducing shipping costs for shippers and boosting profits.

  • Reduce shipping distances

Shipping fees increase with further distances. Shipping carriers impose a fuel surcharge if the package has to go a longer distance. In addition, parcel carriers charge more for handling the packages. Shipping packages internationally attract custom fees. Shippers need to reduce the shipping distance of their packages to save money.

Businesses can choose warehouse locations closer to customers so that the shipping charges decrease. Further, shippers can partner with fulfillment centers in each shipping zone to reduce shipping distance. These steps will help reduce shipping costs and boost profits.

  • Negotiate with several shipping carriers.

Companies need not stick with a single shipping carrier for their shipping needs. Several shipping carriers offer different prices for various services. Higher shipping volumes attract lower shipping fees. Hybrid services by UPS and FedEx use local post offices for last-mile delivery. It reduces shipping expenses for shippers. Further, smaller regional carriers offer discounts or value-added services for some locations.

Shippers can negotiate with the shipping carriers to lower shipping rates. Shipping companies offer discounts to businesses even with low shipping volumes. Competitive shipping rates provided by shipping carriers help shippers. Building relationships with the shipping carriers helps shippers reduce fees. And so businesses can reduce shipping costs and increase their profit margin.

  • Use third-party insurance

During shipping, there are chances of untoward events affecting the cargo. Businesses need to insure their products to prevent any damage or loss. For example, valuable goods like precious stones and musical instruments require insurance. Shipping carriers offer their insurance as part of the service or as a stand-alone charge.

Shipping insurance of shipping carriers can often cause a dent in a business’s profit margins. Third-party insurance companies offer cheaper rates than these shipping carriers. So, shippers can use third-party insurance to save on shipping costs.

  • Minimum purchase amount for free shipping

Shippers should set a minimum purchase amount when offering customers free shipping. Businesses can set the rate for those orders that are profitable to them and are highly purchased by customers. Payment will be for orders which don’t meet the free shipping threshold. The concept of free shipping encourages customers to buy more and avail of free shipping. Shippers can reduce shipping costs and increase their profits by this method.

As discussed above, there are many methods to reduce shipping costs.

Here are some tips for small businesses to reduce shipping costs

  • Automate shipping processes

By implementing advanced technology, small business owners can reduce shipping costs. Software solutions can automate shipping processes, give real-time tracking data, and speed up order processing. Further, data analytics helps avoid excess inventory expenses and forecasts shipping volumes. Audintel has state-of-the-art technology to help small business owners streamline their processes.

  • Customer-friendly approach

Regular assessment of data helps shippers offer shipping incentives to customers. Providing customers with real-time tracking information reduces inquiries. Further, any shipment delay notification to customers brings in a level of transparency. Small business owners can also offer loyalty programs that reward repeat customers. It can increase profit margins for shippers.

  • Partner with 3PL

A 3PL partner can lower shipping costs for small business owners. They can negotiate lower shipping rates with shipping carriers due to their shipping volumes. Further, small business owners can separate their inventory across different warehouses across the US. It helps to reduce labor costs and shipping errors.

The bottom line

Whether you are a small or large business owner, reducing shipping costs is vital. The methods described above help businesses save money and garner profits. Audintel aids its clients in managing their shipping costs and increasing their profits. Our team of experts can optimize your shipping operations seamlessly.

If you need help understanding shipping costs, contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539. Further, you can visit our Audintel website.

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Minimize shipping operation costs with data analytics

by BlogSpend Intelligence

As the trend to shop online is increasing among customers, it is essential to have a robust shipping operation. Towards this end, shipping data analytics enable businesses to make better decisions and improve shipping performance.

Optimize the shipping operations of a company by keeping track of shipping orders and inventory. This blog will try to understand the steps involved in optimizing shipping processes. In addition, we will explore the different ways businesses save money by utilizing shipping analytics.

Optimization of shipping operations

Shipping costs make a massive impact on a company’s budget. Optimizing shipping operations helps in cutting shipping costs for companies. A few vital steps are involved in optimizing shipping operations and boosting profit margins. These steps include:

  • Use of historical data to track shipping performance
  • Analyzing real-time data for seamless operations
  • Utilizing automated, easy-to-use dashboards
  • Reducing hidden costs with shipping analytics and
  • Partnering with parcel audit services to diagnose pain points

Improving shipping operations

Enhance shipping operations with proper planning and cost-effective use of resources. Shipping processes like packing parcels will affect shipping costs. Moreover, choosing the best shipping option will affect the shipping budget. An efficient transportation management system (TMS) aids companies in optimizing their shipping operations. TMS creates transparency as companies can track shipments in real time. In addition, shippers can take advantage of aggregating multiple shipments into one order, thus saving money. Further, companies expand their businesses with different shipping routes and modes of transportation. Automated software systems and data security enhance the shipping operations of a company.

Optimization of Freight

Freight optimization involves reviewing possible modes of transport for a shipment. Diversifying vendors and carrier networks is an efficient way to secure competitive freight rates.  Further, freight shippers can explore multiple routes for better markets with a freight management system. Companies can leverage the right software to stay ahead of the competition. In addition, shipping data analytics will affect the growing freight management systems.

Role of shipping data analytics

Shipping logistics management is possible with the help of automated software. With cost modeling tools and predictive rate simulation, shippers can understand their shipping expenses. In addition, a better review of delivery routes allows companies to leverage the dynamic rerouting of parcels. It prevents shipment delays so that time-sensitive and urgent shipments reach on time. Further, customer satisfaction increases with more information about the updated delivery status of shipments.

Predictive rate simulation allows shippers to visualize the shipping spend on package weights, zones, service levels, etc. Predictive analytics is to understand to determine where delays will likely occur. In addition, it helps to boost customer service levels. Moreover, Big Data in the shipping industry provides valuable insights to minimize late deliveries.

Big Data in Shipping

Big Data enables shippers to predict and address problems, prevent shipment delays, and gain a competitive edge. The different ways in which businesses can make use of Big Data in optimizing shipping operations include:

  • Reduce shipping costs with actionable insights into carrier contracts: with big data and shipping analytics, shippers understand shipping expenses.
  •  Make strategic decisions: real-time Big Data analysis helps to recommend the best decisions for companies.
  • Recognize potential frauds: Shipping analytics solutions identify shipping patterns and detect multiple payments

Big Data in maritime analytics affords efficient bunkering, crew management, efficient cargo handling, tracking goods, fleet tracking, detecting anomalies, and more Predictive analytics is transforming the shipping industry by enhancing the safety of ships and environmental protection.Big Data controls parcel expenses with actionable intelligence. It offers valuable insights to shippers about shipping costs.

Optimizing Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence tools consider special handling and accessorial fees in calculating shipping rates. Further, business intelligence offers insights to companies on past and recent shipment movements. It provides information about how the competition behaves and knowledge about emerging markets. BI tools help to analyze massive amounts of data quickly. Audintel‘s state-of-the-art BI platform helps track shipments, refunds on late deliveries, and more.

Optimize shipping operations with Audintel

Shipping operations are improved with proper planning and by adopting the best practices. Parcel invoice audits identify errors in shipping operations, such as fuel surcharges, total spending on shipping, etc. Audintel offers parcel invoice audits to shippers for their shipping operations and helps save money. Our Transportation management system (TMS) services guide shippers on the different aspects of shipping parcels. We provide insights into carrier contract negotiations with shipping data analytics. Our team helps shippers cut shipping costs and optimize their shipping operations.

Conclusion

Operational efficiency is essential for a business to be more profitable. Optimizing shipping operations with accurate planning and bagging the best deals is vital for shippers. A robust auditing system with BI tools increases a company’s shipping efficiency and lowers operation costs. Audintel has a wide range of BI tools and state-of-the-art dashboards that transform the shipping operations of companies. We provide the competitive edge to operate efficiently in the marketplace. To know more about our services and BI platform, contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

parcel audit services

Affordable parcel audit services for reducing shipping costs

by BlogSpend Intelligence

Are you confused about the calculation of shipping rates during small parcel shipping? Find it difficult to track small parcels. Further, claiming refunds for late deliveries of packages is full of hassles. Then, it is time to partner with parcel audit services. This article will explore why parcel audit services are necessary for reducing shipping costs.

Why do businesses need parcel audit services?

The destination, type of parcel carrier, and weight of parcels control the shipping costs of companies. Shippers need cost-effective solutions to ship small packages internationally. Moreover, custom clearances of international shipments require proper documentation. Keeping track of refunds from parcel carriers is a tedious task if done manually. Also, shippers seek discounts when negotiating with shipping carriers. The above factors make it essential for businesses to partner with parcel audit services. It gives peace of mind and reduces shipping costs for businesses.

How do parcel audit services save money?

Manual in-house audits require time and engage the resources of companies. So partnering with parcel audit services helps companies save money on administrative costs and time. A comprehensive review of shipping invoices aids companies in identifying any service failures by parcel carriers. In addition, it allows shippers to claim refunds from the parcel carriers for overcharging, late deliveries, or incorrect shipping fees. The weight and dimensions of packages contribute to a rise in shipping costs. The innovative solutions provided by parcel audit services help in lowering shipping costs. Our earlier article gives more information regarding the benefits of parcel audit services.

Reduce international shipping costs with parcel audit services

International shipping has become expensive due to various reasons beyond anybody’s control. Due to a rise in shipping costs, customers abandon shopping carts leading to businesses losing money. By partnering with parcel audit services, companies reduce shipping costs seamlessly using different methods such as:

Negotiating with a fulfillment center

Companies negotiate with a fulfillment center for discounts according to their business requirements. Shippers can spread their inventory across many warehouses across a country due to fruitful negotiations with a fulfillment partner. These negotiations help in lowering shipping costs to a large extent.

Optimizing packaging of goods

Heavy and oversized packages are expensive for shippers. Shippers need to have better alternatives for overweight and oversize parcels. And so, innovative packaging helps shippers reduce the weight and dimensions of packages. For instance, poly mailers instead of boxes help in reducing packaging costs.

Switching parcel carriers

Shippers can save money by switching parcel carriers according to the suggestions given by parcel audit services. Hence, choosing regional parcel carriers that offer cheaper shipping rates with quality delivery service is more beneficial for shippers. Negotiating with several shipping carriers helps shippers get a better bargain for their shipping needs. In addition, hybrid services are gaining momentum among shippers.

Proper documentation

International shipments to different destinations need a lot of paperwork. Generally, most countries need documents like purchase order, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Letter of credit, export license, and insurance certificate accompanying the shipment. Lack of proper documents leads to late delivery of goods, thus leading to loss of revenue.

Prepaid shipping

Businesses that usually ship the same weight packages can opt for prepaid shipping. Prepaid shipping allows shippers to buy shipping labels in advance instead of paying for an individual one at the time of shipping. It provides a discount of up to 20 percent to businesses.

Parcel carrier contract negotiations

Parcel audit services negotiate with shipping carriers for better shipping rates and discounts. Shipping information that includes shipping history, volumes, and accessorial fees is a part of the negotiations. Having shipping data at the fingertips helps in parcel rate negotiations to a great extent. Parcel audit services have experts well versed in carrier contract negotiations and recommend different parcel carriers for particular services. Small parcel negotiations are essential for companies to get the maximum benefits without loss of revenue.

Parcel audit services help lower a company’s overall shipping costs without any hassles. Learn more about reducing shipping costs in our blog.

Reliable, affordable parcel audit services of Audintel

At Audintel, we reduce the shipping costs of businesses seamlessly. Our intuitive dashboards and comprehensive shipping reports are the best in the market. We have the expertise to handle the shipping data of our clients and negotiate the best deals with the parcel carriers. Our team of experts tracks each shipment and claims refunds for any damages or late deliveries from the parcel carriers. We offer insights into the future and identify conditions that can be prevented or need improvement. Our audits cover shipping invoices so that clients don’t get overcharged unnecessarily. Audintel provides intelligent, reliable, and affordable parcel audit services to clients.

 To summarize

There are more than forty audit checkpoints, so shippers need help solving the various complex aspects of parcel auditing. Parcel auditing services have the requisite automated technology, data analysis skills, and experience to empower shippers to make informed decisions. In short, Audintel handles small parcel audit services for our clients, giving them the necessary peace of mind. Discover our entire range of parcel audit services by contacting us today or you can call us at +1 (619) 354 8539. Visit our Audintel website to know more about parcel auditing.

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.

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Ten ways to reduce shipping costs and meet customer expectations

by BlogTSM Services

Whether your business is big or small, you need to find ways to cut down shipping costs. Or they will eat into the profits of your business. In addition, meeting customer expectations is vital for business.

For this reason, shippers need to find strategies to reduce shipping costs. Here are 10 easy steps to reduce shipping costs and keep customers satisfied.

Ten steps to reduce shipping costs

1. Better contract negotiations with carriers

Shipping companies need to negotiate better when signing a contract with parcel carriers. Based on high shipping volumes, shipping carriers lower the shipping rate. In addition, small businesses benefit by shipping a large number of packages with shipping carriers. They can persuade carriers to offer lower rates by bargaining with them. Shippers have the option to choose hybrid services of carriers that reduce their shipping costs. Audintel helps its clients in contract negotiations with multiple parcel carriers, thus, lowering shipping costs.

2. Utilize zone skipping technique

Several packages destined for a single location are on hold in one place. It is the zone skipping technique. Shipping carriers hold individual parcels, and then all the packages are sent together to the same destination. It saves costs per package shipping. For instance, clients want to send 100 packages from Zone 2 to Zone 8 at once rather than 50 packages at a time. In addition, shippers can avoid delays at transits and hubs. Audintel provides details of zone skipping to its clients and saves money.

3. Cut down the package weight

Heavyweight packages cost more to ship. And so it helps to trim down the weight of the packages. For instance, cardboard boxes add to a package’s weight. However, the use of small, lightweight containers helps in reducing the overall weight. In addition, it helps to save money on DIM weight pricing. Audintel helps its clients in the weight analysis of its packages and saves money.

4. Reduce package size

It is necessary for the shipping companies to know the size of the packages before it is shipped. The packages that are the right size do not attract additional expenses. Alternatively, businesses pay additional fees if a parcel size exceeds the size regulations set by the parcel carrier. Shippers have to pay a Large Package surcharge if the dimensions of the package are wrong. Audintel gives information to its clients about shipping oversized items.

5. Negotiate for discounts with vendors

Negotiations with vendors that deal with raw materials are essential. Shippers get good discounts from these vendors. Further, purchasing packaging materials in bulk quantities from suppliers results in cost savings for businesses. Affordable, reusable shipping labels and packaging materials also help to save shipping costs. Audintel assists in the negotiations of discounts with the client’s vendors.

6. Minimize packaging

Efficient use of packing materials helps in reducing shipping costs. The use of poly mailers, bubble wrap, polybags as packaging materials reduces the weight of packages. Optimizing the packaging for each product minimizes the shipping costs. Alternatively, shippers can use the packaging provided by shipping carriers to save money. Audintel has a team that can help clients in shipping products with less shipping costs.

7. Use shipping insurance

Shippers incur costs when dealing with lost or damaged packages. Thus,  long-distance shipments need insurance. In addition, it is best to use insurance for high-value shipments. Businesses can explore cost-saving insurance options offered by third-party insurance providers. Audintel offers to advise its clients regarding shipping insurance for products.

8. Optimal location of fulfillment center

Shipping packages close to where customers reside saves shipping costs for businesses. Additionally, it reduces delivery time, thus keeping the customers satisfied. Shippers need to understand their shipping destinations to lower the transit times. Hence, the optimal location of a fulfillment center is necessary to reduce outbound and inbound shipping costs. Audintel advises clients of the use of fulfillment centers depending on their shipping needs.

9. Choose Prepaid shipping

Shippers who consistently ship packages of the same weight and size can choose prepaid shipping. Businesses get better discounts from parcel carriers with prepaid shipping. It allows shippers to buy shipping labels upfront for their packages and use them when they ship out. Audintel advises shippers about prepaid shipping as per their needs.

10. Consider all the shipping fees

Parcel carriers have more than 75 special charges. Shippers need to be careful about the surcharges added to their billing accounts. Surcharges like Saturday delivery charges, special handling fees, etc., that do not apply to shippers should not be a part of the billing account. Audintel helps clients keep track of all the shipping fees charged by parcel carriers, thus saving money.

The bottom line

Careful monitoring of shipping costs can determine the success of businesses. Companies can save escalating shipping costs by using Audintel’s unique software solutions. The shipping needs of shippers are carefully taken into consideration by our managerial services. We offer to help negotiate carrier rates to reduce shipping costs. Discover further about reducing shipping costs by contacting us at [email protected]. To know more about our services, visit the Audintel website or call us at +1 (619) 354 8539.

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How do analytics & BI tools help optimize shipping costs?

by BlogSpend Intelligence

Optimization of parcel shipping costs is the goal of shippers. Data Analytics is helping shippers achieve this goal. Shipping contract negotiations help in getting the best rates from carriers. Similarly, new shipping software solutions give shippers insights to reduce parcel costs. In this blog, we will discuss the steps required to optimize shipping costs using data analytics.

Importance of analytics in the supply chain industry

There is an increasing demand from customers to deliver their orders on time. In addition, they expect free benefits from shippers. Shippers have to meet these demands and contain expenses. Data analytics is helping shipping companies meet the demand of customers. They can control the information overload by using Analytics. Further, Business Intelligence (BI) tools analyze shipping trends of companies. These tools are helping to improve shipping efficiency and reduce parcel costs.

Five steps to optimize shipping parcel costs

The steps that shippers take to improve shipping costs for parcels are:

1. Monitor performance of shipping carriers and their services

Real-time shipping data helps shippers to understand the performance of shipping carriers. For instance, with the data, they can identify if the parcel’s delivery is on time. Similarly, shipping carriers provide services like Ground, Express, Priority Overnight, and more. With data analytics, shippers can choose the service that will meet their delivery requirements. Audintel suggests alternate low-cost services for small parcel shipping.

2. Understand distribution zone usage

Today, customers are concerned with fast shipping time. So, shippers need to understand the different distribution zones for shipment. They have to consider the distance between the shippers’ location and the customer’s location. Further the packages are shipped, the more it will cost the shippers. Data that understands distribution zone usage is essential. It will determine if the shippers need to outsource the parcel to a central fulfillment center. By making small changes in the carriers operating in distribution zones, shippers can save additional costs. Audintel offers unique software solutions to shippers with discounts depending on zones.

3. Weight of packages

Data analytics gives insights on the way to handle shipments. They help in addressing issues related to parcel weights. Shipping carriers charge for bulk shipments. Combining multiple parcels and of differing weights together in a single package is a cost-effective strategy. DIM divisor influences the pricing of parcel weights. Alternatively, the dimensions of the parcel are more. Then shippers end up paying more for freight shipping. Shippers can reduce dimensional weight by making smaller packages. The dimensional weight analytics provided by Audintel aids clients in saving parcel costs.

4. Monitor special handling and associated fees

Analysis of weekly parcel data gives insights into the additional charges affecting shippers. Evaluation of accessorial fees is necessary to know the charges levied by carriers. In addition, it is vital to monitor the special handling fees. To avoid Residential delivery fees, shippers can use U.S. Postal Services (USPS) as last-mile delivery, thus saving money. Furthermore, Analytics gives shippers the freedom to ask for discounts from carriers. Audintel provides software solutions to help in mitigating the pain points of parcel shipping.

5. Outsource to a third party for contract negotiations

By aligning with a third party, shippers can reduce parcel freight rates substantially. Incidentally, it amounts to up to 40% savings for shippers. Third-party experts can negotiate with carriers like UPS and FedEx for discounts. They have helped in reducing surcharges. In addition, the negotiations done by outsourced experts give a competitive edge to shippers.

Audintel’s role in optimizing shipping costs

Audintel has an evidence-based learning software system. It is a one-of-a-kind software system that evaluates a client’s shipping profile. The experts at Audintel support clients with contract proposals and negotiations. Based on the historical shipment data, Audintel gives suggestions to clients for reducing parcel costs. Audintel helps its client realize its goal of cost-effective negotiations. Shipping data analytics helps its clients adopt long-term and cost-saving services.

Concluding remarks

Big data analytics is changing the supply chain industry. BI tools help in gathering relevant shipment information, useful for shippers. Analysis of shipping data helps shippers strategize ways to reduce shipping costs.

Audintel uses analytics to cater to your shipping needs. For further details, write to us at [email protected] or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539. Please visit our Audintel website.