Late FedEx Package Delivery

Late FedEx package delivery: request for a refund

Does your business ship packages through FedEx? Are you aware that your business is eligible for a refund if a package is delivered late by a minute? But, FedEx will not notify businesses if packages delay. Companies have to keep track of late packages. In addition, FedEx will not notify companies if they suspend or revoke the refund. FedEx refunds are primarily for Express and Ground services with a guaranteed delivery date and time.

FedEx Express

Express shipments involve shipping packages by a given deadline domestically or internationally. FedEx Express shipping services disruption was due to the pandemic, war, etc. Only select FedEx Express services are eligible for FedEx Money-Back Guarantee (MBG) as on January 3, 2023. They are

  • FedEx First Overnight®
  • FedEx Priority Overnight®
  • FedEx Standard Overnight®
  • FedEx First Overnight Extra Hours
  • FedEx Priority Overnight Extra Hours
  • FedEx Standard Overnight Extra Hours
  • FedEx International First®
  • FedEx International Priority®
  • FedEx International Priority® Express
  • FedEx International Priority® Freight

However, FedEx has suspended the money-back guarantee for services like FedEx Ground®, FedEx Freight®, FedEx SameDay® City, and FedEx Office® services till further notice.

Understanding FedEx Money-back Guarantee Policy

According to FedEx’s Money-back Guarantee (MBG) policy, if there is a service failure by FedEx, a business can recover all or a portion of the FedEx charges for a shipment. Late FedEx package delivery help shippers get about 100% refund of their shipping costs. In addition, FedEx offers Money-back Guarantee services to its customers when negotiating contracts. Shippers can receive a refund from FedEx for fifty or more service failures like lost packages, wrong address correction charges, and more.

Exceptions and Limitations to FedEx Money-Back Guarantee Policy

Like any policy, there are exceptions and limitations to the FedEx Money-Back Guarantee Policy. The limitations are

  • FedEx refunds will be credited to the payer only
  • One refund is for each package
  • In a multi-package shipment, a refund request for each package is possible when there is a service failure
  • It is calculated on the number and weight of packages within a shipment where there is service failure for FedEx International Priority Direct Distribution and FedEx International Priority Direct Distribution Freight
  • MBG applies only to transportation charges and not to taxes, duties, or other charges
  • It does not apply to invoice adjustment requests based on overcharges or shipments to P.O. Box addresses for delivery
  • It does not apply to shipments where the recipient has requested modified or customized delivery

Late Delivery Refund Exceptions

FedEx will not pay transportation charges in the form of a refund or credit for

  • Dangerous goods or dry ice shipments
  • Undeliverable or returned packages
  • Wrong address or ZIP code on the shipments
  • Unavailability or refusal of a person to accept delivery or sign the package
  • Customs or regulatory delays
  • Incorrect tracking numbers applied on FedEx shipments by customers
  • Shipments for delivery seven days before Christmas Day
  • Shipment scheduled on Wednesday before Thanksgiving
  • Incomplete recipient information

Further information about FedEx exceptions and limitations to its Money-Back Guarantee policy is available in the FedEx Service Guide, 2023.

How to request a FedEx refund?

FedEx refunds are possible only when there is a claim request. The claim request for a FedEx refund has been filed within fifteen calendar days from the invoice date. A refund request due to a service failure is possible by the following methods

  • Using internet application-FedEx Billing Online at fedex.com; or
  • Using the invoice adjustment feature at fedex.com; or
  • Through telephone invoice adjustment system at 1.800.463.3339 by saying “billing.”

Further, the request must have a FedEx account number,  if any; the FedEx tracking number; and the date of the shipment.

Shippers will find it difficult to audit each invoice to claim refunds from FedEx. Further, during carrier contract negotiations, FedEx may tempt shippers with a Money-Back Guarantee waiver with discounts. Shippers need professionals who help with contract negotiations and claiming FedEx refunds in time.

 Audintel helps shippers claim their refunds from FedEx in time. Our software and team of experts audit invoices and save money for our clients. In addition, Audintel helps clients understand the fine print of the carrier contracts so that they do not sign on Money-Back Guarantee Waiver and lose money.    

To Sum it up

Online businesses find it troublesome to explain the late delivery of packages to customers. In addition to customer dissatisfaction, shippers lose money if they don’t receive refunds from FedEx in time. Partnering with Audintel helps shippers receive refunds from FedEx in time. Audintel monitors packages for late deliveries and discusses with FedEx service failures for refunds. Contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 to discover about FedEx money-back guarantee services or visit our Audintel website.

FedEx and UPS Service Guarantees

Reduce shipping expenses with FedEx and UPS Service Guarantees

Does your company face frequent package delays from your shipping carriers? Hence, it is time to shift to a reliable shipping carrier. UPS and FedEx are the most reliable, trusted shipping carriers. Moreover, they offer Service Guarantees on specific services. Our earlier blogs covered the various aspects of FedEx money-back and UPS service Guarantees. Here, we discuss shipping delays, FedEx and UPS Service Guarantees, refunds, and more.

Shippers face new demands from their customers every day. Further, online shippers expect their orders to be on time and cheaper. Shipping carriers have different shipping rates for packages according to service levels, zones, and package weight. In addition, the shipping industry faces frequent package delays by shipping carriers. The reasons for the shipment delays are

  • Incorrect package labelling
  • Pick-up of parcels delayed at warehouses or fulfillment centers
  • Incorrect customer address delivery information
  • The communication gap in the supply chain

Further, some package delivery delays are out of the control of the shipping carriers due to bad weather, labor issues, or in recent times, the pandemic. These factors affect the shipping costs of businesses and are vital to reduce shipping carrier delays.

Ways to minimize shipping carrier delays

 Companies can minimize shipping carrier delays by

  • Reviewing package sizes and weights to remove inaccurate information
  • Schedule pick-up time with the drivers
  • Ensure correct and proper labeling of parcels
  • Reduce backlogs in warehouse operations
  • Prioritize orders on expected transit time
  • Real-time tracking of packages

In addition, companies should opt for shipping carriers having excellent service guarantees. Many shippers choose FedEx and UPS Service Guarantees to receive refunds for late parcel deliveries. UPS and FedEx suspended Service Guarantees during the pandemic period. But now, FedEx and UPS Service Guarantees have been restored for specific services.

UPS Service Guarantee

According to the UPS website, UPS considers itself the leader in on-time delivery for four years. The UPS Service Guarantee allows shippers to receive refunds from UPS for any shipping delays. UPS Service Guarantee gives shippers the confidence to expect on-time deliveries of parcels. UPS Service Guarantee is active for specific US domestic and international services. These services include UPS Next Day Air, UPS Next Day Air Saver, UPS Next Day Air Early, UPS Worldwide Express Plus, UPS Worldwide Express, etc. However, it is interesting to note that UPS Service Guarantee does not apply to UPS 2nd Day Air A.M Packages for Residential deliveries, UPS Ground Returns Service Packages, etc. Further, UPS Service Guarantee does not cover on-time delivery to a Post Office Box as it is subject to address change.

UPS refund policy

In addition to learning about the specific UPS services, shippers need to know about the UPS refund policy. UPS refunds the amount to shippers only after receiving a request. The request has to be within fifteen days of the quoted delivery date. Shippers can fill out a form to claim the refund online. Additionally, shippers can file a claim by phone. Usually, UPS refund claims take approximately ten days to get processed.

Audintel helps in tracking UPS Service Guarantee refunds for its clients. In addition, we help clients understand the new guidelines and service changes made by UPS. We also suggest a shift to regional carriers for our clients to save time and money. Further, our team audits our client’s shipping invoices to request a UPS refund.

What’s new about FedEx Money Back Guarantee in 2023?

The reinstatement of the FedEx money-back guarantee for select services is from Jan 2, 2023. Some specific services included are FedEx First Overnight®, FedEx Priority Overnight®, FedEx Standard Overnight Extra Hours*, FedEx International First®, etc. However, FedEx’s money-back guarantee for FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight®, FedEx SameDay® City, and FedEx Office® services remains suspended. The FedEx money-back guarantee allows shippers to request a refund if there is a delay in parcel delivery, even by a minute.  

FedEx money-back guarantee services are not applicable if a shipment is rerouted from the delivery address, has an incorrect address or ZIP code, has dangerous goods, etc.

Requesting refunds from FedEx

Shippers can file a claim for FedEx money-back guarantee on the FedEx website. In addition, they can file a claim by phone. A refund claim should include the FedEx account number, the tracking number, and the shipment date. Further, the claim has to be within fifteen days of the ship date for the FedEx money-back guarantee. If the client has signed up for FedEx My Rewards program, they can claim the refunds for Ground and Home Delivery Packages on the FedEx website.

Audintel audits the shipping invoices of companies. We regularly request refunds from FedEx if the packages are delivered late. Our software solutions help make UPS and FedEx shipping refunds easy. In addition, our automated services are cost-effective and save money for the shippers.

Finally

Package delays can hamper a company’s reputation. Businesses lose out on customers who experience shipping delays. Further, it is necessary to minimize shipping costs by utilizing FedEx and UPS Service Guarantee refunds. Shippers having huge shipping volumes find it hard to keep track of individual shipment delays. Audintel aids shippers in receiving refunds from UPS and FedEx for shipping delays. Know more about our audit services and automated software by contacting us at +1 (619) 354 8539 and visiting our Audintel website.

UPS Shipping Invoice Audit

UPS shipping invoice audit: why use a third-party auditor?

Companies shipping large volumes of parcels during the holiday season don’t have time for parcel audits. In addition, it is hard to oversee mistakes and overcharges made by shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx. So, many companies are moving towards automated audit solutions to save time and resources. This article will discuss the need for auditing UPS shipping invoices. Also, we will highlight the benefits of using a third-party auditor.

But first, we need to understand-

UPS audit-what is it?

UPS offers businesses various incentives for shipping parcels through their company. Shippers also enter into contracts with UPS for their different shipping services. However, checking each UPS shipping invoice for incorrect surcharges and late deliveries is tedious. A UPS audit thoroughly examines each UPS shipping invoice for potential errors. It helps shippers claim refunds from UPS and understand their shipping spend.

UPS shipping invoices

The contents of UPS shipping invoices require information like

  • Shippers’ name and contact address, contact number
  • Shipment details like a tracking number, shipment ID, date of shipping, invoice number, purchase order, etc.
  • Recipient’s name and contact address, contact number
  • Quantity of goods
  • Description of goods
  • Value of goods
  • Declaration statement

Further, shippers provide information about the discount, insurance, total weight, and the total number of packages. For further details, check UPS site. UPS will charge the shipper more if inaccurate and incomplete shipment information is on the shipping document. UPS has the right to audit any package to check its weight and dimensions. If there are any discrepancies, UPS will charge more to the shippers.

Need for audits of UPS shipping invoices

Parcel and freight auditing gives shippers better insights into their shipping needs. Companies can renegotiate better shipping rates with UPS based on the shipping data. An audit of UPS shipping invoices will unravel duplicate charges and other overlooked errors. UPS audits are to be quick and accurate as the window for recovering UPS refunds is time-bound. Companies can recover refunds for UPS late deliveries within fifteen days from the date of shipment. Audits retrieve money owed to companies from shipping carriers like UPS.

Benefits of parcel auditing

The growth of small parcel shipping has caused a rise in small parcel costs. With the demand for faster parcel deliveries, shippers deal with monitoring surcharges and shipping rates. As part of cost-saving strategies, companies are cutting down on excess packaging of goods. In addition, they are investing in parcel auditing services for a detailed understanding of their shipping spend.

How a third-party auditor helps companies reduce their transportation spend?

Parcel audit services by third-party auditors conduct audits on UPS shipping invoices. Their proprietary parcel audit software runs a complete audit checklist on UPS shipping invoices. The refund process is automated, and the refund amount gets credited to the shippers’ accounts directly. The auditor accesses all the shipping data and provides in-depth reports to the shippers on their shipping expenses. Some of the audit checklists of UPS shipping invoices include

  • Late deliveries
  • Lost packages
  • Duplicate Billing
  • Address correction charges
  • Residential charges
  • Incorrect Dimensional weight charges
  • Missed discounts as specified in service contracts and many more

Third-party auditors provide customized reports to companies regarding their UPS shipping invoices. It allows shippers to renegotiate with UPS regarding certain services and reduce their transportation spend.

Parcel invoice audit software

Many parcel auditors have specialized AI-driven UPS invoice audit software. The AI platform automatically audits UPS invoices every week and uncovers any hidden errors instantly. Further, the data analytics reveals UPS late delivery refunds uncompensated and other billing errors. The real-time shipping data helps shippers improve their delivery efficiency and recover lost profits. In addition, effective parcel audit software guides shippers in addressing last-mile delivery issues and optimizes shipping methods.

Partner with us for the Audintel advantage

It is difficult understanding the complexities of UPS shipping rates, surcharges, and refund processes. Audintel has experts who have worked with shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx and have a thorough knowledge of these charges. We have an AI-powered platform that automatically checks UPS shipping invoices. Line-auditing of every invoice ensures that shippers recover their shipping costs. In addition, we have a team that pursues the billing mistakes with UPS so that clients do not lose even a single dollar due to unfair billing. Our customized shipping reports provide insights into shipping data. It also provides visibility of any hidden surcharges levied by UPS after the delivery of packages. By partnering with Audintel, shippers can cut shipping costs by making smarter shipping decisions.

Final thoughts

Parcel auditing is a time-consuming process. Companies do not have the time or the resources to manually audit shipping invoices. So, auditing UPS shipping invoices for individual packages is a big task, especially for a company shipping large volumes of parcels. Outsourcing parcel auditing to experts like Audintel helps companies claim refunds for UPS late deliveries. In addition, parcel audits provide greater visibility to shippers to reduce their shipping expenses. For more information about Audintel and our services, contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

parcel auditing services

Parcel auditing services: transforming businesses intelligently

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.

Shipping analytics

Shipping analytics provide valuable insights into your business

Seamless, contactless, anytime-anywhere commerce is on the rise. Businesses want to compete with the best in this post-pandemic era. Consumers are loyal to brands with frictionless checkouts. So, shippers need to have faster delivery systems, thus giving excellent customer satisfaction.

With this in mind, analysis of shipping data is necessary for businesses. The assessment of shipping costs with shipping reports was a part of our earlier blogs. However, this blog will cover the importance of shipping analytics and reporting.

Shipping analytics and reporting-why is it essential?

Shipping data is analysed based on the demand for shipping products, shipping costs, unshipped orders, and on-time performance by carriers, fulfillment centres, etc. Hence, understanding a company’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is critical in controlling costs. Shipping analysis of information increases savings with intelligent reporting across all regions. It helps in improving shipping performance and service.

Shipping analysis augmented by shipping reports

Analysis of shipping data gives companies a 360- degree view of their shipping profiles. Shippers stay updated on any shipping errors that occur during shipments. They get instant information about the on-time delivery of goods and any last-mile shipping costs. Shipping analysis involves a review of past shipping history data and its evaluation. Further, shippers can look for financial opportunities with the shipping analysis. So, companies receive all the above information through shipping reports.

What is a shipping report?

A shipping report gives an overview of a business’ shipping profile. It includes parameters such as the order number, order date, customer name and address, shipping items, quantity, etc. Shippers get regular updates about service changes made by shipping carriers like changes in tariff rates, discounts, and levy of surcharges. Analysts prepare various shipping reports that are simple to understand for businesses.

Kinds of shipping reports

There are various types of shipping reports that improve customer satisfaction. These reports are customized to make it easy for shippers to understand their shipping expenditures. Some of these shipping reports are

Shipping services report

This report provides shipping details about the shipping carriers and their services. Shipping services such as 1-day, 2-day, and overnight delivery by different carriers are evaluated and shared with the customer.

Shipping information report

Shipping information of parcel and freight shipping of each company is analysed based on the recent shipping activity. This report consists of the order number, order date, customer’s name and address, quantity shipped, weight description, delivery date, etc.

Freight shipment report

This report monitors and tracks freight shipment globally in real-time. It allows experts to analyse the shipping routes, locations, volumes, network of freight carriers, and more. In addition, shippers can make data-based, vital decisions on their freight shipments.

Logistics and supply chain reporting

Shipping analysis also includes logistics and supply chain reporting. The report monitors and optimizes KPIs and supply chain metrics. Further, supply chain metrics define and quantify supply chain performance. Examples of supply chain metrics include:

  • Freight invoice accuracy

Freight invoices issued by the shipping carriers contain a description of the freight, port origin, shipper’s name, shipment weight, etc.  However, most freight invoices do not match the final, original quotation. It leads to duplicate payments, errors in discounts, incorrect delivery addresses, and overpayments. Thus, checking the accuracy of freight invoices is vital for businesses to save money.

  • Delivery time

Mentioning the precise delivery time improves the supply chain performance of goods. In addition, companies offer special delivery services to decrease delivery time. It improves customer satisfaction and attracts more orders from such companies.

  • Pick and Pack Cycle time

The time to pick an item from the shelf and pack it helps in learning the efficiency of the supply chain. Hence, tracking any delays and rectifying them will help bring down any inefficiencies in the system.

Container shipping analysis

According to some reports, the global shipping container market will grow by 12% from 2020 to 2028. Hence, analysis of shipping containers on intuitive shipping software platforms benefits companies. The analysis reports provide a comprehensive overview of revenue forecast, company ranking, volumes shipped, growth opportunities, and more. In addition, the analysis offers companies competitive strategies to stay ahead. Further, it provides the means to sustain in fast-evolving markets.

Advantages of using shipping analytics and reporting

Audintel is your audit partner in the shipping industry. We analyse shipping billing errors and instantly notify our clients. It allows our clients to take the appropriate action where possible. We assess the delivery performance of the various shipping carriers daily. Audintel has customised many shipping reports that provide our clients with information at their fingertips. Our intuitive dashboards help our clients have visibility to their shipments. In addition, we customise our shipping reports according to our client’s preferences.

Final thoughts

Shippers require transparency about their shipping profile to save money and reduce costs. For this reason, shipping analysis is essential for uncovering shipping errors. Further, the analysed data is represented in shipping reports so shippers can make informed decisions. Audintel is the best auditing partner for your shipping needs. Our intuitive dashboards and easy-to-use shipping reports help shippers make profits in their businesses. We are there for you. Contact us for further information on +1 (619) 354 8539 or visit our Audintel website.

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Competitive parcel auditing services: essential for shippers

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

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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How do small parcel audit services benefit businesses?

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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Parcel Shipping Systems Enhanced: Using Data Analytics

Small parcel shipping charges are costly. For this reason, customers opt for products that have a “free shipping” tag. E-commerce giants like Amazon are cashing in on this term. As a result, to outdo their competitors, shippers need to control costs. This article addresses the different ways shippers cut parcel shipping costs using data analytics.

Parcel shipping and logistics are complex processes. Here, we will understand the parameters affecting shipping costs.

Factors affecting parcel shipping costs

Parcel shipping involves high expenses. The expenses are dependent on factors such as:

  • Parcel destination
  • Delivery speed
  • Parcel size
  • Parcel weight
  • Carrier rates
  • Customs duty, taxes, etc.
  • Shipping insurance
  • Delivery surcharges

Shippers have to consider these factors for reducing parcel shipping costs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of Parcel Shipping

KPIs are equally essential in understanding parcel shipping costs. Consider the following KPIs

  • Spotting potential shipping issues
  • Accuracy of order
  • Tracking the delivery time
  • Costs incurred during transit
  • Warehouse expenses
  • Numbers of orders shipped
  • Accuracy of inventory and turnover

Understanding these KPIs will help in controlling shipping charges.

How is data analytics helping?

Parcel shipping generates tons of data. Analysis of the data helps in optimizing supply chain and logistics management. Data analytics of the shipping data controls your parcel spend. Shipping analytics simplifies the process and brings transparency. Automating decisions and implementing real-time analysis reduces shipping costs.

Role of predictive analytics in shipping

Predictive analytics give shipping insights to shipping companies. It improves the efficiency of shipping services. As well as assesses what the future holds. In addition, it can identify any preventable conditions. Shipping software with programmed algorithms makes systems easy to use. So, shippers get actionable data at their fingertips.

Five ways to cut parcel shipping costs

Predictive analytics helps shippers lower parcel shipping costs. Shippers maximize parcel savings by tracking small parcel shipping spend.  Thus, the future of parcel shipping lies with shipping analytics.  It can optimize shipping performance. There are five ways in which it can achieve this.

1. Collection of shipping data

Shipping data is complex and disparate. It is present in shipping carriers and third-party systems. Automating data capture is vital in data collection.  Automation can separate data collection.  For data analysis, current shipping data is relevant.  It gives insights into reducing shipping costs.

2. Optimizing and normalizing data

Optimizing shipping data is beneficial for companies. The collected shipping data is filtered. It gives companies the most efficient shipping process. Normalizing shipping data is storing it in a single archive. Each parcel is analyzed effectively. Robust, cloud-based shipping software can help in normalizing shipping data.

3. Utilizing real-time analytics

Automated systems can utilize real-time shipping data for decision-making. Predictive analytics use the normalized data on a user-friendly Business Intelligence (BI) platform. Experts will examine the data and point out process improvements. Real-time analytics is problem-solving shipping processes.

4. Streamlining communications with partners

Engaging in discussions with the shipper’s partners is necessary. As partners, who are vendors or carriers can exchange shipping data with shippers. This communication between partners will streamline the shipping process. Robust contacts will help predictive analytics.  It gives insights on methods to reduce shipping costs.

5. Responding to real-time data

Up-to-date information is easy to use in controlling shipping spend. Shippers can view parcel shipping expenses in real-time.  There is an instant correction of any mismatch in data. Shippers use real-time data to make informed decisions instantly. Small parcel shipping costs will reduce by responding in real-time.

Maximizing parcel shipping profits

Every shipping company’s goal is to protect assets and maximize profits. Shippers can achieve this by reducing shipping costs. The use of data analytics is improving parcel delivery services. In addition, parcel shipping systems need to be automated to stay ahead of the competition. Audintel is the guide for shippers in maximizing parcel shipping profits.

To Summarize

Shippers get repeat business by keeping customers happy. Further, if you reduce shipping costs, you earn more customers. Therefore, there is a need to automate parcel shipping systems. Technology like data analytics is enhancing parcel shipping systems.

Hence, Audintel has an intuitive state-of-the-art Technology Platform. It provides supply chain analytics technology.  And so, the user can extract actionable business insights. For further queries, please visit Audintel or contact us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or mail to [email protected].

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How late shipments could impact shipper’s KPIs

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].