When looking at your transportation spend, small parcel shipping costs are vital to measure monthly if not weekly, especially if your business ships a significant volume of small packages. A quality parcel audit provider can identify cost-saving opportunities and eliminate costly mistakes that could otherwise go unnoticed. Conducting a thorough audit of your small parcel shipping transactions can deliver substantial benefits, but choosing the right audit provider is crucial for maximizing these advantages.
When it comes to selecting a parcel audit provider, not all of them are created equal. It's essential to ask key questions to ensure that the provider meets your specific needs and expectations. Let's delve deeper into the essential factors to consider when evaluating parcel audit providers:
Extent of Transaction Data Audited
Having a provider that can access real-time transaction data directly from carriers allows for a more comprehensive audit process. With this capability, you can capture all relevant data points, such as shipment details, pricing and surcharges, clearly showing your small parcel shipping expenses. This level of data analysis enables more accurate audits, helping you identify potential billing errors, track cost trends and optimize your shipping strategy.
Frequency of Rate Audits
The frequency at which a parcel audit provider conducts rate audits can significantly impact your shipping costs and operational efficiency. Weekly rate audits enable a more proactive approach to identifying and addressing rating errors promptly. This rapid response is crucial, especially during periods of contract rate changes or when onboarding new accounts. By conducting frequent audits, discrepancies can be resolved quickly, ensuring accurate billing and cost savings over time.
Assistance with Lost & Damaged Packages
Comprehensive assistance with lost or damaged packages goes beyond mere identification of incidents. Selecting a partner that not only flags these occurrences but also offers to file claims on your behalf can streamline the claims process and get your money back more quickly. A bonus is to have reporting on refunds, so you can track the status of claims and ensure that you are reimbursed for eligible losses. This level of support can significantly reduce the administrative burden on your team and improve the overall efficiency of your shipping operations.
Drive Continuous Improvement
With small parcel shipping constantly evolving and changing, whether through new accessorial charges or general rate increases (GRI), unless you have dedicated support within your transportation or operations team, it may make sense to have assessments completed to help determine additional opportunities. This can range from a network assessment to potentially helping with small parcel carrier contracting. By looking ahead, you can turn your small parcel strategy from reactive to proactive.
A Small Parcel Shipping Security Blanket
Partnering with the right parcel audit provider can have a significant impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of your small parcel shipping operations. Prioritizing a provider that offers real-time data access, conducts frequent rate audits, provides comprehensive support for lost and damaged packages, and delivers strategic account management can lead to substantial cost savings and operational improvements.
Transportation Insight stands out as a best-in-class parcel audit provider that seamlessly integrates its audit services into a holistic small parcel shipping solution. With a focus on financial savings, risk mitigation and customer experience, Transportation Insight's experts leverage their industry knowledge and data analytics to drive significant value for your business. Contact us today to learn more about how our parcel audit services can optimize your shipping operations and deliver tangible results for your organization.
