Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Shipping Invoice Auditing & Optimization Consultancy
Shipping invoice auditing is the process of thoroughly reviewing carrier invoices to identify errors, overcharges, or discrepancies. This includes checking for issues like late deliveries, incorrect dimensions or weights, duplicate charges, and misapplied discounts. The goal is to ensure accurate billing and recover refunds for any mistakes, ultimately reducing your shipping costs.
Carriers often make billing errors, such as charging for incorrect weights, applying avoidable address correction fees, or double billing. Without auditing, these mistakes go unnoticed and can significantly inflate your shipping expenses. Auditing ensures you only pay for the services you actually received and helps you claim eligible refunds.
Common errors include:
- Incorrect dimensional or actual weights
- Duplicate or voided shipments being billed
- Overcharged accessorial fees (e.g., fuel surcharges, residential delivery fees)
- Missed or misapplied discounts
- Late deliveries not credited
- Incorrect shipment classification
- Tax calculation errors.
Businesses typically save between 15% and 30% on their shipping costs by identifying and recovering overcharges, negotiating better rates, and optimizing shipping processes.
The process generally involves:
Collecting all relevant shipping documents and invoices
Verifying invoice details against contracts and internal records
Identifying discrepancies or overcharges
Filing claims with carriers for refunds or credits
Providing detailed reports and ongoing recommendations for cost optimization.
Yes. Modern auditing solutions use advanced software to automate invoice reviews, flag discrepancies, and file claims with carriers. Automation increases accuracy, speeds up the process, and eliminates human error, allowing your team to focus on other priorities.
Shipping optimization involves analyzing your shipping data and carrier contracts to find opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements. This can include negotiating better rates, optimizing service levels, and improving operational processes.
Consultants analyze your shipping profile and current contracts to identify hidden costs and opportunities for better terms. They leverage industry knowledge and data to negotiate more favorable rates, discounts, and contract language on your behalf, ensuring you don’t overpay for shipping services.
Accessorial fees are extra charges for services like after-hours delivery, hazardous material handling, or address corrections. These fees can be complex and vary by carrier, making them a common source of overcharges. Auditing ensures these fees are accurate and justified.
Most consultancies audit both parcel (small package) and freight (LTL, FTL) invoices, addressing errors and optimization opportunities across all shipping modes.
Ideally, shipping invoices should be audited on a weekly or monthly basis to catch errors promptly and maximize refund opportunities.
Typically, you’ll need to provide:
Recent shipping invoices
Carrier contracts and rate agreements
Shipment details (weights, dimensions, destinations)
Internal shipping records for cross-verification.
No. The process is designed to be seamless and non-intrusive. Automated solutions and experienced consultants work in the background, requiring minimal input from your team.
Once discrepancies are identified, claims are filed with carriers for refunds or credits. You’ll receive regular reports detailing findings, actions taken, and realized savings.
Shyppie! operates on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay a percentage of the savings or refunds we secure for you. If there are no savings, there’s no fee.
Yes. Even if you believe you have competitive rates, an expert review can provide third-party validation or uncover additional savings opportunities you might have missed.
Contact us for a free analysis. We’ll review your shipping profile and provide a customized plan to reduce costs and optimize your shipping operations
