What can your company gain from outsourcing your parcel audit? Find out why outsourcing is an excellent idea here.
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What Outsourcing Can Do for You

Keeping your audits in-house may seem like a great way to simplify the process and keep your expenses low. However, outsourcing to a trustworthy service provider may be the best decision your company makes. Let’s take a look at the benefits outsourcing can offer you:

1. Save time
2. Monetary returns: 1-8% of spend
3. Keep your current accounting process
4. Reporting

1) Save Time

Outsourcing the work of a parcel audit to a 3rd Party removes some of the responsibility for the workload from you. You won’t have to spend time tracking every shipment, filing claims, disputing declinations, monitoring whether a promised credit actually showed up on your invoice, and more. That’s the auditor’s job now! You can spend your time focusing on more immediately important work for your company.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have not waived your right to file claims for late deliveries. In some cases, the parcel carrier may have “slipped” this language into your last parcel contract!

2) Monetary Returns: 1-8% of Spendings

When you hire Freight Cowboy for your audit, our process will inspect more than 55 points on your parcel invoice where lost funds can be recovered, including:

• Manifested but never shipped
• Late deliveries
• Erroneous residential charges
• And plenty more!

3) Keep Your Current Accounting Process

We understand that your current accounting process works for you, and we have no intention of forcing you to change it. Our audit changes nothing about your accounting system. Your accounting process stays the same and we only get paid from secured refunds that are credited to your account. If no credits are issued from your provider, there are no charges. 

4) Reporting

When the audit is over, the final reporting you’ll receive will give you valuable insights into your parcel distribution, which can also help with your next shipping negotiation with providers like UPS or FedEx. Optimize your supply chain and shipping costs with this information as you continue to serve clients. These reports also provide a good standard for your shipping process going forward.

A Good Business Decision

Outsourcing your parcel audit gives you the chance to continue keeping an eye on the process, while also allowing unbiased experts to do most of the work for you. In the end, you’ll have a fully optimized report, reduced expenses, and little to no significant changes to your company plans. 

What other reasons are there to outsource your periodic audits? Connect with us to find out.

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How Can You Save Money of Parcel Shipment Costs?

While you can’t change standard small parcel shipment costs, you can make some changes in your shipping methods to save as much money as possible. 

Here are some tips for business owners to help save money on small parcel shipment costs.
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1. Parcel Audit
2. Modern Shipping Software
3. A Flat Shipping Rate

1) Parcel Audit

Sort through your parcel invoices and track all of your expenses. More often than not, you will find some mistakes that will entitle you to a refund. You can do this in-house, but it can be time-consuming to manually go through each invoice. Consider outsourcing with a company experienced with parcel service refunds.

2) Modern Shipping Software

A transportation management system can be another way to save money on your shipping costs. A TMS tracks your shipments at every step. This can give you insight into competitors rates and allow you to print labels. Shipping software also has tracking solutions that show the progress of your shipments and keeps you updated on accurate delivery time.

3) A Flat Shipping Rate

While customers might prefer free shipping, this may not be the best, economical choice for your business. Depending on the size and quantity of the shipment, you may want to consider a flat shipping rate.

Pro Tip: Come up with a shipping price that will never cost your personal out-of-pocket money.

Don’t Lose Any More Money

With the increase in parcel shipment costs, don’t lose any more money. It’s critical to stay on top of your shipments to save your company money.

How do you feel about the increase in shipping costs? Join the conversation to discuss some cost-saving shipment tips.

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Shipping Logistics in the US

With rising fuel prices, transportation costs are a major consideration when it comes to where a company locates a new manufacturing or distribution facility. Finding a cheaper way to ship is the main objective of executives everywhere. The following regions’ overall infrastructure make them the most logistics-friendly areas in the US.

1. New York
2. Houston
3. Minneapolis
4. Dallas
5. Kansas City
6. St. Louis
7. Chicago
8. Cleveland
9. Boston
10. San Francisco

1) New York

New York City is one of the most vibrant transportation hubs in the nation, consistently ranking first among U.S. cities in truck freight volume.

2) Houston

The Port of Houston is one of America’s busiest ocean gateways, and its George Bush Intercontinental Airport handles large amounts of foreign trade and cargo.

3) Minneapolis

Minneapolis is rapidly expanding its infrastructure in major metro areas and around the Port of Minneapolis, the northernmost port on the Mississippi River System.

4) Dallas

Dallas boasts access to many options for air, road and rail transportation. The infrastructure and heavy logistics presences make it a bustling shipping area.

5) Kansas City

In the geographic center of the country, Kansas City enjoys diverse and efficient transportation options, with prime access to an anchor of the intermodal network, America’s freight rail system.

6) St. Louis

St. Louis enjoys access to four modes of transportation (air, rail, road, and water) providing access to local, national, and international markets.  The central location and robust infrastructure affords some of the lowest shipping costs in the country.

7) Chicago

Its location on Lake Michigan and along the banks of the Chicago and Calumet rivers give Chicago easy access to a network of waterways, and access to world markets via Chicago’s O’Hare airport, a major cargo thoroughfare.

8) Cleveland

The Cleveland Hopkins Airport, Burke Lakefront Airport, and many harbors make for easy shipping.

9) Boston

The Port of Boston is just the largest of many ports in and around Boston, making it a hub for logistics.

10) San Francisco

The Port of Oakland recently announced that 2017 was the busiest year in its 90-year history.

Pro Tip: Cities with optimal infrastructure for shipping usually make ideal business locations, and can provide easy access to global markets.

Infrastructure That Anticipates Growth

All the cities mentioned here are terrific at using their resources and ingenuity to create an atmosphere that not only listens to but anticipates a business’ needs. When it comes to global shipping and logistics management, that’s a recipe for success.

Contact Us to learn more about our unparalleled shipment management services.

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Truck Safety

Truck safety isn’t just a priority to the drivers, but to carriers, truckload management companies and customers. Enhanced safety measures ensure that drivers are safe, shipments are secure and costly delays are eliminated.

1. Embrace Technology
2. Check Your Attitude
3. Be Alert
4. Inspect Your Rig
5. Take Breaks

1) Embrace Technology

Tech solutions for truck drivers can help improve safety, communication and analytics. These tools are all a means to improve driver retention, by hopefully making your job easier.  GPS designed for truckers will show vital information such as which exit to take, when to change lanes, traffic reports etc. This information will be transmitted to your carrier, eliminating the need to check in constantly or explain delays.

2) Check Your Attitude

95% of accidents are the result of driver actions and attitudes, rather than driving skill. Aggressive driving, road rage, and general carelessness can have very real consequences.

3) Be Alert

Keep an eye on everything going on around you. When rolling down the highway, especially in heavy traffic, always be aware of who’s in front of you, beside you and behind you. Keep plenty of space between your rig and those in front of you, and change lanes as little as possible.

4) Inspect Your Rig

Before you even hit the road, conduct a pre-trip inspection according to Federal and State regulations. It is a thorough check of the semi truck, trailer and load, to ensure that everything is operating correctly, prior to your departure. Check the tires, brakes, fluids, lights, interior and body. Any damage or issues needing attention should be addressed before departure.

5) Take Breaks

Stay cognizant of your fatigue level after many hours of nonstop driving. “Accidents can be best avoided by recognizing the fact that driving a commercial or personal vehicle is a full-time endeavor,” says Gomez. “Inattentiveness is the most dangerous, and sadly the most prevalent, cause of accidents.”

Unloading Shipments

Whenever possible, use mechanized equipment, (like forklifts and lift-gates) when loading or unloading trailers. Not only does it keep the items more secure, but it keeps you safe from injury.

Getting the Job Done Right

It’s not enough to get a shipment from A to B if your truck is damaged or you get into an accident along the way. Smart truck safety will ensure you always get the job done right, enhancing your professional reputation and improving your bottom line!

Contact Us to find out how we work with the best carriers to get your shipment to you, safely.

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Rising Gas Prices

Rising gas prices affect business in a lot of ways that aren’t immediately obvious. While fuel is a significant component of logistics costs for some businesses, for others it may not play such a big role. However, gas prices affect virtually all businesses, and staying ahead of trends or shifts will only help you better prepare.

Consumers Buy Less

When gas prices go up, consumers cut back on personal spending. Most will put off big purchases like appliances or vehicles, and anything else considered non-essential. Less consumer spending means decreased profitability for most businesses.

Shipping Costs More

Almost all modern businesses require shipping, either to get products or to send goods to customers. Costs associated with shipping naturally go up with fuel prices, regardless of the mode of transportation you use. However, it’s still possible to get a good value by shopping LTL rates, and working with a logistics team that has the knowledge and expertise to get you the best shipping price.

Businesses Aren’t Protected

There are common misconceptions that rising gas prices only affect consumers and that businesses are somehow protected. This is simply not true, and the same financial strain the average individual feels is also felt by most business owners.

Protect Your Business

The cost of gas determines so many aspects of the US economy, and a dramatic uptick can deliver quite a blow to businesses that rely too heavily on low prices. Protect your business by keeping an eye on gas prices, preparing for change and planning for the worst (and best) scenarios.

Contact Us to learn more about getting the greatest value with a shipment management specialist.

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What’s in a Bill of Lading?

There are a few different kinds of BoL, depending on payment, cargo and shipping method. Most every BoL will require the carrier name and signature, the date and an indication of what kind of goods are being shipped, terms and conditions, and a destination. Here is some basic BoL information every form needs:

Consignor

The cosigner may be the shipper, loader or exporter, depending on the circumstances.  Full name, address, postcode, telephone, fax, and email are required.

Consignee

The person or company that will receive the shipment. Including name(person/company), address, zip code, telephone, fax, email.

Freight Class

Freight class is based on the weight, length, and height, ease of handling, density, value and liability, damage, fragility, and spoilage of your shipment.

Weight

The exact weight of the total shipment. If there are multiple different units, then note each item’s weight.

Description and Packaging

A description of the items being shipped, including the material of manufacture and common name. Also make note of the packaging, including cartons, pallets, crates and drums.

The Importance of Accuracy

A bill of lading may seem complicated, but you only need one BoL at a time per shipment, which makes it a little easier. It’s important to complete the document as accurately as possible during your logistics negotiations and process. BoLs that are properly processed will prevent loss, damage or delay. If you’re still not sure where to start, a shipment manager can take that stress off your shoulders.

Contact Us to learn more about the importance of an accurate Bill of Lading for shipping freight without a hitch.

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A large number of companies have limited resources and time to establish relationships with trucking companies to transport their products on a regular basis.  Because of this, they utilize freight brokers.  A freight broker is in constant contact with the transportation industry and has the expertise to secure competitive freight rates with the carriers and at the same time honoring the shipper’s needs and request.

A shipper’s primary concern is manufacturing a product and distributing to its customer base.  Freight Cowboy’s core concern is transporting the shipper’s goods from factory to end user and having it delivered claim free at a competitive cost.  Many companies have limited internal resources, and it can get very expensive for the shipper as well as time-consuming.  It also requires additional time to handle all the necessary work of setting up shipments directly with carriers.  Companies must give priority on what matters most, and that is their product and let the freight broker handle the shipping of that product.

Freight Cowboy uses their significant amount of volume with carriers to benefit the customer directly by securing the most competitive freight rates.  This established relationship between the Freight Cowboy and the carrier helps make it routine for both ends and keep things running as smoothly as possible at competitive pricing.

In review, a shipper utilizes a broker rather than attempting to set-up their transportation themselves due to the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and expertise in the field by the freight broker.  Freight Cowboy is dedicated to a commitment to excellence in customer service, from the initial contact to the arrival of the shipment at its final destination.

I hope this helps to enlighten you why the services Freight Cowboy supplies value to your company’s mission statement.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or one of our professional Customer Service Reps at 866-367-0011.

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Whether you ship thumb tacks, heavy machinery or high-end electronics, understanding cargo liability is the first step in a successful process when your goods are damaged in transit. In today’s logistics landscape, there is often more to be considered than the baseline liability standards provided by the law.

Under The Law

“A carrier providing transportation or service shall issue a receipt or bill of lading for property it receives for transportation. That carrier and any other carrier that delivers the property and is providing transportation are liable to the person entitled to recover under the receipt or bill of lading. The liability imposed is for the actual loss or injury to the property caused by (A) the receiving carrier, (B) the delivering carrier, or (C) another carrier over whose line or route the property is transported. Failure to issue a receipt or bill of lading does not affect the liability of a carrier.”  (49 U.S. Code § 14706 – Liability of carriers under receipts and bills of lading)

Simple, right? The carrier is responsible if something goes wrong. While this is generally the case, there are a few exceptions.

An Act of God

The Act of God defense applies when a carrier can prove that damage was caused by a physical phenomenon or natural disaster that they can’t control. A few examples: the wind blows over a trailer, there’s a tornado or a flood, or the driver has a heart attack.

The “Public Enemy” or the “Act of War”

If the damage is caused by hostile acts of military forces that are enemies of the government, the carrier can’t be held liable for freight claims. Acts during wartime fall under this exception, but things like organized crime do not.

Act or Default of Shipper

If the carrier can cite something that the shipper did that caused the damage and prove that they were not negligent, the motor carrier cannot be held liable. Examples include if the shipper loaded the product wrong or if the product was packaged poorly. Errors in the way the contents of the load were described by the shipper in the bill of lading also fit under this exception.

Public Authority

Another exception to the carrier’s liability under the Carmack Amendment is if the government (“the public authority”) is the source of cargo damage. Policy actions such as quarantines, road closures, product recalls, or trade embargoes apply under this exception.

The Inherent Vice or Nature of the Goods Transported

A good with an “inherent vice” is something that is naturally subject to defects, diseases, or decay which will cause it to deteriorate with the lapse of time. Examples of such goods include things like fruits and vegetables, cheese, and tobacco.

The carrier has the burden of proof to show that damage was caused solely by the “inherent vice” of the goods and not by their own negligence, for example, failing to follow the shipper’s instructions for handling.

Contracts and Tariffs

Many shippers have contracts in place with favored carriers that include clauses that cover liability limitations and all LTL carriers have Rules and Tariffs describing the same, but too often these documents were written by the carriers legal department, they are engineered to minimize the carrier’s risk and do not protect the shipper’s best interest.

It is critically important that agreements between shippers and carriers serve the interests of both parties and shippers must ensure that the liability limits and maximum values are at least equal to the actual value of the cargo to be shipped. Additionally, proper use of bills of lading, photographs and processes for receiving freight are key to a favorable result when a claim is filed for lost or damaged cargo.

If you think your carrier agreements may be out of line with the best interests of your organization and its customers or if you have ever received less than full value for a freight claim, contact us via email at jharris@freightcowboy.com

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