by logisticsplus | Jan 28, 2020 | News
As freight rates become increasingly complex due to changing fuel surcharges, accessorials and discounts, it’s easy for freight carriers to make mistakes on their invoices. To solve this problem, freight bill auditing is used to capture lost revenue from errors or inaccuracies with freight invoicing. Although it may seem like a cumbersome task to shippers, there are many cost-saving benefits to implementing a freight bill auditing program.
The Most Common Freight Bill Errors
- Shipper Inaccuracy: When the staff processing the shipment makes a mistake, it causes the carrier to obtain inaccurate information for the shipment (e.g., giving the wrong dimensions or freight class).
- Detention Fees: Inaccurate detention fees are common on freight bills. A detention fee is charged when the shipper exceeds the allotted time frame allowed for a pickup or delivery.
- Accessorial Charges: Because there are so many different accessorial services and fees, it’s easy for a carrier to charge the shipper for an extra accessorial that they didn’t ask for (e.g., lift-gate or notify before delivery).
Ways To Keep Freight Auditing Under Control
- Prior to tendering a shipment, always reweigh it to ensure your freight carrier or transportation management system (TMS) has the proper information it needs to give you an accurate quote.
- Stay up-to-date with the individual carrier processes for submitting invoice corrections. Methods by each carrier vary and it is best to have each process documented and understood.
- Review each invoice to make sure that all data matches the original shipment details. This includes the pickup date, delivery confirmation, weight, dimensions, freight class, etc.
- Outsource your freight bill auditing to a third-party logistics (3PL) company. Logistics Plus Freight Audit Solutions (LPFAS) incorporates a comprehensive 3-point check to ensure that your small pack, parcel, LTL, truckload, and international invoices are accurate, disputed when necessary, and adjustments are made when needed (including “claw-back” refunds on small package shipments for missed guarantees, non-tendered shipments, etc.).
Shippers that don’t have a freight audit program in place are losing money every day. If you’re tired of fighting invoice discrepancies and mistakes that are costing you money, contact us today.
by logisticsplus | Jan 22, 2020 | News
Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight consolidation is a freight strategy that involves combining multiple LTL shipments – all with a common destination – into a full truckload and then shipping it to its final destination. Simply put, rather than shipping direct from the origin to destination with multiple LTL shipments and/or carriers, the shipper is sending all of its freight at once to the final destination. Here are some benefits that LTL freight consolidation offers:
- Pricing simplicity: Receive one quote for a full truckload rather than multiple LTL quotes.
- Improved transit times: Dedicated truckloads mean that all your freight will arrive to the same place at the same time.
- Better shipment transparency: Rather than tracking multiple LTL shipments, focus on one single load.
- Fewer carrier interactions: Fewer carriers means less hassle and interaction.
- Reduced accessorial charges: Rather than paying for the same accessorial on each LTL shipment, only pay them once.
- Increased service levels: A single point of contact and lowered risks due to less handling of the goods.
- Sustainable shipping practices: The carbon footprint is reduced with consolidations since fewer trucks are being used.
Consolidation involves more than just keeping your number of shipments down; LTL freight consolidation represents an opportunity for shippers to find more efficient and cost-effective solutions. However, to freight consolidation does require a higher-level of planning and forecasting within your supply chain. If you are an emerging brand or a small to mid-sized business, a third-party logistics provider can potentially help you combine your LTL shipments that are moving to common destinations.
If you find yourself frequently sending LTL shipments to the same location, contact us today to find out whether freight consolidation is possible for you. If you’d simply like a quote on your next shipment, click the button below.
by logisticsplus | May 24, 2019 | News
Logistics Plus is a leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, technology, and supply chain solutions. As depicted in the circle image of the Logistics Plus (LP) logo, we have the experience and expertise to help shippers move their goods by any transportation mode, including ground, air, ocean, and rail. If you need something shipped, don’t worry about trying to see who will win the “Game of Modes” … we find a way to make it happen; just ask one of our more than 2,000 diversified customers. After all, we know that transportation is coming (and going, and coming ,and going) all the time – and we’re here to help you become King of your Supply Chain!
Ground Freight Transportation
Ground transportation is the most common type of shipping and has many advantages for companies that rely on fast delivery. If goods need transported immediately and cost-effectively, ground transportation is your best bet. The Logistics Plus North American Division (NAD) is recognized by Transport Topics magazine as a Top 50 freight brokerage firm in North America. Our non-asset based ground services includes complete less-than-truckload (LTL) capabilities along with a wide range of truckload solutions. Our network of specialized carriers, paired with our state-of-the-art transportation management system (TMS) ensures that you receive the best rate and transit option with each shipment booked. Additionally, with our National Truckload (NTL) division, we offer select clients the option for a dedicated fleet of trucks and equipment.
Air Freight Transportation
Air freight transportation is the most convenient and fast mode of transportation. Air shipments are growing in popularity due to the increased use of one and two day shipping options. For air freight transportation, Logistics Plus can handle both domestic and import/export shipment types. Our services include airport-to-airport, door-to-door, and even air charters. We are also a certified IATA cargo agent in both the U.S. and Mexico, meaning we get exclusive access to the top air freight and cargo carriers in the industry. When customers ship internationally with Logistics Plus, they can also tap our full-service Customs Broker Solutions division to help them with all aspects of global trade compliance.
Ocean Freight Transportation
Ocean, or marine transportation is known for being the slowest mode of shipping. The best time to ship via ocean is when a product has a long lead time since ocean shipping is often the most cost-effective. Similar to air freight, our ocean freight transportation services are available for both domestic and import/export shipments. As a Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), we have long-standing relationships with reputable ocean carriers that provide competitive rates and frequent sailings for our customers. Logistics Plus handles both full-container-load (FCL) and less-than-container-load (LCL) ocean shipments. For imports, our remote location filing (RLF) status with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allows us to clear shipments at any and all U.S. ports of entry.
Rail Freight Transportation
If you’re looking to reduce your transportation costs, rail and intermodal freight transportation are often good options. Not only can we help you manage your rail logistics, we can also help you arrange the necessary drayage services to get your shipments to and from the rail yards. Because of our skills in this area, some of our customers have even asked us to provide dedicated, rail freight logistics management solutions for them (see our Hero BX case study for a great example).
If you’d like to request a free quote on your next ground, air, ocean, or rail shipment, simply click the button below to get started. Our team of experts is ready to help you with your single-mode or multi-mode transportation needs.
by logisticsplus | Aug 23, 2018 | News
Logistics Plus has introduced a new truckload contract carrier program as an extension of its successful freight brokerage operation. As part of this program, a select group of freight carriers will receive exclusive access to the many truckload loads, bids and RFPs that Logistics Plus has in its pipeline. Carriers that are interested in participating in the program should submit a completed copy of the Truckload Contract Carrier Setup forms. At Logistics Plus, we understand the truckload solutions we provide to our customers is only as good as our network of contract carriers. Our logistics specialists match contract carriers’ equipment with our available customer loads. As a top freight brokerage firm, Logistics Plus offers contract carriers the following benefits:
- We represent thousands of shippers across North America (mostly small- to mid-sized companies, but we also manage freight for large companies as well, including GE Transportation, Google, Pepsico, and WeWork, to name a few).
- Our truckload contracted business is growing rapidly with an annual growth rate exceeding 15%
- We are one of only a few third-party logistics companies approved for the Amazon Solutions Provider Network program.
- We are the preferred logistics provider for a regional manufacturing association representing 4,000 businesses in PA, eastern OH, and western NY
- We manage over a hundred thousand spot and contract truckload and less-than-truckload shipments annually
- Provide business incentives through our annual carrier recognition programs
- Carriers in our program will receive full marketing and visibility within our proprietary eShipPlus™ TMS application
- We are financially stable and we pay our carriers promptly
- We understand that freight moves 24/7/365. When you work with Logistics Plus, our people will always be there to provide you the quality support and communication you deserve…regardless of the time of day
Are you ready to join the Logistics Plus® network?
Have questions? Feel free to contact John Alsop, director of supply chain solutions, at john.alsop@logisticsplus.com or 814.240.4816.
by logisticsplus | Jul 26, 2018 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NTL Expands Warehousing & Fulfillment Capabilities in Erie
With three facilities in Erie, NTL now offers over 150,000 square feet of industrial and commercial warehousing.
ERIE, PA (July 26, 2018) – NTL, an Erie, PA-based sister company to Logistics Plus Inc. and a leading local provider of transportation and warehousing solutions, has expanded its warehousing capabilities in Erie, Pennsylvania with two additional facilities. The company now maintains operations at 1710 Greengarden Blvd, 3011 West 17th Street, and 2311 W 15th Street.
“Our national truckload operations continue to be operated from 15th Street, where we’ve maintained our primary offices for the past several years,” said Joe Santone, senior vice president for Logistics Plus and NTL. “We moved into the Greengarden facility late last year to address our expanding industrial warehousing and painting business lines. Earlier this year we also acquired 60,000 square feet of additional capacity on 17th Street to service our expanding commercial warehousing and fulfillment business segment.”
Santone says the three facilities combined provide over 150,000 square feet of warehousing space to companies looking for temporary or long-term storage in the area, and to companies looking for Midwest and Northeast warehousing and fulfillment services. Special features include an industrial-sized forklift with 62,000 pounds of lift capacity, a 110-ton crane with 200,000 pounds of lift capacity, and a full-service painting bay at Greengarden; and a complete racking and shelving system with covered multi-dock unloading and loading bays at 17th Street.
Visit here to learn more and to request more information.
About NTL
NTL (National Truckload) is an independently-operated asset-based and brokerage provider of truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation, warehousing, and industrial painting services. Founded in Erie, PA, with an additional facility in Lexington, NC, it has a diverse mixture of people and equipment with a strong focus on providing dedicated solutions. Learn more at www.nationaltruckload.net.
About Logistics Plus Inc.
Logistics Plus Inc. provides freight transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, and supply chain management solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. Founded in Erie, PA by local entrepreneur, Jim Berlin, 21 years ago, Logistics Plus is a fast-growing and award-winning transportation and logistics company. With a strong passion for excellence, its 400+ employees put the “plus” in logistics by doing the big things properly, and the countless little things, that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus® network includes offices located in Erie, PA; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; Riverside, CA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Visalia, CA; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Lexington, NC; Buffalo, NY; New York, NY; Olean, NY; Akron, OH; Cleveland, OH; Charleston, SC; Nashville, TN; Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Houston, TX; Laredo, TX; Winchester, VA; Madison, WI; Australia; Bahrain; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; China; Colombia; Czech Republic; Egypt; France; Germany; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Libya; Mexico; Netherlands; Poland; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; South Sudan; Taiwan; Turkey; UAE; Uganda; and United Kingdom; with additional agents around the world. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.
Media Contact:
Scott G. Frederick
Vice President, Marketing
Logistics Plus Inc.
(814) 240-6881
scott.frederick@logisticsplus.com
