5 Signs Your 3PL Is Saving You Money
1) Bill Audits Ensure Accuracy
A sign that your 3PL is saving you money is whether they audit your bills before sending you an invoice. Freight carriers often add extra fees for services like lift gates, limited-time windows, or residential deliveries, even if you didn’t request them. Over time, these hidden charges add up and inflate your shipping costs. A reliable 3PL ensures you only pay for necessary services by auditing invoices and catching unnecessary fees early.
2) Proper Freight Classification
Freight classification errors can lead to higher costs. Your 3PL should stay updated on the latest National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) guidelines and be a member of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Misclassifying shipments can lead to overpaying, so it’s important that your 3PL ensures accuracy. This practice helps you avoid inflated costs and keeps your logistics budget in check.
3) Monitoring Insurance Costs
Insurance is another area where you could be losing money. Many carriers automatically apply insurance charges, whether or not you request them. Your 3PL should confirm whether additional insurance is necessary or if the carrier’s standard liability per pound is sufficient for your shipment. By monitoring insurance costs and advising you on the best options, your 3PL ensures you don’t pay for unnecessary coverage.
4) Verifying Shipping Environment
Unexpected shipping environment challenges can result in extra fees or delays. Your 3PL should verify important details like loading dock hours, access for large trucks, and any special requirements at both the origin and destination. By anticipating potential issues, your 3PL can avoid surprise fees, reduce delays, and ensure a smooth shipping process from start to finish.
5) Ensuring Proper Packaging
Improper packaging can lead to damaged goods, which is one of the costliest errors in logistics. Your 3PL should confirm that shipments are packaged according to the requirements of the shipping service you’re using. In many cases, blanket-wrap services for fragile items might be more cost-effective and safer than traditional freight. Ensuring proper packaging helps prevent damage, reducing claims and the financial impact of lost goods.
MoveIt: Your Partner in Saving Money
At MoveIt, we don’t just move freight—we help you save money. With over 40 years of experience, we understand how to reduce shipping costs and avoid common mistakes. Whether it’s auditing your bills, ensuring proper freight classification, or verifying insurance coverage, our team is committed to protecting your bottom line.
Tour our facility today to learn more about our variety of payment options. Our clean, easily accessible facility and flexible services ensure that your logistics needs are met without unnecessary costs. Promotions are subject to change based on availability, so don’t miss out on opportunities to save.
Optimize Your Shipping Process
Take control of your logistics with MoveIt and see how we can help you save money, time, and effort. Pay your bill online and trust us to handle the complexities of your shipping needs while you focus on growing your business. Set yourself up for success by partnering with MoveIt today.
Chad graduated from Iowa State University in 1996 with a bachelor of science in Statistics and has been involved in operations management and marketing for 24 years. His current work at MoveIt is focused on customer and vendor network development. He is happily married with 3 sons who are all heavily involved in sports and music like their father.
The latest news at the MoveIt® Companies.
