Since shipping is one of a business’ top expenses, any business that does it needs to think carefully about how much it cuts into the bottom line and how to cut those costs as much as possible. This means smart shipping practices that promote efficiency and reduce waste to reduce freight costs altogether. However, it’s not just expenses that cut into the bottom line — shipping departments can also bleed money through losses. This is why it’s so important to file transportation claims (also sometimes called freight claims) when it’s appropriate. Here are three tips for doing it.
1. File a Claim as Soon as Possible
The first thing you need to do in the event of lost or damaged freight is to file the claim, of course, but you need to do this as soon as possible. You should always be checking incoming freight with a fine toothed comb, and if you find loss or damage it needs to be reported as soon as possible. The amount of time you have to file a claim can vary per carrier, but you should always make the claim as soon as you can just to be safe.
2. Compile Relevant Documentation
When you’re filing the claim itself, you should make sure that you keep all of the relevant documents that deal with the freight shipment in question. Keep these all in the same place and organized in case you need to send proof to the carrier. Getting parcel service failure refunds can be tougher to do with some carriers than others, but it’s good to be prepared.
3. Hang on to the Freight Itself
It might be tempting to get rid of the freight since it just takes up space, but you need to keep that freight until the claim has been resolved. Part of the process to secure refunds from parcel carriers might include an inspection from the carrier itself, so you need to allow them to do it. Anything you can do to increase your chances of getting a refund and to reduce freight costs is necessary.
Do you have any other tips for managing freight claims? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section below. Good references.
