In the complex world of supply chain management, controlling transportation costs is a top priority for businesses. A well-executed freight audit can be a game-changer, helping companies reduce expenses, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure billing accuracy. Hatfield & Associates specializes in streamlining freight operations, providing tailored solutions that drive savings and optimize logistics performance.

What is a Freight Audit?

A freight audit is the process of reviewing and verifying freight invoices to ensure accuracy before making payments. This involves cross-checking invoices against contracts, shipping documents, and carrier agreements to identify discrepancies such as overcharges, duplicate billing, or incorrect tariffs. Given the sheer volume of shipments many companies handle, manually managing this process can be overwhelming—making automated freight audits a crucial solution.

Why Freight Audits Matter

For businesses reliant on transportation and logistics, freight costs account for a significant portion of overall expenses. Without a structured freight audit process, organizations may unknowingly overpay, leading to unnecessary financial losses. Here’s why freight audits are essential:

• Cost Reduction: Freight audits help businesses identify and rectify overcharges, leading to substantial savings. Hatfield & Associates typically reduces total freight spend by 15-30% for its clients.

• Billing Accuracy: Manual invoicing errors can be costly. Freight audits ensure invoices match agreed-upon rates and actual services rendered.

• Improved Cash Flow: By eliminating unexpected costs and billing errors, companies can allocate their budgets more effectively.

• Compliance & Accountability: Freight audits ensure compliance with contracts and industry regulations, helping businesses avoid legal disputes and penalties.

How Hatfield & Associates Enhances Freight Audits

Hatfield & Associates takes a data-driven approach to freight audits, leveraging advanced technology and industry expertise to optimize logistics spending. Our services include:

• Automated Invoice Processing: Using sophisticated software, we swiftly validate freight bills, identifying errors and inconsistencies before payments are made.

• Customized Reporting & Data Analysis: Our clients receive in-depth reports highlighting cost-saving opportunities and performance insights.

• Negotiation & Dispute Resolution: We work directly with carriers to resolve billing discrepancies, ensuring fair and accurate invoicing.

• Multi-Modal Freight Management: Whether you use FCL, LCL, LTL, truckload, ocean freight, or small package services, our freight audit solutions cater to all shipping methods.

Common Freight Billing Errors and How to Avoid Them

Freight audits uncover a variety of errors that may otherwise go unnoticed. Some of the most common billing mistakes include:

1. Duplicate Invoices – Some carriers accidentally (or intentionally) send duplicate invoices, leading to overpayments.

2. Incorrect Tariffs & Surcharges – Charges should align with agreed-upon rates. Misapplied surcharges can significantly inflate costs.

3. Weight & Classification Errors – Incorrect shipment weight or misclassified freight can lead to higher charges than necessary.

4. Accessorial Charges – Extra fees for services like liftgates or residential delivery must be validated against service agreements.

To prevent these errors, businesses should implement automated freight audit solutions and partner with experts like Hatfield & Associates for seamless invoice verification.

The Future of Freight Auditing

As logistics become increasingly complex, data-driven freight audits are no longer optional—they're a necessity. With rising transportation costs and evolving industry regulations, companies must embrace automation, AI, and analytics to stay competitive. Hatfield & Associates remains at the forefront of this transformation, helping businesses maximize savings and improve supply chain efficiency.

Are you ready to take control of your logistics expenses? Contact Hatfield & Associates today to learn how our freight audit solutions can help you cut costs and streamline your transportation processes.