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About: Pierre Kitts

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The Most Effective Way To Dispute A Carrier Re-weigh Charge

Carrier Re-weigh are a common frustration in the shipping industry. This usually stems from the fact that a large percentage of shippers are ill-equipped and do not have large enough certified scales to weight the skids being shipped, or just don’t have the time to weigh each individual skid prior to shipping  relying on internal documentation that was produced several years ago, usually forgetting to include the weight of each pallet (typically 40 lbs) to the shipment in question.

Carrier re-weigh

Carrier re-weigh scale.

Since a change in the total weight of a shipment can have a dramatic impact on your rate, as well as legally create an issue for the carrier who is bound to run trailers below 45,000 lbs for a typical 53-foot dry van in North America. They weigh certain shipments in order to remain within the legal weight limits of the department of transportation. If the shipment in question does not conform to the stated weight on the bill of lading, then a re-weigh inspection form is created and a re-weigh is performed incurring additional charges to the shipper. 

What’s the most effective way to dispute a carrier re-weight?

If you just received your carriers invoice and were stunned at the rate increase that you never approved, chances are that its a carrier re-weight. However, you can dispute the re-weight charge by following this usual procedure but it must be done correctly for you to get the best chance of reducing or eliminated the increased re-weigh fees.

All Skyfer Logistic carriers posses certified scales during a carrier re-weight inspection and provide re weight and inspection certificates detailing the reasons for such increases. If you are convinced that the carrier re-weight & inspection is wrong you can dispute the carrier re-weight charge by following a few steps.

What documentation should be submitted to the carrier in order to correctly dispute the carrier re-weight charge?

Most common carriers require two distinct documents in order to accept a claim that disputes a carrier re-weight. These two documents must be official docs from the shipper or manufacturer and not a handwritten annotation.

A. Product Spec Sheet – This is a sanctioned document from the manufacturer or shipper that contain basic information about the shipment in question, including its Weight, Dimensions, and Description

B. Shipment Packing Slip – This paper comes from the shipper and is usually included with the skids during transit. It would itemize each product in the shipment along with the number of pieces and weights. The weight on the packing document and the Bill of Lading is the total weight of the shipment which includes the skid or skids.

In order to have a much better chance of success in the dispute of a carrier re-weigh, we suggest that it be made within a few days of being invoiced. Claims against a carrier re-weight can take anywhere between two weeks and a couple of months, so patience is a virtue in this case.

Most freight brokers worth their salt will assist you in filling a carrier re-weigh claim or even perform it on your behalf, Skyfer Logistic certainly does. Once the process is complete, they will usually provide you with a claim number that you can track and discuss any further issues with the carrier in question. This claim number is your proof that the process has started and is in the carriers claim system. If your dispute is approved you will be re-invoiced the correct amount and your original re-weight invoice will be voided in their system.

Author: Pierre is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Skyfer Logistics, a B2B firm that helps small and large businesses save money on shipping costs and helps them reduce their overall risk when it comes to their day-to-day freight needs. He loves following formula 1, traveling, and covering the latest stories on entrepreneurship. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter

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SOLAS Verified Shipping Container Gross Weight Rules Come Into Effect

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5 Ways to Control Transportation Accessorial Charges

Accessorial charges can increase your freight charges by as much as 35 %. Shippers turn a blind eye to them until they appear on their statement, and just pay them under the assumption that there’s nothing more that can be done to control these less frequent budget busting expenses that crop up during deliveries to clients. For those not in the know, “accessorials” as they are referred to in the industry, are charges that are incurred by shippers for additional services that are provided over and above the standard dock to dock, driver no touch, delivery standard. Tail gate delivery, heat no freeze, driver assist, waiting time, are just a few accessorial fees that carriers regularly charge extra for. Here are a few ways that you can take control of and manage these costs in the future.

accessorial charges
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Streamline Product Returns Through Reverse Logistics Management

A company’s returns process doesn’t necessarily have to result in reduced profits. We look at the importance of streamlining your supply chain through effective reverse logistics management to address product returns and recalls.

reverse logistics management

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Partner With Freight Services Providers To Avoid Compliance Shortfalls

As companies continue to seek out freight services providers in emerging markets for savings and efficiencies of ocean freight rates, they are faced with the prospect of having to meet additional regulatory compliance requirements. Partnering with a third-party logistics provider can help to mitigate compliance issues.

freight services compliance

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Ensuring On Time Delivery Through Integrated Logistics

A look at the advantages of using integrated logistics to ensure on time delivery

on time delivery

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Advantage Of Using Freight Forwarders For International Cargo Shipping

As international cargo shipping becomes increasingly complex, manufacturers struggle to maintain a competitive edge through strategic pricing, product placement and promotional campaigns. There has been a growing awareness among shippers of the many advantages to using a freight forwarding company to ship their product internationally.

international cargo shipping
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Identifying Trends In Accessorial Charges To Mitigate Costs

A recent benchmark study on trends in accessorial charges within the transportation industry has provided shippers with valuable data that can be used strategically to identify areas of potential savings

trends in accessorial charges

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Freight Logistics: Is premium freight costly or a long-term strategy?

In today’s competitive environment where profit margins are slim, more manufacturers are turning to premium freight logistics in order to meet their shipping needs.

premium freight

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Questions About Freight Claims But Were Too Afraid To Ask

One area in which most transportation providers are lacking in knowledge is the freight claims process. We take a look at some questions regarding the steps you should take to ensure that your claim is honored.

freight claims

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