With fuel prices soaring, many shipping companies are seeking ways to increase efficiency. Their searches have likely led many of these businesses to investigate freight bill management information and available options. A company might choose to outsource freight bill management for many reasons, but decreasing labor and internal process steps and lowering the cost of necessary software are among the most compelling. In addition, companies must maintain a billing management regimen that meets their specific auditing needs, and many freight bill management firms can provide this service. Currently, around 65% of larger businesses outsource their freight bill management to an outside company.

If outsourcing freight bill management isn't your preference, you might choose to purchase software designed specifically for the industry. Some companies take bill management software one step further, customizing it specifically for your business. Your freight bill management list should include the following options:

1. Choose a company that either uses software specific to the types of clients you serve or that can tailor services to you, regardless of industry.

2. Outsource some or all procedures related to your freight bill management.

3. Purchase software to handle your freight bill management internally.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a freight bill management provider to suit your business needs

If your company provides shipping services for a specific industry, choosing a freight bill management company that caters to that industry is a good option, especially since they're familiar with the challenges your business faces each day. If your company transports freight to many different industries, a firm with a comprehensive understanding of all types of freight may prove the better choice.

I recommend: Ardmore Power Logistics was founded to offer the energy industry a partner to help minimize the costs of energy transportation. ACS Traffic Services works with their clients to provide the best freight management solutions tailored to their business needs. Their services include freight bill pre-auditing and payment.

Find freight bill management firms for partial or total outsourcing

Some firms offer a la carte freight bill management services, givng your company all the flexibility it needs. Depending on your available resources and specific needs, you can delegate all or just a portion of your freight bill management to an outside firm.

I recommend: Offering a full scope of freight management services, including freight bill management, Outsource strives to help your transportation company increase both control and profit. DLT Transportation Services promises to move your paperwork as fast as your freight so your company gets paid quicker.

Purchase freight bill management software to handle the details yourself

If you're not ready to delegate this portion of your business to someone else, make the job easier by purchasing software designed for the transportation industry. Freight bill management software can perform many essential tasks, ranging from determining rates--so you're not under- or overcharging--to keeping you compliant with state-to-state transportation regulations.

I recommend: Tailwind Management Systems is a leading software supplier for both the trucking and brokerage industries. Their software can handle all aspects of your freight bill management and more. Magaya offers a complete line of logistics software solutions, helping you to manage your freight billing system for peak performance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join FAIMA (Freight Accounting and Information Management Association) to keep informed regarding all the fast-paced changes occurring in the transportation industry and find freight bill management information, too.