Freight Audit Checklist

Freight audit checklist is essential for ensuring accuracy and completeness in auditing freight invoices and related documentation.

Here’s a comprehensive Freight Audit checklist tailored for freight audit purposes:

1. Invoice Information

   • Verify that the invoice date, number, and currency are correct.
   • Check if the invoice matches the agreed-upon rates and terms with the carrier.

2. Shipment Details

   • Confirm the accuracy of shipment information such as origin, destination, weight, dimensions, and commodity description.
   • Ensure that the shipment details match the bill of lading (BOL) or shipping documents.

3. Carrier Information

   • Validate the carrier’s name, address, and contact details on the invoice.
   • Ensure that the carrier’s information matches the agreed-upon terms and rates.

4. Charges and Fees

   • Review all charges and fees included in the invoice, such as freight charges, fuel surcharges, accessorial fees, and any additional charges.
   • Verify the calculation of charges based on agreed-upon rates, tariffs, or contracts.
   • Check for any unauthorized or duplicate charges.

5. Taxes and Duties

   • Verify the accuracy of taxes, duties, and other government-imposed fees included in the invoice.
   • Ensure compliance with applicable tax regulations and exemptions.

6. Payment Terms and Discounts

   • Confirm that payment terms, discounts, and payment deadlines are accurately reflected on the invoice.
   • Verify the application of any negotiated discounts or rebates.

7. Documentation

   • Review supporting documentation such as the bill of lading, proof of delivery, shipping manifests, and customs documentation.
   • Ensure that all required documentation is complete, accurate, and properly attached to the invoice.

8. Claims and Disputes

   • Identify any discrepancies, errors, or disputes in the invoice or related documentation.
   • Document any claims or disputes with the carrier or freight forwarder and follow up for resolution.

9. Auditing Tools and Software

   • Utilize freight auditing tools or software to automate the audit process and ensure consistency and accuracy.
   • Take advantage of features such as data validation, rate verification, and automated dispute resolution.

10. Reporting and Analysis

    • Generate reports summarizing audit findings, including discrepancies, errors, and cost-saving opportunities.
    • Analyze audit data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in freight management and logistics operations.

11. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

    • Ensure compliance with industry regulations, contractual obligations, and internal policies.
    • Stay informed about changes in regulations or industry standards that may impact freight auditing processes.

12. Follow-Up and Resolution

    • Take appropriate action to address any discrepancies, errors, or disputes identified during the audit.
    • Communicate with carriers, vendors, or internal stakeholders to resolve issues and prevent recurrence.

By following this comprehensive freight audit checklist, you can conduct thorough freight audits to ensure accuracy, compliance, and cost-effectiveness in your logistics operations.

Performing a freight audit using  eAuditor Audits & Inspections   can be streamlined with a checklist tailored for mobile use:

1. Choose  eAuditor Audits & Inspections:

   • Obtain  eAuditor Audits & Inspections  from Apple or Android App store.

2. Create or Import a Checklist:

   • Create a new checklist specifically for freight audit within  eAuditor Audits & Inspections .
   •  eAuditor Audits & Inspections  has a pre-made freight audit checklist.

3. Invoice Details

   • Verify invoice details such as date, number, carrier information, and shipment details.

4. Rates and Contracts

   • Compare invoiced charges with contracted rates, tariffs, or negotiated terms with carriers.

5. Charges Validation

   • Validate each charge and fee listed on the invoice, including freight charges, fuel surcharges, and accessorial.

6. Discrepancy Documentation

   • Document any discrepancies or errors identified during the audit within the  eAuditor Audits & Inspections freight audit checklist.

7. Evidence Collection

   • Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections‘s camera feature to capture photos of relevant documentation or discrepancies.

8. Communication

   • Communicate audit findings with carriers or vendors directly through the eAuditor Audits & Inspections‘s messaging or email feature.

9. Resolution Tracking

   • Track the progress of discrepancy resolution within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections and set reminders for follow-up actions.

10. Compliance Check

    • Ensure compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and contractual obligations.

11. Reporting

    • Generate audit reports from eAuditor Audits & Inspections summarizing findings, including discrepancies, resolutions, and cost-saving opportunities.

12. Analytics

    • eAuditor Audits & Inspections  can provide analytics to identify trends or patterns in audit data.

13. Documentation

    • Store all audit documentation and reports securely within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections for future reference.

By following freight audit checklist and utilizing eAuditor Audits & Inspections designed for freight auditing, you can efficiently conduct audits, ensure compliance, and drive improvements in your freight management processes.