USFANS: A Guide to Tracking Repacking and Weight Adjustments for Perfect Freight Accuracy
In the world of logistics and freight shipping, discrepancies between billed and actual weight can lead to significant cost overruns. For professionals and businesses alike, maintaining a verifiable chain of evidence for any package modifications is crucial. Here’s a systematic approach to tracking repacking and weight adjustments.
The Critical Step: Documenting the Repack
Before any item is placed into a new shipping box, the repackaging process must be visually documented. This creates an indisputable record.
- Photograph the Original Setup:
- Capture the New Packaging:
- Record the Repack in Stages:
- Capture the New Packaging:
Visual proof is the cornerstone of verifying that subsequent shipping charges are justified.
Weighing for Verification
Accurate weight is the primary factor in freight costs. Follow this procedure:
- Ensure your scale is calibrated and placed on a flat, hard surface.
- Tare the scale with any necessary pallet or dunnage.
- Place the fully sealed repackaged box
- Capture a photo where the displayed weight is clearly legible, alongside the package label.
- Record this weight as the "Actual Ship Weight" in your shipping log or software.
Why This Practice is Essential
Dispute Resolution
Provides concrete evidence to challenge incorrect carrier charges (re-weighs or re-dimensions) with confidence.
Cost Accuracy
Guarantees you pay only for the freight you actually ship, aligning charges precisely with actual weight.
Process Integrity
Creates a transparent, auditable process for internal teams, clients, and carriers, building trust.
Best Practices for USFANS
Implement these tips to solidify your process:
- Use Time-Stamped Photos:
- Centralize Documentation:
- Standardize the Workflow:
- Communicate with Carriers:
- Centralize Documentation: