Unlike a lot of companies, when TSB says "Our service doesn't cost, it pays," it's an unqualified statement of fact!

Here's why – at the point when a freight bill is rated and the charges paid, any overcharge has already occurred, and the money has been spent. Any amount we are successful in recovering represents revenue returned to you. In addition, when the erroneous charge is brought to the carrier's attention, subsequent similar shipments are usually correctly rated and our service has paid dividends by eliminating, in most cases, future claims on the same movement – all at no cost to you.

TSB postaudit services are offered on a contingency basis, and our normal fee is fifty-percent of recovered charges.

Transportation represents the third highest portion of the cost of most manufacturing operations, along with labor and raw materials. And given the need for companies to continually look for ways to reduce costs, TSB's no-cost, professional audit services just make good business sense.

How are freight bill overcharges created?

There are many ways in which a shipper can unintentionally create overcharges, and they vary with the type of industry, traffic patterns, product packaging, accounting and shipping procedures employed. Here are some of the most frequent errors we encounter:

1. Wrong description of product
2. Incomplete commodity description
3. Error in weight or lack of separate weights for each commodity
4. Error in extension
5. Duplicate payments
6. Shipper pays outbound collect charges
7. Released valuation of articles not declared
8. Higher rate paid on returned goods, improperly described
9. Penalty paid for wrong package description
10. Penalty paid for poor packing

What kinds of errors result in overcharges?

While there are many different types of mistakes that result in overcharges, here are some of the most common ones:

1. Transcribing wrong weight, commodity description or figures
2. Applying higher class or rate than is applicable
3. Failing to deduct weight of dunnage from total weight
4. Failing to deduct weight of pallets - they ride free
5. Failing to observe bill of lading shipment terms
6. Duplicate billings with different pro numbers
7. Failing to apply discounts or contracts properly
8. Failing to apply available, special rates as per bill of lading
9. Charging for a free astray shipment
10. Failing to apply applicable intermediate or combination rates
11. Failing to apply the cheapest rate

How old can freight bills be and still be audited for overcharges?

The statutory guidelines for overcharge claims are:

What are the qualifications of TSB?

TSB attracts and retains highly qualified, professional personnel. Our analysts are full-time employees and have extensive experience in all transportation modes.

Our rate analyst personnel average over 20 years of service with TSB and, in many cases, have prior transportation industry experience. In addition, TSB analysts offer regional and modal expertise for many types of carrier freight. This unique approach, combining the talents of analysts in specific regions and modes of traffic, can yield a more comprehensive audit of your company's freight bills.

Why is the audit of international bills of lading so important?

The cost of an average ocean shipment is between $2000 and $3000. A modest $10 or $20 savings per shipment can compound to savings of tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Does the Federal Maritime Reform Act reduce the need for an audit?

No! Carriers and forwarders not only make mistakes with rates but also with payment, billing and extension.

Why choose TSB for your international audits?

Recent increased access to rates has attracted new players to the international arena, but unlike most, TSB has experience gained over 20 years. Our expertise in using and understanding tariffs cannot be duplicated.

Who are some clients of TSB?

TSB clients include:

• Clariant
• Dayton Parts, Inc.
• Goodyear
• Mack Trucks
• Weirton Steel Co.
• York International