Shipping freight involves a lot of complicated and time-consuming paperwork. That’s why understanding the function of each document involved in the shipment will make the whole process smoother, saving you time and effort. One of those key documents is the proof of delivery (POD).
Below, we explore what these documents are used for, why they're important, and offer tips on how to use them effectively.
Proof of delivery is a legal document that indicates a shipment has been correctly delivered to its intended recipient. It records all key delivery details, including the date and time of delivery, the person who received the shipment, and a list of the items delivered. It serves as an essential record for all parties involved in the shipment process.
Whether you're a distributor or supplier, maintaining a comprehensive record using PODs is crucial to safeguarding your company from potential liabilities associated with deliveries.
One of the essential pieces of paperwork used for shipments (alongside the bill of lading and terms and conditions), the proof of delivery serves three main purposes.
As the proof of delivery includes an account of all items delivered to the recipient, it acts as a cargo receipt, ensuring everything has been delivered as expected. This is one of the reasons why this paperwork is essential. It may be requested by insurance companies for liability reasons, especially if something is amiss.
It also provides details about weight, quantities, origin, dimensions, and other shipment information.
Ensuring that the freight has arrived and follows the specifications of both parties is critical. As the recipient must sign the proof of delivery, it acts as evidence that the recipient not only received the freight as per the contract but that they approved the condition in which it arrived too. This can be an invaluable tool when resolving freight claims surrounding the fulfillment of contracted carriage.
A proof of delivery record can be used as a title to goods or products, tracking both when the goods were received and accepted by the recipient, and when ownership was transferred from the shipper to the receiver.
Again, this is critical to establishing ownership and liability for the goods. If disputes arise, it helps provide a paper trail and history of ownership for the delivered products.
One of three key documents in the shipping process, a proof of delivery can be used to:
PODs are particularly important if high-value items are being shipped or if the cargo needs to be delivered by a specific time or date.
There are two types of proof of delivery records: digital and physical.
The electronic proof of delivery is (unsurprisingly) the modern and preferred way of keeping track of a POD. You can use an app or online service to track your POD records, although email and PDFs are also suitable. Parties typically use a digital proof of delivery when the shipment is relatively small.
A physical POD, on the other hand, is used for larger deliveries where there is a greater chance for error. That's because a pen and paper require someone to manually go through the inventory, which is akin to using a fine-tooth comb.
It is generally accepted that physical proof of delivery records are more reliable, even if they take longer to send and generate.
While the proof of delivery provides some details about the cargo, it is mainly used as confirmation that the shipment has been delivered to its specified recipient. A bill of lading, on the other hand, outlines the terms of a shipment, including its origin and destination, the type of goods being shipped, and their value. It is also legally binding and is seen as a title of the goods, enabling the carrier to maintain possession of the shipment until payment arrangements have been completed.
A bill of lading is required when dealing with large shipments as a way to protect the shipper and carrier. It doesn’t replace the POD but instead works alongside it.
Whenever you're signing a proof of delivery, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Remember, to file a damage claim, you have to provide notice within 9 months to the carrier. If you have discovered damage to your freight that was not apparent at the time of delivery, you only have 5 days after delivery to bring these concealed damage claims to the carrier’s attention. Documenting everything at the time of delivery and inspecting your products will help speed up the process.
If you have something to ship, why not work with a transportation provider like DTS? We help small to medium-sized businesses manage their transportation thanks to our proactive customer service team, depth of industry knowledge, easy-to-use shipment management platform, reliability, and our ability to provide the best value for our clients' transportation dollars.
If you have any questions about proof of delivery, get in touch with our team of experts today.
When it comes to handling and shipping freight, there are a lot of moving parts. Choose the wrong partner and you could encounter costly communication issues, delays, or damages to goods. So, whether you’re a shipper with too little time or staff to maintain standards, or a freight carrier looking to increase your earning potential, you’ll likely benefit from working with a freight broker who can help streamline the supply chain. Here’s everything you need to know.
A freight brokerage, also known as a transportation broker, is a business that helps connect shippers with carriers to move their freight from one location to another.
In essence, a freight broker is a matchmaker between shippers and carriers. They act as a middleman, facilitating communication between the two parties to ensure that both are on the same page and prepared to support the others' needs. They also help ensure that the handoff of goods between shippers and carriers goes smoothly.
Freight broker companies provide a variety of services, including negotiating rates with carriers, tracking shipments, and handling paperwork and documentation.
This entails:
Whether you’re a shipper or a carrier, your business could benefit from using a freight broker.
A freight broker can greatly reduce your overhead costs in two key ways.
First, they can offer extremely attractive pricing due to their volume buying power and close working relationships with many carriers.
Second, freight brokers act as consultants, not employees. That means no hiring costs, employee benefits, or full-time salary to pay.
As a shipper, you won’t necessarily know the optimal routes and strategies for transporting your freight in a timely manner. To eliminate those costly delays, a freight broker will work with carriers to optimize their route and put procedures in place to minimize any damage to your cargo.
No matter what industry you're in, scalability can be challenging. Fortunately, freight brokers have experience helping shippers and carriers grow their businesses and can give actionable insights.
Whether you’ve scaled too quickly and need help handling your logistics, or you’re looking to put the right processes in place ahead of scaling, a freight broker can offer support.
Freight brokers have the expertise to streamline your logistics. For shippers, that means working with a single point of contact from start to finish no matter how many carriers are moving your freight. For carriers, it means having a freight broker optimize routes, negotiate prices on your behalf, and minimize deadhead miles.
Freight brokers can also provide supplemental insurance for shippers when their shipment value exceeds the carrier-provided liability coverage. This supplemental insurance is extremely valuable when there is loss or damage to a shipment to help ensure that a shipper’s goods are covered.
In the event of a claim, freight brokers assist and advise their customers in filing the claim with the motor carrier. Loss and damage to shipments unfortunately do occur in the transportation industry and freight brokers have an understanding of the law surrounding freight claims to help consult a shipper in their cargo claim.
Freight brokers and freight forwarders are similar, though there are some key differences.
As mentioned, a freight broker is a third party that helps shippers and carriers find partnerships that will maximize their profits while reducing headaches. They are a middleman that organizes the movement of freight, without ever touching any goods.
A freight forwarder also arranges the transportation of shipments but is licensed under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for both interstate and foreign commerce. In other words, they can arrange shipments under their own bill of lading and from country to country. Additionally, freight forwarders can provide warehousing for their customers where they break up or consolidate goods, route and package shipments, and handle the customs clearance process.
So, while the freight forwarder is more active on the ground moving shipments, the broker manages the relationship between shippers and carriers.
A freight agent is much more akin to a freight broker. In fact, they generally work directly with a broker.
Their role is to build connections with as many shippers and carriers as possible so that they can help freight brokers make effective matches. They don't typically handle the nitty-gritty details of logistics, though, which is why they work for freight brokers rather than shippers or carriers directly.
If you're in need of transportation services, you may be wondering: "Is there a reliable freight broker near me?". Here's how to find the right one for your needs.
Diversified Transportation Services (DTS) is a leading third-party shipping and logistics provider that can help with your freight brokerage needs. Get in touch today to speak with our team.
Shipper load and count (SLC) is a notation that is commonly marked on the bill of lading (BOL) when the shipper loads a shipment in the carrier’s absence. There are a few reasons why the driver may mark this notation on the BOL:
As mentioned in the previous section, carriers mark “SLC” on the bill of lading when they are not present for the loading of the shipment by the shipper, but this notation is also helpful for carriers in liability protection. As seen in § 7-301:
"[A claimant] may recover from the issuer damages caused by the misdating of the bill or the nonreceipt or misdescription of the goods, except to the extent that the document of title indicates that the issuer does not know whether any part or all of the goods in fact were received or conform to the description, such as in a case in which the description is in terms of marks or labels or kind, quantity, or condition or the receipt or description is qualified by "contents or condition of contents of packages unknown", "said to contain", "shipper's weight, load and count," or words of similar import, if that indication is true."
https://www.law.cornell.edu/ucc/7/7-301
In other words, when a shipper loads and counts their goods, they are assuming responsibility for the accuracy of the count and state of the goods. If the carrier notates shipper load and count on the bill of lading, they can use this as evidence that the shipper was responsible for the accuracy of the count, which can limit their liability in case of a claim over missing or damaged goods.
Now that you understand the ramifications of “SLC” what can you do to protect yourself?
The most important thing to do for any shipment is to ensure that it is suitably packaged, properly loaded, blocked and braced on the carrier’s trailer. Standard loading procedures should be developed and described in manuals, along with loading diagrams and pictures. These records greatly contribute to proving that a load was in good order and condition at the time it was tendered to the carrier.
Whenever possible, load your shipment when the carrier’s driver is present and can inspect and verify the number of pieces you’re shipping and the condition. Some shippers maintain a strict policy against allowing any shipment to be signed "SLC" by the carrier, and post signs at their shipping dock to that effect. This serves as a reminder to drivers that they are responsible and liable for counting and loading the freight.
Taking videos and photos during, and after completion, of loading the cargo can also be helpful in the event that your shipment arrives with damage or a shortage. This is highly recommended when you load your trailer even without the presence of the carrier’s driver.
In the end, it is important to understand the meaning of SLC in shipping and the best practices for avoiding this designation on your bill of lading.
At Diversified Transportation Services, we provide concierge transportation services and proactive customer services for our customers. If you are having experiencing unreliable transportation services cargo claims, and freight invoices that don’t match the quotation, reach out to us and we will be happy to help!
Chinese New Year 2023 is a time of celebration and preparation for families and businesses alike. For companies, the Chinese New Year can cause disruptions in their supply chain and put a strain on their resources. This blog post will discuss the importance of preparing for Chinese New Year and provide tips for companies on how to navigate the holiday season and maintain the flow of their supply chain.
The dates for Chinese New Year 2023 and other traditional festivals are based on the Chinese lunar calendar, and thus they change every year, relative to the Gregorian calendar we use in the West. January 22, 2023 is the first day of the “Year of the Rabbit.” The official government holiday will last from January 21st through the 27th and there will be closures until February 5th with the Lantern Festival. Some factories may close earlier in January, and many will be fully closed for between two and four weeks. So check with your factory contacts to get their exact closure dates.
During CNY, every factory in the country shuts down… Yes, every factory. The official public holiday only lasts for seven days. But, most factories are fully closed for between two and four weeks. Additionally, many Chinese factory workers take extra time off, leaving in the weeks leading up to their company closure dates, which slows production down significantly. Many workers will not return immediately afterward, meaning that it can take up to a month for production to return to full capacity after the holiday.
First, it is important to understand the impact of Chinese New Year 2023 on the shipping industry. The Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, travel, and family gatherings. During this time, many Chinese businesses take a break from production and transportation, resulting in disruptions and delays in shipping. In order to avoid delays and ensure the continuity of their supply chain, it is important for companies to plan for the holiday season.
One way companies can prepare for Chinese New Year is to book their shipments in advance. Booking ahead of time ensures that there is space available for their goods and can help to avoid delays in the supply chain. Additionally, it is important to choose a reliable logistics provider that can handle the extra volume of shipments during the holiday season.
It is also important to get a clear picture of your shipping requirements and average transit times. This will help companies to anticipate any delays and plan accordingly. Planning shipments several weeks in advance of the New Year is essential for avoiding any disruption in the supply chain.
Finally, it is important to communicate with suppliers and customers regarding any delays that may occur due to the holiday season. Building resilience into the supply chain is key to ensuring the continuity of shipments during Chinese New Year.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year 2023 can cause disruptions in companies’ supply chains. By following the tips outlined above, companies can prepare for the holiday season and ensure the continuity of their supply chain. Booking shipments in advance, choosing a reliable logistics provider, getting a clear picture of shipping requirements and average transit times, planning shipments weeks in advance, communicating with suppliers and customers, and building resilience into the supply chain are all important steps for navigating Chinese New Year.
Diversified Transportation Services is committed to keeping the flow of your supply chain during Chinese New Year. Our experienced logistics team will work with you to ensure the continuity of your shipments and the smooth running of your supply chain. Contact us today to as we can help you get your products flown to the United States, LATAM, Europe, or another country in Asia from China.
The pandemic brought many disruptions to the world in 2020, and shipping delays were certainly one of them. However, the industry has managed to handle the situation ever since the pandemic started more than two years ago. Keep reading to understand several ways COVID-19 has changed international shipping and how it may affect you moving forward.
The pandemic impacted several industries, causing substantial delays, and international shipping was no exception—given that this industry requires human interaction. With such a unique situation, adjustments were certain to take time.
As addressed in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's analysisof international trade in the pandemic era, industrial trade and production dropped significantly during the pandemic. However, the same analysis showcases the industry’s recovery, with both trade and production rising again by 2022. Let’s talk more about how that fall and rise has influenced the market.
Maritime freight is essential to international travel as roads can’t take your shipments everywhere. In the same aforementioned OECD analysis, maritime freight rates were also a discussion piece due to their increase during the COVID-19 pandemic—potentially due to vessel capacities and container shortages, among other reasons. When this trend started in 2020, the total outlook of international shipping seemed to forecast long-term difficulties.
Thankfully, there are ways you can reduce stress during your shipment transportation. For instance, Diversified Transportation Services offers international freight forwarding services. We focus on the solutions to logistical issues so that you don’t have to try to solve every problem yourself, working with freight forwarders to move shipments domestically and internationally.
The ways COVID-19 has changed international shipping doesn’t solely come down to the problems it created. This experience required the industry to rethink and strategize the way it does things. Forward-thinking is a powerful thing in any industry, and now, the pandemic’s side effects present the opportunity for international shippers to engage in that.
For example, as Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer, Ashwani Gupta, recently stated, Nissan previously focused on a quarterly business plan; however, due to the pandemic, the company now uses a strategy that more closely resembles a daily business plan. Suffice it to say, that’s a substantial change; however, exploring and embracing a strategy such as this will help the industry thrive moving forward.
Freight rates can be challenging to calculate since there are many factors that influence them. For example, some factors that can affect your full truckload freight rates are fuel costs and distance. Read on to learn four factors that attribute to full truckload freight rates.
The further your cargo travels, the more expensive your freight rates will be. Usually, you can calculate the rates for distance using the average trucking cost per mile, but keep in mind that this number constantly changes due to market conditions and other factors. Also, keep in mind that if you choose to transport your cargo outside of a carrier’s service area, you might incur additional fees, thus raising your rates.
Another factor that attributes to full truckload freight rates is fuel costs. Suffice it to say that fuel costs are relevant to any vehicular transportation, but you need more fuel and power to carry full trucks than lighter loads.
The trucks can handle these loads, but they come at a fuel cost that you should always consider for every shipment. Moreover, diesel fuel costs can go up and down throughout the year, so keep an eye on them before shipments so that you know what kind of cost to expect.
Just like any other business, the transportation industry runs on the supply and demand generated by the economy. If there are not enough truck drivers to meet the demand, you can expect freight rates to rise. However, if there are plenty of trucks but not enough demand, freight rates will fall. It all depends on the supply and demand generated by the current economy.
When you need to transport your freight quickly, you rely on expedited freight carriers to do the job. However, expedited services cost more than other options that transport your freight at a slower pace. The faster the transportation service, the higher the rate. So, as you can see, time plays a role in determining your full truckload freight rates.
Due to popular demand, Diversified Transportation Services will be exhibiting at the FABTECH 2022 Tradeshow – North America’s Largest Metal Forming, Fabricating, Welding and Finishing Event held at Booth C10247 in Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA from November 8th-10th.
As a premium provider of logistics in the United States and internationally for LTL, Expedited, heavy haul, truckload, international air freight and other challenging deliveries within the industrial machinery vertical, we have become the top choice when it comes to providing quality transport from beginning to end.
We have provided the logistical needs for virtually every type of machinery item imaginable. Fabricating machines, bending and forming machines, tooling, press brakes, robotics, stamping, and the list goes on and on. From a single pallet that can move via LTL to a multi flatbed or drop deck installation that requires detailed coordination including cranes and riggers, we have done virtually everything. When it comes to the Managed Transportation segment, we are the leader.
At Diversified Transportation Services, we get involved and work to ensure that the receiving experience is a pleasant one with the proper level of expectation. By working with the shippers to understand any special needs and communicating with consignees ahead of time, we can overcome any obstacle that is put in our way in order to achieve the success of a safe on time delivery.
Our long history has given us the knowledge when it comes to choosing the correct mode of transport and the best carrier option. While we understand price is of the main concern, getting the goods delivered timely, claim free, and headache free with excellent communication is what we bring to the table. Put your confidence and trust in our 30+ years of logistics experience.
You can read more information on our Industrial Machinery page here.
If you would like to see us at the FABTECH 2022 visit us at our Booth #C10247.
Contact us for a trade show logistics quote at (310) 521-1200 ext. 7 or email us at tradeshowdepartment@dtsone.com.
When working in the shipping and receiving world, one unavoidable issue is when you receive damaged freight.
While receiving damaged freight is frustrating and time-consuming, there are some important steps that you can take to mitigate your damages and prepare your case when filing a claim.
Before we begin, it is important to understand the different types of freight damage:
Whenever you receive freight, the first thing you should do is count and inspect all of the pieces contained in the shipment; whether or not there is apparent damage.
The inspection must be conducted carefully BEFORE signing the delivery receipt.
If a delivery receipt is signed by the consignee with no indication of loss or damage it will severely limit your chances of full recovery from the carrier.
After you have counted and inspected all pieces of the shipment, you must notate your findings on the delivery receipt. If you discover that shipment is DAMAGED and/or SHORT merchandise, it is important to specify the condition that you received the product before the truck driver signs their name at the time of delivery.
It is important to be specific and factual when listing the issues on the delivery receipt: i.e. “corners bent, wrapping torn, tarp torn and shredded, two sheets missing”, etc.
When examining your shipment, even damage that is ever so slight should be notated on the delivery receipt.
If the banding, shrink, or stretch wrapping is broken upon receipt, inspect and count the contents in the driver’s presence. Additionally, if you find that any of the products are missing, write a clear exception notation on the delivery receipt such as: “SHORT Two (2) ctns. Paint #1234.”
Shortage and damage notations on the delivery receipt provide the evidence required to establish a “prima facie” claim that the carrier did not deliver the product in the condition that it was picked up in, and therefore, is liable for loss or damage.
If you receive damaged freight, take photographs of the damaged merchandise and the trailer if the load has badly shifted or is damaged. If possible, get the driver in the picture along with the trailer number, rail car number, or license plate.
It is also recommended that video cameras be installed at all receiving and shipping locations as well as at guard gates and that films be stored for future review.
When a shortage or damage is discovered, CALL THE CARRIER IMMEDIATELY to give them an opportunity to schedule an inspection (whether, or not, an exception was noted on the delivery receipt) and confirm in writing the date and time and the names of the persons who were notified. Also, report all damage and shortages to the shipper in writing, particularly if they are repetitive.
An immediate call to the carrier with email confirmation provides the beginning of hard documentary evidence for the eventual claim file. It also establishes the timeline for the carrier to perform its inspection.
If the carrier fails to make the inspection within the time limit, which is generally 30 days from notice, the consignee should perform the inspection and submit a copy of its findings with its claim.
One of the most important steps to take in cases of ALL DAMAGE claims is to set aside the damaged goods and packaging awaiting the carrier’s inspection.
Failure to comply with saving all of the original packaging and damaged goods deprives the carrier of the opportunity to inspect the goods and the packaging, which will in turn, severely hinder your chances to recover damages (unless, of course, you have preserved the evidence by taking photographs, obtained an affidavit from the person having actual knowledge of its condition, etc.).
It may seem unfair but paying the freight charges without delay for a damaged shipment is essential. If you refuse to pay the freight charges; it could delay the resolution of your claim.
You typically have 9 months from the delivery date, or expected delivery date, to file a claim. If your delivery receipt is not noted as damaged or short, you only have 5 days to report to the carrier that you have discovered a problem with the shipment.
Ensure that you have the following documents to prepare your claim case:
At Diversified Transportation Services, we provide concierge transportation services for our customers and will assist you in filing a claim with the carrier. We are also able to offer cost-effective supplemental cargo insurance coverage upon request so that you can rest assured that your product will be amply insured in transit.
STC (said to contain) is a notation that is commonly used on bills of lading by drivers in the LTL industry.
When a truck driver uses the STC notation on a BOL, it means that he/she is not able to verify the number of pieces/boxes on a pallet and is merely “taking the shippers word” for the piece count on a particular shipment.
The STC notation is significant because, from a legal standpoint, the carrier is only assuming responsibility, and potential liability, for a specific number of shipping units/pallets and NOT a certain number of pieces.
As seen in the bill of lading example above, if a driver picks up a shipment of 26 cartons on 1 pallet and the driver signs the BOL with the notation 1 pallet STC 26, the carrier will only be legally responsible for delivering the 1 pallet; and NOT the 26 cartons.
Therefore, in the example above, if the carrier delivers 1 pallet with 16 cartons and the consignee signs for receiving 1 pallet, the carrier will most likely decline the claim for the missing 10 cartons.
Remember, at the time of pick up, the driver could not verify the number of pieces and did not take responsibility for 26 cartons, only the 1 pallet.
In summary, it is imperative that your firm operates with sound shipping practices and DOES NOT allow LTL drivers to use the STC notation on the BOL when they are picking up your freight.
As we begin to celebrate our 32nd year in business, I can honestly say that I have never witnessed such a crazy time in the supply chain industry.
With Thanksgiving upon us, we take time to pause and reflect upon what we are truly thankful for.
The past year and a half has reminded me more than ever how valuable our time is on this Earth; and not to take any of that time for granted.
First and foremost, I am thankful for my friends, family, and loved ones who are there for me daily.
From a business perspective, we are thankful for our clients and we are honored to be able to assist them in managing their shipments.
We understand that there are many choices in the transportation industry, and we are extremely grateful to represent our customers as their transportation provider.
We thank you for continuing to trust us through these tumultuous times, and we do not take for granted any of the faith that you have put in us.
Finally, I would like to convey a big thank you to everyone who works alongside me at DTS.
I appreciate all of your continued hard work and dedication to our clients, and for the positive attitude and energy that you bring to the job on a daily basis.
I would especially like to thank you for your patience and persistence, and for going the extra mile to help our customers during these trying times.
From all of us at DTS, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, good health, and happiness.
Marc Meskin
President
Diversified Transportation Services
Due to popular request Diversified Transportation Services will be exhibiting at the FABTECH 2021 Tradeshow – North America’s Largest Metal Forming, Fabricating, Welding and Finishing Event held at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL from Sept. 13th – 16th, 2021.
As a premium provider of logistics in the United States and Canada for LTL, Expedited, heavy haul, truckload and other challenging deliveries within the industrial machinery vertical, we have become the top choice when it comes to providing quality transport from beginning to end.
We have provided the logistical needs for virtually every type of machinery item imaginable. Fabricating machines, bending and forming machines, tooling, press brakes, robotics, stamping, and the list goes on and on. From a single pallet that can move via LTL to a multi flatbed or drop deck installation that requires detailed coordination including cranes and riggers, we have done virtually everything. When it comes to the Managed Transportation segment, we are the leader.
At Diversified Transportation Services, we get involved and work to ensure that the receiving experience is a pleasant one with the proper level of expectation. By working with the shippers to understand any special needs and communicating with consignees ahead of time, we can overcome any obstacle that is put in our way in order to achieve the success of a safe on time delivery.
Our long history has given us the knowledge when it comes to choosing the correct mode of transport and the best carrier option. While we understand price is of the main concern, getting the goods delivered timely, claim free, and headache free with excellent communication is what we bring to the table. Put your confidence and trust in our 30+ years of logistics experience.
You can read more information on our Industrial Machinery page here.
If you would like to see us at the FABTECH 2021 visit us at our Booth #D46947 or email us for an appointment.
| Contact | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Mintz Branch Manager |
jmintz007@dtsone.com | 310-521-1200 xt. 302 |
| Michael Doyle VP of Sales and Marketing |
mdoyle@dtsone.com | 310-521-1200 xt. 170 |
| Brad Sedam Business Development Manager |
bsedam@dtsone.com | 310-521-1200 xt. 1006 |
| Nick Gromow Torrance Operations Supervisor |
ngromow@dtsone.com | 310-521-1200 xt. 109 |
NMFC -OLD classification Article 133300
