The load sheet for today’s shipment is on your desk. The truck is fuelled and ready to go, but something feels off. The paperwork is in order, you think, but you’ve had that thought before, and it’s led to delays. You remember the last time a shipment was held up at the border because of a wrong commodity code. The demurrage clock started ticking the moment the truck arrived, and you didn’t find out until the storage invoice landed on your desk a week later.
Your mind races through the details: the commodity codes, the customs declarations, the EU and Northern Ireland regulations. Everything seems correct, but you know all too well that one small mistake can lead to a cascade of problems. The driver is already on the road, and you can’t afford to have the shipment delayed again. The clock is ticking, and every hour the truck spends at the border is money down the drain.
The border holds are costly. Invoices pile up, clients get frustrated, and your reputation takes a hit. You need a way to ensure that every shipment complies with all the necessary regulations before it even leaves the depot. But how do you verify everything without spending hours poring over paperwork?
Your freight operator's typical Tuesday morning problem starts with a simple mistake that cascades into a costly delay. FreightSnap is a software solution which makes sure that mistake does not happen.
The software checks the paperwork against UK, EU and NI customs rules before the load moves. This check is run by a central decision layer: the white-label site engine. It records the rules. A freight manager with a loaded truck is typically waiting for the site to go live, with no time to check the rules. The site engine, which governs the workflow, is the point at which the manager tells the system to run the check.
The freight forwarding manager uploads the details of the shipment, including the commodity codes, customs declarations, and other relevant information. The site engine uses these details to run a check against the customs rules for the UK, EU and Northern Ireland. The check is thorough, covering all the regulations that apply to the shipment.
The check includes the calculation of landed cost. FreightSnap runs a summary of all the costs associated with the shipment, including foreign exchange rates, duties, VAT and freight charges. This summary is presented to the manager, who can then verify that the shipment complies with all the necessary regulations.
The check includes a log of all the details of the shipment. The site engine records every detail of the shipment, including the commodity codes, customs declarations, and other relevant information. This log is stored securely, and the manager can access it at any time. It is the manager's record which will stand up to the customs check at the border.
If the shipment does not comply with the regulations, the manager is alerted immediately. The system provides detailed information on what needs to be corrected, allowing the manager to make the necessary changes before the shipment leaves the depot. If the shipment complies with the regulations, the manager is alerted and the shipment can proceed as planned.
Payment for this service is handled by a payment platform which works with the manager's bank. The site engine collects the payment details from the manager and processes the payment securely. This ensures that the manager does not have to worry about payment processing, allowing them to focus on getting the shipment to its destination on time.
The site engine also captures leads for potential clients. The manager can use this feature to generate new business, by capturing the details of potential clients who are interested in the service. This feature is particularly useful for freight forwarders, logistics managers and haulage operators who are looking to expand their business.
The Tuesday morning where you get the load sheet, and the driver is ready to roll, can be different. The load sheet is on your desk, but this time, you have peace of mind. You’ve run the shipment details through FreightSnap, and the system has given you the green light. Everything is in order, and you know that the shipment will comply with all the necessary regulations. The driver has left the depot, and you can focus on the next task.
The shipment arrives at the border without incident. The customs officials run their checks, and everything is in order. The truck is waved through, and the shipment continues on its journey. You receive a notification that the shipment has cleared customs, and you can update your records accordingly. The clock is ticking, but this time, it’s ticking down to a successful delivery, not a costly delay.
Your clients are happy, and your reputation is intact. You’ve avoided the demurrage fees and the frustration of a delayed shipment. You’ve also gained a new client, thanks to the lead capture feature of FreightSnap. The details of the potential client were captured during the check, and you’ve been able to follow up with them, securing a new business opportunity.
The site engine records every shipment and every lead. You can access this record at any time, allowing you to keep track of your shipments and your business opportunities. This record is your insurance against future delays and your key to future growth.
Your Tuesday morning has changed. You’re no longer worried about border holds and demurrage fees. You’re focused on getting shipments to their destinations on time and on growing your business. The load sheet is on your desk, but this time, it’s just another day at the office. You have the tools you need to succeed.
The invoices for your shipments are in your filing system. Compare those from the last quarter to those from the previous quarter.