Returns

ProShip shipping experts dive into how parcel shipping software can limit returns and errors

Every top retailer, manufacturer, and third-party logistics (3PL) provider understands that shipping plays a key role in customer satisfaction and being profitable. Two of the large roadblocks that many of these successful shippers deal with are shipping errors and returns. To overcome these challenges, brands are turning to advanced supply chain solutions, like multi-carrier shipping software, to streamline their shipping processes. This blog will explore the role of multi-carrier shipping software in reducing errors and minimizing returns, and how this can ultimately benefit your business.

Why multi-carrier shipping software

Many shippers who are simply using more manual shipping methods often involve data entry, which leaves room for errors and inaccuracies. Additionally, these shippers are typically combining a variety of shipping solutions to get their data to speak to each carrier and have the information flow as it needs to. The lack of real-time visibility and tracking can result in lost or delayed shipments. Finally, they can be incredibly inefficient – the process of selecting the right carrier and comparing rates can be time-consuming. These challenges make it clear that businesses need a more efficient and accurate shipping solution.

Enter multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS). This software is a comprehensive solution designed to simplify and optimize the shipping process by providing recommendations for cost and time efficient shipment execution based on information provided by other parts of the Enterprise Software Stack (ESS). Advanced solutions integrate with a broad library of shipping carriers and provide a centralized platform that can advise relevant information for managing shipments, tracking packages, and generating labels.

How multi-carrier shipping software reduces errors

Through automated data entry and validation with connections to a Warehouse Management System (WMS), Order Management System (OMS), or e-commerce platform, multi-carrier shipping software minimizes the chances of incorrect addresses or shipment details. When an order is placed, the relevant shipping details, including delivery addresses, package dimensions, and weights, are automatically pulled from the system and populated into the shipping software. This automation significantly reduces the risk of errors caused by manual data entry, such as typos or inaccuracies.

Shippers can also implement added features to the MCSS like address verification and correction to ensure packages are delivered to the right destinations. These tools compare the provided address with official postal databases and flag potential issues, such as misspelled street names or missing apartment numbers. By catching these errors before shipping labels are created, there is a lower chance of misrouted or undeliverable packages. Additionally, some may offer address correction suggestions, ensuring that even if the address has minor errors, the software can automatically correct them based on postal standards. This reduces the risk of returned packages due to address issues and improves overall delivery success rates. [Learn more about Address Validation.]

MCSS also assists with compliance checks and documentation management, reducing the risk of shipping errors due to regulatory non-compliance. While most shippers are familiar with the various regulations and documentation requirements, many don’t understand and know these down to every detail. These can vary by goods, location and a number of other factors depending on the nature of the products and the destination country. Multi-carrier shipping software keeps shippers compliant and manages changing documentation requirements to ensure that all necessary shipping documents, such as customs forms and hazardous materials documents, are accurately prepared and included with each shipment. Once the compliance checks are automated, MCSS helps business avoid fines and delays that can come with shipping noncompliant packages.

How multi-carrier shipping software minimizes returns with enhanced visibility

Multi-carrier shipping software can relay the real-time tracking and shipment updates provided by their carriers, giving businesses and customers complete visibility to monitor the status and location of their shipments at every stage of the delivery process. Once a package is in transit, its location, estimated delivery time, and any exceptions or delays are continuously updated and made available.

By offering real-time tracking, businesses can proactively address potential delivery issues and keep customers informed about the progress of their shipments. The data shows that customers want this transparency and assurance that their packages are on their way, and shippers want this because it will reduce the likelihood of unnecessary WISMO inquiries or concerns that may lead to returns.

The enhanced visibility provided by MCSS empowers businesses to take a proactive approach to issue resolution. If a shipment encounters an exception or delay, that information is pushed by the MCSS to another system, such as a CRM, to notify shippers who can update customer support teams in real-time, allowing them to reach out to affected customers promptly.

Because of the dedicated approach taken by shippers with the assurance of an advanced MCSS, brands can prevent customers from initiating return requests due to frustration with the delivery process. Resolving issues swiftly and providing excellent customer service can also turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one, fostering customer loyalty and repeat business. [Afterall, how much can a bad shipping experience really cost?]

Choosing the right multi-carrier shipping software: ProShip’s industry-leading shipping solution

When selecting a multi-carrier shipping software solution, it's essential to evaluate your unique business needs and requirements. Factors such as pricing scheme, ease of integration, carrier network coverage, scalability, and support should be considered. Investing in the right solution can ensure long-term success and help cultivate a positive shipping experience for your customers.

In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, reducing errors and minimizing returns are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and profitability. ProShip’s multi-carrier shipping helps shippers across North America tackle these challenges, streamlining their shipping processes and significantly reducing errors and returns. ProShip’s broad carrier library provides access to multiple carrier and service options and Advanced Date Shopping extends beyond just shipping cost to compare and fine tune which carrier service you should select. Partnering with ProShip to invest in this reliable yet flexible multi-carrier shipping solution is a strategic move that will drive operational efficiency, cost savings, and customer loyalty for retailers, manufacturers, and 3PL providers now and in the future. Contact our shipping experts to see a demo of this shipping solution today!