Carrier Freight Audit: Recover 10–15% of Your Logistics Costs in Quebec
Operating in Quebec means dealing with demanding logistics realities: harsh winter conditions, complex geography, driver shortages, and strict regulations such as Bill 430 on for-hire freight transportation. In this environment, few businesses realize that their freight invoices hide silent—yet very real—financial leaks.
A carrier freight audit systematically reveals discrepancies representing 10 to 15% of the billed volume. For a 50-truck fleet spending $2M/year on freight, that amounts to $200,000 to $380,000 that could stay on your bottom line.
Where Do These Discrepancies Come From?
The root causes are often commonplace, but they quickly compound. Mileage overcharges (due to winter detours or construction zones), unjustified accessorial charges, fuel surcharge indexing errors, and duplicate billing from subcontractors are the most frequent culprits. They slip through the cracks simply because no one performs systematic cross-checks.
| Discrepancy Type | Range | Estimated Annual Impact ($2M/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Mileage | 4–7% | $80,000 – $140,000 |
| Unjustified accessorials | 3–5% | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| Rating & pricing errors | 2–4% | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Duplicates / subcontractors | 1–3% | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| Total | 10–15% | $200,000 – $380,000 |
The Real Question: Do You Have the Visibility to Catch Them?
That is where things get complicated. Identifying these discrepancies is not just a matter of diligence—it is a matter of clean, connected data. Without seamless integration between your ERP, delivery receipts, and carrier data, you are comparing apples to oranges.
Concrete approaches exist to solve this—whether through carrier connectivity, a TMS tailored to your operational realities, or a structured dispute management process. However, every business has unique requirements, and the priority levers to pull will depend on your digital maturity, shipment volume, and existing carrier network.
This is precisely what Opsivia evaluates during a logistics diagnostic.
Want to know how much you are leaving on the table? Contact us for a diagnostic assessment tailored to your Quebec operations—with no obligation.