Insight
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How to Eliminate Per Diem Waiting Fees
Avoid per diem waiting fees with 3PL Center’s appointment system. Track shipments, reduce delays, and enjoy transparent logistics management.
Published on May 16, 2024
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3PL Center’s Advanced Appointment System
If you’ve ever wondered why your trucker keeps charging you so many per diem waiting fees, you’re not alone. These fees, which accrue when shipments are delayed, can quickly add up and cause frustration for both shippers and truckers. At 3PL Center, we understand the challenges these fees present and have developed an advanced appointment system to eliminate the guesswork and minimize these costs for our customers.
Having an efficient and transparent appointment system is crucial for smooth operations. At 3PL Center, our advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS) includes a comprehensive appointment system that not only tracks every aspect of the process but also integrates seamlessly with other WMS features to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal waiting times.
Understanding Per Diem Waiting Fees
Per diem waiting fees are charges imposed by carriers when their trucks are held up beyond the agreed free time. These delays can occur for various reasons, such as congestion at the warehouse, paperwork issues, or miscommunications about scheduling. While these fees are intended to compensate truckers for their time, they can become a significant expense for shippers.
How 3PL Center’s Appointment System Solves the Problem
Our appointment system is designed to track every step of the shipping process, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and reducing the likelihood of delays. Here’s how we do the legwork for our customers:
Streamlined Appointment Scheduling: Our customers can easily log into our system and create appointments for their shipments. This process captures all necessary information, ensuring accurate scheduling and reducing the risk of delays.
Real-Time Notifications: Once an appointment is created, all relevant parties, including warehouse staff and truck drivers, receive real-time notifications. This coordination helps everyone prepare for the shipment, minimizing potential hold-ups.
Efficient Check-In and Check-Out: Upon arrival, truck drivers check in at our designated kiosks using an iPad. This step involves scanning all relevant documentation and shipment details, which are then logged into the system. Our staff processes the shipment promptly, leveraging our WMS to track inventory and manage storage efficiently. When the shipment is ready, the driver checks out and signs out through the system, ensuring clear documentation of their time on-site.
Comprehensive Tracking and Reporting: Our WMS provides robust tracking and reporting capabilities. Every step of the process is documented, allowing customers to monitor the status of their shipments in real time. This transparency ensures that there are no questions about waiting times or processing delays.
Mitigating Delays and Fees: By providing real-time updates and clear documentation, our system helps prevent delays that lead to per diem waiting fees. If unexpected issues arise, our staff can quickly address them, minimizing the time trucks spend waiting and reducing the risk of additional fees.
How Our Appointment System Works
The appointment system at 3PL Center is designed to streamline the check-in and check-out processes for truckers, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Here’s how it works:
Log into the System:
When a shipment is scheduled to arrive, our customers can easily log into our system and create an appointment. This process is straightforward and ensures that all relevant information is recorded accurately.
Creating an Appointment:
Once an appointment is created, all parties involved, including warehouse staff and truck drivers, are notified. This allows for better planning and preparation on both ends.
Check-In at Kiosk:
Upon arrival, the truck driver checks in at a designated kiosk using an iPad. This step involves scanning all relevant documentation and shipment details, which are then logged into the system.
Processing the Shipment:
Our staff then processes the shipment efficiently, leveraging our WMS to track inventory, manage storage, and ensure that everything is accounted for. The real-time tracking capabilities of our system allow for seamless handling of goods.
Check-Out and Sign-Out:
Once the shipment is processed, the driver checks out and signs out through the system. This comprehensive tracking ensures that there are no questions about waiting times or processing delays.
By using this system, we can significantly reduce trucker waiting times and eliminate confusion about processing status.

Addressing Per Diem Waiting Fees
A common issue in the logistics industry is the accumulation of per diem waiting fees when shipments are delayed. These fees can quickly add up, causing frustration for both truckers and shippers. Our appointment system helps mitigate this problem by providing real-time updates and ensuring that all parties are aware of the shipment’s status.
For example, imagine a scenario where a trucker invoices one of our customers for per diem waiting fees due to unexpected delays. With our system, the driver checks in, and our staff processes the shipment promptly. If there are delays, our system provides clear documentation and communication. We can then generate a detailed report of the actual waiting time during the appointment, giving our customers transparency and evidence to address the invoice accurately and resolve any disputes over the fees.
Addressing Demurrage Fees
In addition to per diem waiting fees, demurrage fees are another concern for shippers. Demurrage fees are charged when shipments are delayed at ports or terminals beyond the allotted free time. Our appointment system also helps mitigate these fees by ensuring timely processing and clear communication, thus preventing unnecessary hold-ups and additional costs. Additionally, our WMS includes tracking features that allow customers to track their container from the moment it gets picked up and throughout the process, providing complete visibility and transparency into the drayage process.

Other Amazing Features of Our WMS
In addition to the appointment system, our WMS offers a range of features designed to enhance efficiency and transparency:
Inventory Management Tools:
Our WMS provides robust inventory management tools, including tracking and reporting capabilities. Customers can easily monitor their stock levels and receive real-time updates on inventory status.
Rate Shopping:
To provide our customers with the best shipping rates, our WMS includes a rate shopping feature. This tool compares rates from different carriers, ensuring that our customers benefit from the most cost-effective shipping options.
Advanced Reporting:
Our WMS offers advanced reporting capabilities, giving customers detailed insights into their operations. This information helps in making informed decisions and optimizing supply chain processes.
Strategic Warehouse Locations:
With multiple warehouse locations strategically located across the country, from New Jersey to California, we help keep shipping costs low and improve delivery times.
Exclusive Discounted Carrier Rates:
Thanks to our negotiated bulk shipping rates, customers enjoy exclusive discounted carrier rates, making shipping more affordable and efficient.
Partner with 3PL Center
At 3PL Center, we take the guesswork out of managing your logistics. Our advanced appointment system and comprehensive WMS features ensure that your shipments are processed efficiently and transparently, reducing the risk of per diem waiting fees. By doing the legwork for our customers, we help you save time, money, and frustration. Choose 3PL Center for a seamless and cost-effective logistics experience.
Appointment System FAQs:
How does 3PL Center’s appointment system help reduce per diem waiting fees?
3PL Center’s appointment system helps reduce per diem waiting fees by streamlining the scheduling and processing of shipments. Customers can easily log into our system to create appointments, ensuring accurate scheduling and reducing the risk of delays. Upon arrival, truck drivers check in at our kiosks, and all relevant shipment details are scanned and logged. Our staff then processes the shipment promptly, leveraging our advanced WMS to manage inventory efficiently. This comprehensive tracking and real-time updates minimize the time trucks spend waiting, thus reducing the likelihood of incurring per diem fees.
How can I schedule an appointment using 3PL Center’s system?
Scheduling an appointment with 3PL Center is straightforward. Simply log into our online system, navigate to the appointment scheduling section, and enter the necessary details for your shipment. This includes information such as the expected arrival time, shipment details, and any special handling instructions. Once the appointment is created, all relevant parties, including warehouse staff and truck drivers, will be notified to ensure smooth and coordinated processing.
Can I track my shipment in real time with 3PL Center’s WMS?
Yes, you can track your shipment in real time using 3PL Center’s WMS. Our system provides comprehensive tracking from the moment your container is picked up until it reaches its final destination. This real-time visibility allows you to monitor the progress of your shipment, stay informed about any potential delays, and ensure that everything is on schedule.
How does 3PL Center handle unexpected delays or issues with shipments?
At 3PL Center, we have procedures in place to handle unexpected delays or issues with shipments. Our WMS provides real-time updates and clear communication channels, allowing us to quickly address any problems that arise. If there is a delay, our staff can promptly investigate and resolve the issue, keeping you informed throughout the process. This proactive approach helps minimize disruptions and ensures that your shipments are handled efficiently.
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