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Enhancing Carrier Payment Efficiency: The Kleinschmidt and Upwell Partnership

In a significant development for the freight industry, Kleinschmidt, Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with Upwell, aiming to revolutionize the way carriers manage their payment processes. This collaboration combines Kleinschmidt's extensive data integration network with Upwell's cutting-edge AI-audited billing solutions, offering an innovative approach designed to streamline the way carriers invoice and get paid, thus addressing longstanding issues in payment timing and accuracy.

A Smooth Transition for Carriers

For years, the freight industry has grappled with inefficiencies in payment processes. The new initiative from Kleinschmidt and Upwell promises to change that by allowing carriers to utilize Kleinschmidt’s trusted data network to route their EDI 210 freight invoices directly to Upwell. This unique integration means that carriers now have an opportunity to ensure their invoices are validated and processed swiftly, without the hassle of new system integrations or lengthy procurement cycles.

Dan Heinen, President and CEO of Kleinschmidt, explained, "Our mission has always been to eliminate friction in the data and payment flow throughout the supply chain. This partnership with Upwell gives our trusted carriers a seamless path for faster payments, enhancing the overall value of our network."

The Importance of Trust and Accuracy

Charley Dehoney, CEO and Co-Founder of Upwell, added, "The primary delays in freight payments do not stem solely from timing; they are intricately linked to trust and the accuracy of the invoices. Our collaboration with Kleinschmidt allows us to validate data upfront, paving the way for quicker payments without unnecessary back-and-forth, ultimately benefiting carriers, brokers, and shippers."

What Sets Upwell's Audited Billing Apart?

One of the standout features of Upwell's platform is its comprehensive audit engine. This engine encompasses various shipper-specific billing rules. Before any freight invoice proceeds to the Freight Audit and Pay portal, it undergoes rigorous checks, ensuring compliance with all necessary criteria, including matching with shipper records, validation of accessorial codes, and confirmation of weight reconciliations. This automated process reduces human error and expedites the invoicing timeline.

Curt Morehouse, President of Morehouse Trucking, remarked on the benefits his company has experienced with Upwell's systems: "Having Upwell onboard has transformed our operations. We've minimized manual steps and significantly accelerated payment times with major shippers, all while maintaining our existing system’s integrity."

Timing is Critical for the Freight Industry

As the freight sector emerges from a prolonged downturn, with diesel prices surging 55% year over year, the need for efficient payment processes has become more critical than ever. Operators who automate their back-office functions, as highlighted by Dehoney, are gaining a substantial edge by improving cash flow and enhancing productivity. Michelle Baughman, VP of Administration at Giltner Logistics, confirmed this sentiment, stating, "With Upwell's solutions, our DSO has decreased, and our team can handle higher volumes without increasing headcount. The real-time visibility into accounts receivable significantly improves our financial operations."

Unlocking New Possibilities

For existing carriers within the Kleinschmidt network, the partnership brings forth substantial new capabilities without altering their current operations. As Heinen concluded, "The connection that carriers trust is now set to drive advanced accounts receivable automation, which will ultimately redefine their billing experiences."

About Upwell

Upwell operates as a dedicated accounts receivable and billing automation platform, tailored specifically for the freight and logistics sector. The company focuses on helping carriers and shippers automate invoicing, mitigate chargebacks, and expedite cash collections through seamless integrations. Upwell operates from Omaha, Nebraska.

About Kleinschmidt, Inc.

Established over 40 years ago, Kleinschmidt, Inc. has been at the forefront of data integration for industries including freight, retail, and manufacturing. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, it facilitates B2B data exchange and provides essential network services critical for operational success in the logistics space.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment in how carriers interact with invoicing and payment, ushering in a new era of efficiency and trust in the freight industry.