Scan Rate
Also known as: Tracking Scan Rate, Scan Compliance, Scan Percentage
Definition
Scan rate measures how consistently packages are scanned at various points throughout the shipping process. Higher scan rates mean better tracking visibility, more accurate ETAs, and improved ability to identify and resolve issues.
Types of Scans
| Scan Type | When It Occurs |
|---|---|
| Origin scan | Package picked up/received by carrier |
| Departure scan | Leaves origin facility |
| Arrival scan | Enters each hub/facility |
| Out for delivery | Loaded on delivery vehicle |
| Delivery scan | Delivered (or attempted) |
Measuring Scan Rates
Scan Rate = (Packages Scanned ÷ Total Packages) × 100
By checkpoint:
- Origin scan rate: % with first scan
- Hub scan rate: % with facility scans
- Delivery scan rate: % with final scan
Benchmark Scan Rates
| Carrier Type | Expected Rate |
|---|---|
| Major carriers (UPS, FedEx) | 99%+ |
| USPS | 95-98% |
| Regional carriers | 90-98% |
| Consolidators | 85-95% |
Why Scan Rates Matter
For Shippers
- Tracking visibility for customers
- Exception detection ability
- Carrier performance measurement
- Delivery confirmation
For Customers
- Know where package is
- Accurate delivery estimates
- Plan to receive package
- Peace of mind
Causes of Low Scan Rates
- Manual sorting facilities
- Equipment failures
- High volume periods
- Rural/remote deliveries
- Process compliance issues
- Label quality problems
Improving Scan Visibility
- Carrier selection - Choose carriers with high scan rates
- Label quality - Ensure barcodes are scannable
- Carrier feedback - Share scan rate metrics with carriers
- Backup carriers - Have alternatives for poor performers
- Technology - Use visibility platforms that aggregate data
Scan Rate in SLAs
Many shipper-carrier agreements include:
- Minimum scan rate requirements
- Penalties for low compliance
- Reporting requirements
- Improvement commitments
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