In the complex world of logistics and supply chain management, controlling freight costs is a continuous challenge. For businesses leveraging CNFANS Shipping, a systematic approach to analyzing historical data can unlock significant savings. By effectively utilizing spreadsheet data to compare past freight charges and route performance, companies can make data-driven decisions to select the most economical and reliable shipping options.
The Power of Historical Freight Data
Every past shipment is a treasure trove of information. Historical freight data, when organized in a structured spreadsheet, provides a clear roadmap of your shipping expenditure and performance. Key data points to track include:
- Carrier/Vendor Name:
- Origin & Destination:
- Shipment Date & Season:
- Charge Details:
- Transit Time & On-Time Performance:
- Incident Reports:
- Origin & Destination:
Step-by-Step: Comparative Analysis in Your Spreadsheet
Turning raw data into actionable insights involves a few critical steps:
1. Data Consolidation and Cleaning
Gather all shipping invoices and records into a single master spreadsheet (e.g., Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel). Ensure consistency in naming conventions for carriers, ports, and service types. Clean data is the foundation of accurate analysis.
2. Categorization by Route and Service Level
Group shipments by identical or similar lanes (e.g., Shanghai to Los Angeles). Further segment them by service level (e.g., Express, Standard, Economy). This allows for an apples-to-apples comparison.
3. Calculating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Create new columns or sheets to calculate vital metrics:
- Average Cost per Kilogram/Cubic Meter:
- On-Time Delivery Rate (%) by Carrier/Route:
- Cost Variability (Standard Deviation):
- On-Time Delivery Rate (%) by Carrier/Route:
4. Visual Comparison with Charts and Pivot Tables
Use your spreadsheet’s tools to create visualizations:
- Bar Charts- Line Graphs- Pivot Tables
Making the Economical Choice
The analysis should guide you toward the optimal balance between cost and service. Consider these scenarios:
- The Low-Cost, Reliable Performer:
- The Premium, High-Cost Option:
- The Seasonal Switch:
- The Incidental Cost Trap:total delivered cost
- The Premium, High-Cost Option:
Implementing and Monitoring Your Strategy
Once you identify the best options, take action:
- Renegotiate Contracts:
- Create a Routing Guide:
- Build a Dynamic Model:
- Create a Routing Guide:
Conclusion
For users of CNFANS Shipping, passive acceptance of freight charges is no longer necessary. By diligently compiling and comparing historical spreadsheet data, you transform your shipping history into a strategic asset. This disciplined approach to analyzing route performance and costs empowers you to consistently select the most economical and efficient freight options, directly enhancing your company's bottom line and supply chain resilience.