1. The Cost Variance Flag
This foundational formula highlights shipments where the final cost exceeded the quoted or expected cost.
=IF([Actual Cost] [Quoted Cost], "OVERCHARGE", "Within Terms")Analysis:COUNTIF
CNFANS Spreadsheet: How to Identify Costly Logistics Patterns
2025-12-05
Use Formulas to Analyze Frequent Overcharges and Unlock Cost-Saving Opportunities
In the complex world of international shipping and logistics, hidden costs and billing discrepancies are common challenges. The CNFANS Spreadsheet
The Core Challenge: Recurring Overcharges
Logistics costs rarely align perfectly with quotes. Frequent issues include:
- Last-minute surcharges (e.g., fuel, congestion)
- Dimensional weight (DIM) vs. actual weight discrepancies
- Invoice variances from pre-negotiated rates
- Accessorial fees that accumulate unnoticed
Without systematic analysis, these overcharges become an accepted "cost of doing business." The CNFANS methodology breaks this cycle.
Key Formulas for Pattern Identification
2. The Cost-Per-Unit (CPU) Analyzer
Overcharges often hide in unit economics. Calculate cost per kg, per CBM (cubic meter), or per item.
=[Total Cost] / [Total Weight (kg)]
=[Total Cost] / [Shipment Quantity]Analysis:AVERAGEIFSTDEV.PCPU Average + 2*Standard Deviation) signal anomalous, costly shipments.
3. The Surcharge Frequency Tracker
Isolate and quantify附加费 (surcharges).
=[Total Surcharges] / [Base Freight Cost]Analysis:Carrier, Service Level, and Port of Origin
4. The Lane Efficiency Score
Compare actual transit time against cost for a given shipping lane (e.g., Shanghai to Los Angeles).
=([Cost] / [Transit Days]) / AVERAGE([Cost/Transit Days for all lanes])Analysis:
Implementing the Analysis Workflow
- Data Consolidation:
- Formula Application:
- Pattern Visualization:
- Overcharge frequency by month and carrier.
- Scatter plot of Cost vs. Transit Days per lane.
- Histogram of Cost-Per-Unit values.
- Root Cause & Action:
- Formula Application:
Turning Insight into Savings
The CNFANS Spreadsheet
Start by building one formula at a time. Within a few reporting cycles, you will transform your logistics data into one of your strongest tools for cost savings and operational efficiency.