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CNFANS Spreadsheet: How to Identify Costly Logistics Patterns

2025-11-20

In today's complex supply chain landscape, logistics overcharges and inefficient shipping patterns can silently erode profitability. The CNFANS Spreadsheet Template empowers businesses to transform raw logistics data into actionable cost-saving insights through systematic formula-driven analysis.

▶ Key Formulas for Detecting Overcharges

1. Expected vs. Actual Cost Variance

=IF(ABS(Actual_Cost-Expected_Cost)/Expected_Cost     Threshold, "FLAG", "")

This fundamental comparison formula highlights shipments where actual costs significantly exceed quoted or expected amounts. Implement conditional formatting to automatically color-code variances exceeding your predefined threshold (typically 5-10%).

2. Dimensional Weight Overcharge Detection

=IF(Dimensional_Weight     Billable_Weight, "DIM OVERCHARGE", "")

Many carriers bill based on dimensional weight rather than actual weight. This formula identifies shipments where this pricing method results in higher charges, revealing opportunities to optimize packaging.

3. Zone-Based Cost Inefficiency Analysis

=VLOOKUP(Destination_Zip, Zone_Rate_Table, 2, FALSE)

Compare your actual shipping costs against standard zone-rate tables. Discrepancies often indicate non-optimal carrier selection or negotiated rate underperformance.

▶ Identifying Costly Logistics Patterns

⦿ Repeated Accessorial Charges

Use =COUNTIFS(Carrier_Column, "Carrier_A", Accessorial_Column, "Residential")

⦿ Inefficient Shipment Consolidation

Apply =SUMIFS(Cost_Column, Date_Column, ">="&Start_Date, Destination_Column, "West_Region")

⦿ Seasonal Carrier Performance Fluctuations

Implement =AVERAGEIFS(Transit_Time, Carrier_Column, "UPS", Month_Column, "January")

▶ Implementing the CNFANS Analysis Framework

  1. Data Standardization:
  2. Automated Flagging:
  3. Dashboard Reporting:
  4. Threshold Calibration:

Turning Analysis into Action

The CNFANS Spreadsheet transforms logistics cost management from reactive complaint handling to proactive pattern recognition. By systematically applying these formulas, companies typically identify 7-15% in logistics cost savings within the first analysis cycle. The key is consistent application – reviewing spreadsheets weekly and updating formulas as shipping patterns evolve.

Regular analysis enables data-driven carrier negotiations, packaging optimization decisions, and routing guide improvements that deliver sustained logistics cost reductions.

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