How to Build Your Comparison Spreadsheet
Create columns to track the following critical data points for each route you consider or test:
| Data Point | What to Track | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Route Identifier | e.g., "EU Air-Mail via Netherlands", "Asia Sea-Freight via Singapore" | Clearly labels each option for comparison. |
| Total Cost | Shipping fees, insurance, handling, and all estimated taxes/duties. | Prevents hidden cost surprises for true total landed cost. |
| Estimated Delivery Window | Range in business days (e.g., 7-14 days). Track actual delivery vs. estimate. | Highlights reliability and speed for planning. |
| Customs Safety Score | Rate 1-5 based on historical clearance smoothness, documentation accuracy, and carrier reputation. | Quantifies risk of delays or seizures. |
| Carrier & Last-Mile Partner | Primary logistics provider and local delivery company (e.g., DHL, local postal service). | Indicates tracking quality and final delivery reliability. |
| Notes & Incident Log | Record delays, damaged packages, or communication issues. | Identifies recurring problems with specific routes. |