Updated: October 26, 2023
Selecting the right shipping method is crucial for balancing cost, speed, and reliability in your cross-border supply chain. GTBuy offers a spectrum of services from premium to economy. This guide will help you navigate the key differences between Air, Express, and Budget options, and introduce a powerful method—spreadsheet tracking—to optimize your decisions.
2. At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | Express | Air Freight | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Transit Time | 2-5 days | 5-15 days | 30-45 days (Sea) |
| Cost Level | High | Medium | Low |
| Ideal For | Urgency, High Value | Balance, Larger Shipments | Cost-Saving, Non-urgent |
| Tracking Detail | Real-time, Detailed | Standard | Basic |
3. Strategic Tracking: Use a Spreadsheet to Identify Best Routes
Consistent data tracking is the key to unlocking long-term savings and reliability. By logging each shipment, you transform subjective choice into data-driven strategy.
How to Set Up Your Tracking Spreadsheet:
Create columns for the following data points for every shipment:
- Shipment ID/Reference:
- Date Shipped:
- Date Delivered:
- Shipping Method:
- Route:
- Declared Value & Cost:
- Weight & Dimensions:
- Cost per KG/CBM:
- Actual Transit Time:
- Issues & Notes:
- Date Shipped:
Analyzing the Data to Find Winners:
Use your spreadsheet's sorting and filtering functions to:
- Compare Route Performance:
- Evaluate Cost vs. Speed:
- Spot Reliability Trends:
- Calculate Averages:Method + Route
- Evaluate Cost vs. Speed:
Over time, this analysis will clearly show which GTBuy shipping option and specific route is the most reliable, fastest, or cheapest for your unique product flow, allowing you to allocate shipments intelligently.
4. Final Recommendations
- For Critical Shipments:Express
- For Standard Inventory Replenishment:Air Freight
- For Seasonal Planning or High-Volume Basics:Budget
- For Continuous Improvement:MAINTAIN YOUR SPREADSHEET.
- For Standard Inventory Replenishment:Air Freight
By combining a clear understanding of GTBuy's service tiers with disciplined performance tracking, you can build a shipping strategy that is both agile and cost-effective.