Leverage Historical Data to Accurately Predict Freight, Customs, and Storage Costs
The Challenge of Dynamic Logistics Costs
For supply chain and finance professionals, predicting next month's logistics spend often feels like gazing into a crystal ball. With fluctuating freight rates, variable customs duties, and changing storage needs, budgets can easily derail. The ACBUY Spreadsheet
Core Principle: Your Historical Data is the Key
Accurate forecasting is not about guessing future trends; it's about systematically analyzing past performance. The ACBUY framework relies on your own transactional history to establish baselines and identify patterns for the three major cost pillars:
1. Freight & Transportation
- Analyze:
- Predict:
- ACBUY Tip:
- Predict:
2. Customs & Duties
- Analyze:
- Predict:
- ACBUY Tip:
- Predict:
3. Storage & Warehousing
- Analyze:
- Predict:
- ACBUY Tip:
- Predict:
Building Your ACBUY Forecast Sheet: A Step-by-Step Approach
- Data Consolidation:
- Calculate Averages & Trends:
- Input Forecast Drivers:planned shipment weight/volume, projected import value, expected inventory pallets.
- Apply the Formulas:
- Add a Contingency Buffer:
- Visualize with Charts:
- Calculate Averages & Trends:
From Spreadsheet to Strategic Insight
Implementing the ACBUY Spreadsheet
Start with your data, structure it with ACBUY, and take control of your financial planning.