Learn how to use simple, powerful formulas to calculate shipping expenses and optimize your budget planning.
Why Accurate Freight Forecasting Matters
In logistics and supply chain management, unexpected shipping costs can severely impact your budget and profitability. The RizzitGo Spreadsheet method provides a clear, formula-driven framework to transform unpredictable freight expenses into a precise, planned allocation. By anchoring your calculations on weight—the primary cost driver for most carriers—you gain unparalleled accuracy and control.
The Core Weight-Based Formula
At the heart of the RizzitGo model is a straightforward yet adaptable formula:
Total Freight Cost = (Weight × Rate per Unit Weight) + Base Fee + Surcharges
This structure allows you to model most shipping scenarios. Here’s how to break it down in your spreadsheet:
- Weight (kg/lb):
- Rate per Unit Weight:
- Base Fee:
- Surcharges:
- Rate per Unit Weight:
Building Your Forecasting Spreadsheet
A practical RizzitGo forecast sheet includes the following key columns and formulas:
| Column | Sample Data | Formula / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| A: Item | Product XYZ | Text |
| B: Shipment Weight (kg) | 15.5 | Manual input or linked from inventory data |
| C: Weight Bracket Rate ($) | 2.50 | =VLOOKUP(B2, RateTable, 2, TRUE) // Looks up rate based on weight |
| D: Base Cost | 10 | =B2 * C2 |
| E: Fuel Surcharge (%) | 12% | Linked to a central surcharge cell |
| F: Surcharge Amount | 4.65 | =D2 * E2 |
| G: Total Cost | 44.15 | =D2 + F2 + BaseFeeCell // Adds base fee from a fixed cell |
By setting up a separate RateTableParameter Section
Advanced Techniques for Precise Allocation
Move beyond single shipments to holistic budget planning:
- Scenario Analysis:=SUMIFS()
- Cost Per Unit:=Total Cost / Units Shipped, giving you a clear metric for pricing decisions.
- Buffer for Variability:=FORECAST.ETS()
Benefits of the RizzitGo Spreadsheet Method
Implementing this systematic approach delivers immediate value:
- Accuracy:
- Transparency:
- Agility:
- Better Negotiation:
- Transparency: