A Strategic Guide to Tracking, Consolidating, and Slashing Shipping Costs
In the world of international sourcing and shipping, managing multiple parcels from different suppliers can quickly become a logistical and financial headache. FishGoo, a powerful tool for logistics planning, offers a streamlined solution. At the heart of this system is the FishGoo Spreadsheet, a dynamic template designed to bring order to chaos. This article explains how to leverage this spreadsheet to track several parcels simultaneously, plan intelligent consolidations, and ultimately reduce your overall shipping expenses.
The Core Challenge: Fragmented Shipments, Inflated Costs
When ordering from multiple suppliers or marketplaces, you often face:
- Disconnected Tracking:
- Unclear Timelines:
- Missed Consolidation Opportunities:
- Hidden Fees:
The FishGoo Spreadsheet is your central command center to solve these issues.
How to Manage Multi-Order Logistics: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Spreadsheet Setup & Foundation
Begin by creating or duplicating the standard FishGoo Spreadsheet template. Key columns should include:
| Column Header |
Purpose |
| Item Description |
Briefly identify the product purchased. |
| Supplier/Store |
Record the source of the item. |
| Tracking Number |
The core data point for monitoring movement. |
| Destination Warehouse |
Usually your chosen consolidation agent's address. |
| Dispatched Date |
When the supplier shipped the item. |
| Estimated Arrival (Warehouse) |
Projected date the parcel reaches the warehouse. |
| Actual Arrival (Warehouse) |
Date confirmed by the warehouse upon receipt. |
| Parcel Dimensions & Weight |
Critical for calculating consolidation volume and cost. |
| Status |
e.g., Ordered, Shipped, Arrived, Consolidated, In Transit. |
Step 2: Simultaneous Parcel Tracking
As soon as you receive a tracking number from a supplier, immediately log it into the spreadsheet. This creates a single, unified view of all your in-transit goods.
Step 3: Planning the Consolidation
This is where cost savings are realized. Use your spreadsheet to:
- Identify Batches:
- Calculate Total Volume:
- Make Strategic Decisions:
Step 4: Executing & Recording the Shipment
Once you authorize consolidation and shipment for a batch:
- Update the Status
- Record the new, master International Tracking Number
- Log the final shipping costper-item cost allocation
Tangible Benefits of the FishGoo Spreadsheet Method
Cost Reduction
By intentionally consolidating multiple small parcels into one larger shipment, you dramatically reduce the cost per item, avoiding multiple sets of base fees and benefiting from volumetric discounts.
Enhanced Visibility & Control
Eliminate the stress of searching through countless emails. One glance at your spreadsheet shows the real-time status of your entire supply chain.
Informed Decision Making
Data on arrival times and parcel sizes allows you to plan consolidations strategically, optimizing for both speed and economy.
Improved Record Keeping
The spreadsheet serves as a perfect log for accounting, customer service inquiries, and analyzing the performance of different suppliers and shipping methods over time.
Conclusion: Logistics Mastery at Your Fingertips
The FishGoo Spreadsheet
