The resources on this page are intended to assist less-than-truckload carriers in creating rate data for our systems that utilize the Pathfinder Rate Engine (PRE). Please read the Legal Stuff before using any of the resources at www.thelogisticsdept.com.
You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the PDF documents available to you on this page. If you don't have it, you can download a free copy by clicking on this link: Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
Overview
Our LTL rate data format is based upon traffic lanes where the origin and destination points are defined with zip codes. Our rate data format is very similar to the ratesheet output of many carrier rating systems when the ratesheet is displayed on screen or printed. We're confident you'll find it easy to work with and that the time you spend creating this data will pay off again as the need for automating rate data is growing rapidly.
The rate data you prepare is formatted for use with the Pathfinder Rate Engine (PRE). We currently have three systems that utilize the PRE—Pathfinder Route Optimizer, Pathfinder Arena Logistics, and our commercial pre-audit payment system. You can learn more about these systems at Pathfinder's web site: http://www.plgs.com/products.htm .
Time is of the Essence
It is important that you get your rate data submission to us as soon as possible.
If you are preparing rate data for a Route Optimizer installation, your services cannot be considered until your rate data is set up in the system.
If you are preparing rate data for pre-audit payment services, your invoices cannot be processed for payment without the rate data.
Many of you will be preparing data for both...
Timely submission of your rate data will help us better serve our mutual customer so please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.
Getting Started
Your rate data submission will contain the following key elements:
- A Rate Data File (Learn More)
- A Transit Time Data File (Learn More)
- Fuel Surcharge Schedule
- Accessorial Charges Fee Schedule
- Application Instructions
- All Pertinent Tariff Pages
If you are preparing rate data for pre-audit/payment services, you must also provide the following information:
- All tariff pages, contracts and agreements that apply to your pricing, service and payment terms with your customer.
- If your customer is subject to interest charges or loss of discount for late payment, please provide the documentation that addresses your terms and conditions.
- Any other pertinent documentation that we are unaware of that we should have to facilitate the payment of your invoices.
Note: This information is also provided in the LTL Rate Data Specification
Transit Time Data Specification
The PRE supports transit times via two methods:
- The transit time can be maintained by traffic lane in your rate data (see the LTL rate Data Specification for details).
- You can provide a free standing file containing your transit times by traffic lane.
We highly recommend using the the free standing transit time file. Free standing is preferred because it is maintained independent of your rate data. Click on the link below to view and print the transit time file specification.
Free standing transit time file specification (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
LTL Rate Data Specification
The LTL Rate Data Specification provides everything you need to create and submit LTL rate data ready for use with our systems.
- Double click on the link below to view and print the specification.
- To download load it, right click on the link and select Save Target As from the menu.
LTL Rate Data Specification (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
The examples below are provided in the LTL Rate Data Specification. You can view the examples by double clicking on the link below.
