We are still updating the content of our truckload resources section. You are welcome to check out what is available.

The resources on this page are intended to assist truckload carriers in creating rate data for the products that utilize our Pathfinder Rate Engine (PRE). Please read the Legal Stuff before using any of the resources at www.plgs.com.

You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the PDF documents. If you don't have it, you can download a free copy by clicking on this link: Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

Overview

Truckload rates that are based on origins and destinations identified with state abbreviations are difficult to automate because of the need to split the larger states into smaller pieces. This works fine on paper but defies automation.
We can accommodate rates based upon state-to-state lanes if you don't split states (like Florida and Texas. If you need to split even one state, you'll need to convert your lane definitions to three digit zip code ranges.

In working with our customers' truckload carriers to automate their rates for our automated rating systems product, we have found that the three digit zip code works very well in adapting the tariffs for automation. The three digit zip code provides the flexibility required by carriers to section the large states smaller regions and it provides us with the basis we need to automate the tariff.

If this sounds like a lot of work, it's really easier than it sounds. As an example, our truckload rate format is based upon low and high zip code ranges for the origin and destination points. So a rate data record for a movement from California to New York that would traditionally be identified as something like:

Origin Dest Flat Rate
CA NY 2500.00

The three digit zip code equivalent would be:

Origin Dest Flat Rate
900-961 100-149 2500.00

Getting Started

We have zip code resources and tools if you need them to assist you in defining your pricing by three digit zip code ranges. The first thing you need to determine is whether or not you are going to split any states in to smaller sections. If you are going to split states, we recommend that you download and review our zip code reports as well as the zip code boundary maps.

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  (Learn More)
• 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 TL Rate Data Specification

Transit Time Data Specification

The PRE supports transit times via three methods for truckload shipments:

The transit time can be maintained by traffic lane in your rate data (see the TL rate Data Specification for details).

You can provide a free standing file containing your transit times by traffic lane.

If your trucks consistently average the same number of miles per day over all lanes, then we can use your average miles per day to compute your transit times.

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)

TL Rate Data Specification

The TL Rate Data Specification provides everything you need to create and submit TL 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.

TL Rate Data Specification  (Adobe Acrobat PDF)