An easy way to find out about service charges

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 3/1/1999

Many motor carriers today are making it quicker and easier for their customers to find out about charges for extra services, penalties for handling certain types of non-standard freight, and other general information by publishing "enhanced service options" tariffs.

These handy booklets, much like "rate ponies," excerpt from a carrier's lengthy rules tariff all of the important additional charges found therein. That information is organized so that the carrier's customers can ascertain which services they might have to pay extra for and how much those charges would be.

The inspiration for this month's column was a copy of Roadway Express's Enhanced Service Options & Service Tariff Directory, which carries an effective date of Jan. 1, 1999, and includes all of the increases that were implemented on that date. The 30-page publication contains valuable information about Roadway's pricing for added services, including:

* Inside pickup or delivery;

* Single-shipment pickups;

* Liftgate service;

* Storage charges;

* Redelivery; and

* C.O.D. collection fees.

All of the "enhanced service options" listed above--and more--have been condensed onto just one page. That page also includes the statement "For a complete application of these services, consult RDWY 100 Rules Tariff on our Web site at www.roadway.com."

Other features include explanations of what those options mean, a chart showing the carrier's fuel surcharge (which only kicks in if the national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel equals or exceeds $1.10), and toll-free information numbers for seven special services it offers (such as "Time-Critical Service" and "Precision Delivery").

Readers also will find out when a so-called "low-density freight minimum charge" applies and what the minimum charge is for oversized, long, or odd-shaped freight.

In addition, there are charts that show rates per mile for shipping pups and a combination pup/van set. Another page is devoted to a summary of commodities that are subject to released values.

All of the above information is included in the first nine pages. The balance of the publication includes ZIP codes for domestic points not served direct by Roadway, an alphabetical list of points in Canada that Roadway serves direct through its Reimer Express Lines Ltd. subsidiary, and a list of points it serves direct in Mexico in conjunction with its Mexican subsidiary, Roadway Express S.A. de C.V.

You might want to ask your carriers if they publish similar versions of their rules tariffs, or check out their Web sites to see if something like this is posted.

Ray Bohman is a well-known consultant and author. Mr. Bohman is editor of several highly successful newsletters on transportation and is a consultant to a number of national trade associations. He is president of The Bohman Group, consultants and publishers in the freight-transportation field. His offices are located at 27 Bay Lane, Chatham, MA 02633. Phone: (508) 945-2272.