[otmrookie]

Hi guys,

I'm curious as to what a RateWare is and how it works with OTM? Thanks!

otmrookie

[chrisplough]

Hello

RateWare is a server, written and distributed by SMC, which is used to provide costing information for LTL and Small Package freight shipping. These are usually handled by CzarLite data modules, which include standardized tariffs, which many LTL freight carriers standardize on.

Product URL:
RateWare: LTL and Small Package Pricing Management System

Once the RateWare server is installed, the data modules are loaded, and OTM is configured -- OTM makes network calls to the RateWare server to query for the tariffs.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,
Chris

[otmrookie]

Hi all,

Thanks again Chris for your previous response. My next question is if we are to have CzarLite in place does that mean we won't have to maintain LTL rates at all within OTM? To give you guys some background information, we have about 35-40 LTL carriers that handle most of our pool shipments throughout the U.S. and we ship to about 300-400 customer locations. Thanks for all of your help!

otmrookie

[AlejandroBarba]

Hi,

If by maintaining LTL rates at all within OTM, you mean uploading the base rates in OTM, the answer is no as long as there is not any new base rates. The tariff bases, as the Czar Lite, do not change over time but periodically the carriers issue a new tariff. BTW, these rates can be uploaded into OTM but it is an extremely time consuming process and I would strongly discourage its use unless that it is only for a manageable number of lanes and classes.

If you are referring to the LTL rates in OTM that specify the rate base (tariff), the discount and the absolute minimum charge, it would also depend on not having contractual changes with your carriers on the discount percentage, the minimum charge or the rate base (tariff).

Finally, we manage a large number of LTL carriers too and it has paid off keeping as many carriers as possible under the same tariff and version.

Hope this is useful,

Alejandro B.