Third party agents performing pickup and delivery on behalf of carriers often differentiate the rates they charge by geographic area.  When this occurs, multiple rate tables can be set up under separate run numbers using the CIS Maintenance, reflecting the multiple areas the agent serves.  If the entire terminal's P&D is performed by an agent, then the default run zero should have the rates for the primary area served, with subsequent run numbers (1,2,3, etc.) for any other zones.  Alternately, if it is a company terminal which also employs agents in particular areas, then the default run zero is company drivers (terminal or industry average performance) and any other run numbers (1-99) can be set up with agent's rates

That accomplished, the CIS should be further set up to assign such runs automatically, via the location code index.  The CIS location code index (TERMZIP.INX) links U.S. ZIP Codes and Canadian Postal Codes to the freight terminals serving them, via the carrier points list/service guide.  It can also further assign a specific run number.

Since carrier points lists can change regularly, the CIS maintenance software allows the user to set up cartage agent location assignments in a separate file (TERMZIP.CRT) by Zip code/Postal Code ranges.  The data in this separate file is automatically loaded into the main location index each time the location index is re-built from a new points list.  Once installed, use of the system will automatically direct the cost program to pull the correct cartage agent rates, based on the ZIP Code/Postal Code entered for origin or destination.

Review your cartage agent contracts, even if only to ensure the rates are current.  If rates exist for separate areas, set them up as follows:

1. Obtain a list of the ZIP Codes defining the areas (if only point names are provided by the agent, use your service guide to obtain ZIP Codes or contact TCG).
2. Set up the rates for the zones using the CIS Maintenance Profile item Cartage Agreements, under the specific freight terminal. (If the agent operates at a company terminal, be sure the special flag in that terminal profile is set to 7).
3. After the rates are set, enter the ZIP Codes or ZIP Code ranges linking to terminals and run numbers using the CIS Maintenance P&D Run Overrides under Service Points.  If your Points list already provides a link to agents via their SCAC code, use the item SCAC Conversions, also under Service Points.

More information on this is in the Profile section of the LTL/CIS Operating Manual.

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