The charge per unit (typically per car, per ton, or per container) for transporting a commodity between specified origin and destination points. Rates may be published in tariffs or established through confidential contracts. Rate levels are influenced by distance, commodity, car type, volume, and competitive conditions.
A publicly filed schedule of rates, rules, and regulations applicable to railroad transportation services. Tariffs are filed with and accessible through the STB and must be applied consistently to all shippers who qualify. Under the Staggers Act, railroads may supplement tariff rates with confidential contracts.
A rate applicable to a specific commodity or group of commodities between defined origin and destination points, typically lower than the general freight rate. Commodity rates reflect the volume, regularity, and competitive characteristics of the traffic. They are published in commodity tariffs or established in contracts.
A confidential rate negotiated between a railroad and a shipper under a transportation contract authorized by the Staggers Rail Act. Contract rates are not publicly filed and may include volume commitments, service guarantees, and other terms. They are the primary pricing mechanism for large shippers and most intermodal traffic.
A rate filed in a railroad's public tariff and available to any qualifying shipper without negotiation. Published rates are less common than contract rates for large shippers but remain the default for smaller shippers and exempt traffic. They provide price transparency but less flexibility than contracts.
A reference rate used to evaluate the reasonableness of a proposed contract or tariff rate, derived from comparable market transactions or the railroad's own tariff rates. Benchmarks help shippers assess whether a negotiated rate is competitive. In STB proceedings, benchmark rates may be used in rate reasonableness analysis.
The primary transportation charge for moving freight between origin and destination, covering the over-the-road or mainline portion of the movement. Linehaul rates are the base rate component before the addition of fuel surcharges, accessorials, and terminal charges. Linehaul revenue is the largest single revenue source for railroads.