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Quick Rate®
More Than a Software Program, It is a Concept
July 6, 2009
Quick Rate® has been in operation in the Kansas City area since 1996. During this time the shipping costs for one user have been reduced by 35%. Average cost reduction for LTL freight has been about 20% for all users in the area.
The software part -
The software was developed at one Kansas City manufacturing plant out of a frustration at rising freight costs and a sense of helplessness at being able to control the increase. It works by allowing each carrier the business has a tariff with to submit their rates into one database. The user simply enters the destination zip code the class or classes of freight in the shipment and the weight for each class. The answer comes in the form of a report listing all the carriers in the database with the cost of the shipment listed from low to high. Refer to the rate answer report for a look at a typical answer from the demo available on this web site. The same day Quick Rate is implemented, users will experience savings simply by selecting the least cost carrier for each shipment. This is the software part and if the user does nothing else they can expect about a 15% to 20% savings.
The concept part -
The concept part is when carriers began to modify their rates to get more of your freight. The advantage of Quick Rate is each carrier's rate base is anchored to your zip code. Over time carriers will start changing discounts in lanes they are strong in from your zip code origin, reducing rates per 100 weight, reducing fuel surcharges, or even submitting a second rate base with specific zip codes. You work with the carrier agents and educate them on the tricks they can use to get the shipment. Carriers will use the information from the reports on the Report Page to structure the package they are offering you. The concept can create an additional savings of on average 15%.