Tariff 100 governs how most LTL carriers apply rules, charges, and conditions to shipments. Brokers and agents interact with it every day, often without seeing where pricing exposure originates. A single missed provision can turn an accurate base rate into a margin loss, a rebill, or a customer dispute. This article explains how to use Tariff 100 as an operational reference when quoting, not as a legal document.
What Tariff 100 Is and Why It Matters
Tariff 100 is a rules tariff. It does not establish linehaul rates. Instead, it defines how rates are applied, when they are adjusted, and which provisions override the original quote. Carriers rely on it to support reclassifications, minimums, accessorial charges, and liability limits.
For agents, Tariff 100 determines whether a quoted rate is firm or conditional. If a shipment violates tariff provisions, the carrier will enforce those rules through a rebill, regardless of how the shipment was originally quoted.
Structure of Tariff 100
Most Tariff 100 documents follow a consistent structure:
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Rules and definitions
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Governing provisions
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Minimum charges
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Accessorial charges
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Liability and claims
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Special freight rules
The objective is not to read the document line by line. The objective is to know where to look when quoting specific freight scenarios.
Governing Provisions
The governing provisions establish that the tariff overrides quotes, contracts, and verbal agreements unless a written exception exists. Operationally, this means the carrier retains final authority when a shipment falls outside standard parameters.
If freight is quoted as standard LTL but meets volume or special handling definitions under the tariff, the carrier will rerate the shipment accordingly.
Minimum Charges
Minimum charges are frequently overlooked. Tariff 100 defines shipment minimums by class, weight, or lane. When the calculated linehaul falls below the applicable minimum, the minimum charge applies.
Example:
Shipment weight: 900 lbs
Quoted linehaul: $0.40 per lb
Calculated charge: 900 × 0.40 = $360
Tariff minimum: $450
In this case, the carrier applies $450, not $360. The quote is underpriced by $90.
Accessorial Charges
Accessorials are defined by the tariff, not by interpretation. Liftgate service, residential delivery, limited access, inside delivery, and notification charges are applied based on specific tariff definitions.
For example, a business located inside an office park may qualify as limited access if it meets the tariff criteria. Address type alone does not determine applicability. Agents should validate accessorial triggers against the tariff rather than relying solely on customer descriptions.
Freight Characteristics and Special Rules
Tariff 100 outlines when freight becomes subject to special handling, linear footage rules, long freight charges, or volume reclassification. These provisions often override NMFC class assumptions.
Common triggers include:
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Single pieces exceeding defined length thresholds
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Multiple pallets occupying significant floor space
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Non-stackable freight
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Freight exceeding standard trailer dimensions
When these conditions apply, the shipment may be rerated as volume or assessed additional charges.
Liability and Declared Value
Tariff 100 defines default liability limits, typically by class or per pound. If declared value options are permitted, they must be applied in strict accordance with tariff language.
If a customer expects higher coverage but the shipment is quoted without proper declared value documentation, the carrier will default to the tariff limit in the event of a claim.
Using Tariff 100 While Quoting
Tariff 100 should function as a checklist during the quoting process.
Before finalizing a quote, confirm:
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Weight and pallet count comply with minimum rules
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Dimensions do not trigger long freight or volume provisions
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Accessorials align with tariff definitions
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Declared value expectations are clearly documented
When freight is heavy but compact, light but long, irregular, or space-intensive, the tariff should be reviewed before committing to a rate.
Operational Takeaway
Tariff 100 reflects how carriers evaluate risk, space utilization, and cost. Ignoring it shifts financial risk to the agent. Applying it correctly protects margin and reduces rebills.
Agents who understand where Tariff 100 applies do not quote differently on every shipment. They quote accurately on the shipments most likely to create exposure.
