Fig. 2. Cross-Index to Tariff File
A very satisfactory form of card for this cross-index is shown in Fig. 2, which also shows the manner of filing. At the head of the card is the name of the town, and the name of the railroad on which it is located. Below the heading, the first column shows the names of all railroads issuing tariffs to the town in question, whether or not the town is located on the road. Following this are columns for the number of the tariff and for either commodity or class rates. These cards are filed in the same manner as the tariff folders—alphabetically by names of the railroads. A guide card is provided for each road and all cards representing towns on that road are filed in alphabetical order behind the guide card.
Fig. 3. Card for Class Rates
Suppose a rate is wanted from a point on the Delaware, Lackawana & Western, to a point on the Burlington. Reference to the Burlington tariffs does not give the rate, for the reason that the Burlington does not issue tariffs from points on the D. L. & W., but reference to the card shows that four roads issue tariffs from Buffalo to Burlington points, one of them being a commodity tariff. Reference to the commodity tariff shows that the special rate applies from a point in Ohio to Chicago, a connecting point with the Burlington. By proper routing, this special rate can be taken advantage of, class rates applying the balance of the distance. Without the index, it would be necessary to look through several folders, with the possibility that the special tariff might be overlooked.
Condensed Rate File. A condensed rate file covering a definite territory will prove a convenience to most shippers. The trade of most houses is confined to a certain definite and rather limited territory. A manufacturer may make an occasional shipment to a point outside of his regular territory, but, as a rule, his shipments will be confined within certain limits. This is even more true of the jobber and the wholesaler.
If a special rate file, covering the particular territory in which the shipper's trade lies, is prepared, it will be found convenient for reference, and will save consulting the tariff files whenever a rate is wanted. Such a file can be arranged on cards, or in a small loose-leaf book. One card or sheet should be used for each town, the name of the town being written at the head of the card.
