Tratics

📌Tariff rates are publicly published rates set by rail carriers, covering broad sets of routes and commodities (STCCs). They apply universally to any shipper and are typically compiled into large documents spanning a carrier's entire network.

Contract rates are negotiated directly between a shipper and carrier, tailored to specific needs. They may include discounts and special terms (e.g., volume commitments), with a shipper's leverage depending on factors like size, volume, competition, and alternative sourcing options.
In short: tariff rates cast a wide net across lanes and shippers; contract rates are customer-specific and can offer better pricing in exchange for shipper commitments.