Index field definitions
The rate index consists of a set of restrictions that determines when the rate is to be applied; the restrictions are entered directly below the rate header. If needed, multiple indexes may be defined for the same pay rate.
When you use the Compute feature to calculate pay, the system compares individual fields on the trip segment to individual restriction fields in all indexes for all pay rates recorded in the Rate Schedules application.
Field by field, the restriction data in each index is examined for a match with the corresponding fields on the trip and, using a hierarchy based approximately on the onscreen order of the index restriction fields, the system filters the indexes from best match to worst match.
Note: See How the system selects a rate when it calculates pay for information on the index hierarchy. This information can help you set up your index entries to ensure a rate is pulled when you want it to be.
Once the rate index with the best match is determined, the system applies the rate to the trip. If the trip matches multiple rates, the system lists them and prompts you to select the one you want applied.
The rate index also is used to classify a rate as primary (line haul), secondary (accessorial that is linked to a primary rate), or line item (accessorial that is applied on an “as needed” basis).
Index restriction fields are found on four tabs:
The name of each tab loosely identifies the types of restrictions found on it. No tab is more important than the others; restrictions have been divided up onto multiple tabs simply because of space constraints.
Illustrations of the index tabs, and the definitions of the fields on them, are provided in the following subsections.