ExpressRate 2009 is the latest version of Con-way Freight’s popular desktop rating application, and is available for download. Rates included in this version are effective January 2009. This version includes all the enhancements introduced beginning with ExpressRate 2001, including full client/server functionality — install it once on a server and multiple workstations can use it.
Like always, it offers an easy-to-use graphical user interface, a full help system, Con-way Freight Service Center addresses and telephone numbers and Con-way Freight service standards. It’s compact, efficient and useful on a majority of computer systems and will run on Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, NT 4.0 and XP. You will download a zip file named er2009.exe, which, when downloaded, will create the installation and setup utility for ExpressRate 2009. Please note when you are ready to install ExpressRate 2009, double-click er2009.zip. This will unzip a file named setup.exe which, when double-clicked, will launch the installation facility. Follow the prompts to install ExpressRate 2009.
Estimated download time: (hours:minutes)
28.8 kbps = 2:00
56 kbps = 1:02
128 kbps = 0:28
1.544 mbps (T1) = 0:02
Hardware Requirements
- A personal computer with at least a P100 processor
- 32 MB or more of free hard disk space
- 8 MB RAM minimum; 16 MB or more preferred
- 80-column display
Installation Instructions
Windows 2000, 98, NT 4.0 and XP
Make note of the directory to which you save the file you download from the Con-way Freight site. For your convenience, it would be best to download the file to your desktop.
Double-click er2009.zip from your desktop. This will automatically unzip a file named Con-wayExpressRate2009.exe.
Run Con-wayExpressRate2009.exe to launch the installation facility.
Follow the directions that appear on the screen.
If you accepted the defaults, the ExpressRate program will have been stored on the C drive in a folder named Program Files\Con-Way Transportation Services\Con-wayExpressRate2009.
Again, if you have accepted the defaults, the setup program will have created a Program Group named ExpressRate2009 and also will have placed an icon on your desktop.
Delete the er2009.zip file from your desktop. You no longer need it.
Operating Instructions
Starting the Program
Double-click the ExpressRate icon. The program starts at the main user interface.
Rating a Shipment
Enter an origin and destination for each shipment. You can use either a U.S. ZIP Code or a Canadian postal code. ZIP codes are 5 digits in length, in this version of Express Rate, Canadian postal codes are also limited to the first 5 characters. Once both a valid origin and destination have been entered, the standard transit time will appear on the screen.
Enter the class and weight value for each commodity being shipped and hit enter, the class, weight, rate and charge will appear in the large center text area. As each commodity is entered, the totals shown below the commodity window will be re-calculated. For any lane, up to eight separate items, can be entered for a single shipment. If an item is entered in error, it can be removed by double-clicking the line in the commodity window. The totals will automatically re-calculate.
The rated shipment will appear on the screen with full detail of origin, destination, weight, class, rate, extended charges, discount and net charges. From the file menu, or the tool bar there are several tools available that allow you to: 1) print the bill, 2) display the charges in Canadian dollars, 3) display the entire rate table (all classes, all weight brackets) between the origin and destination of the bill, or 4) jump to the Settings page where pricing data and locations can be set up to simplify rate look-ups.
Customization Options and Supplemental Tools
The Options menu found on the menu bar across the top of the main user interface page features a number of tools that can be used to customize or extend ExpressRate. They are:
Rating Prompts
This will allow the user to set up a constant set of accessorials or prompt the user at run time for any accessorials to be added. This is also where the currency exchange is entered, or any rate factor.
Settings — A bill has at least two, and sometimes three, parties to it, in different roles. There is always a shipper and a consignee, and often a bill-to party. ExpressRate provides a utility for maintaining a file of parties to a bill of lading. Use it (by clicking B/L Parties on the Bill of Lading System interface) to add, delete or modify companies or individuals that will be listed on your bills. Then you will be able to choose parties for each role on the bill simply by picking them from a drop-down list on the main interface.
Commodities — This is where the user can set up discounts, Fuel surcharge, Class overrides, including straight or tiered FAK. Discounts can be set up as flat or tiered by weight bracket. Discounts can also be specified by origin or destination ZIP code This is also where the user would specify a constant origin or destination ZIP code for this pricing. The user can save pricing for many different locations.
Information menu — Contains several links to Con-way locations on the web.
- Con-way Freight web site
- Con-way Fuel surcharge page on the web.
- Con-way Tariff information page on the web.
- Con-way Service Center Locations.
Help — full-featured help system
