Motor carriers use this transaction set to communicate detailed tariff information, including rate structures, weight groups, and geographic pricing, to freight brokers, shippers, and transportation management system (TMS) providers. The carrier typically sends this transmission in response to a request for tariff data or as a proactive update to maintain current rate information in the recipient’s system. The core tariff details are structured through the TF (Tariff Information) segment, which establishes the tariff being transmitted, while the TS (Tariff Section) segment organizes different rate sections within that tariff, and the RTS (Tariff Rates) segment specifies the actual rates charged for particular services, commodities, or lane combinations.

For example, Atlas Motor Freight may transmit an X12 218 to Universal Logistics, a freight broker, containing updated tariff information for LTL services. The transmission includes multiple tariff sections organized by commodity class through the TS segment, with specific rates for shipments from origin zones to destination zones defined in the RTS segments. The message also specifies minimum charges through TFM (Tariff Minimum Rates) segments and any applicable surcharges or restrictions, allowing Universal Logistics to automatically update its quoting system with Atlas Motor Freight’s current pricing without manual data entry.