When using Ratecast, you may notice that the geographies displayed on the history tab are different than the geographies displayed when looking at a forecasted rate.
The following images of History and Ratecast from the same search demonstrate this.
History
Ratecast
Why are the geographies different?
When calculating a rate, DAT uses specific thresholds to ensure that we are able to deliver an accurate rate. These minimum thresholds must be met to display a rate. If we are unable to provide a rate from a 3-digit zip because we don't meet the thresholds, we will expand the geography until we do.
The thresholds are different for history and forecasted rates. The following thresholds must be met or the geography will keep expanding until they are.
For historical rates...
- At least 3 different companies contributing a rate in the specified lane
- At least 8 rates contributed to the specified lane
For forecasted rates...
- At least 8 contributions in the lane over the last 5 years
- A rate is provided for the lane at least 90% of the time in the last 5 years
Since the thresholds are different for each, the geographies may be different to ensure that we are meeting the minimum thresholds to display an accurate rate.