=Commodity=Rate File.= When any part of the goods shipped are subject to commodity rates, a file of commodity rates is fully as important as class rates. A commodity-rate file is arranged on similar lines to the file of class rates. A card or sheet is used for each town to which commodity rates apply, and the cards are filed alphabetically by names of towns. These cards can be filed with the class rates, but a distinctive color should be used. The record should give the names of the articles taking commodity rates, manner of packing, the point from which the rate applies, the rate, the number of the tariff, and the name of the issuing railroad. On the line below the name of the town appears the caption, _see also_. This is for the name of some other point to which a commodity rate applies. Boone, Iowa, for instance, may not be a commodity point, though a special rate from Chicago to Clinton is in effect. The Boone card would refer to Clinton, and the card for that town would show the rate. Fig. 5 shows a form for commodity rates. To compile such a record of rates as has been described, requires an initial expenditure of much labor, but is a profitable investment. When once compiled, changes can be recorded with little trouble. These files will always be valuable for reference, not alone to the shipping clerk but to the sales manager and the purchasing agent as well. A comprehensive knowledge of classifications and rates will prove valuable not only to the shipper, but to the receiver of freight. It will save any merchant many dollars in freight charges on goods purchased f. o. b. point of shipment. The shipper may not pack his goods in a manner to secure the lowest rate, or he may not give the proper description in the shipping bill. If his attention is called to the matter by a customer, he probably will make the necessary changes in his methods. Even the proprietor of a small retail business will find a study of this subject a paying investment. The writer has knowledge of a case in which the owner of a general store saved some $165.00 in one year by carefully checking every freight bill received, making claims for overcharges, and watching the packing and routing of his goods. Surely that amount would be worth saving, even to a house transacting a much larger volume of business. =Routing Shipments.= One of the most important duties of the shipping clerk is the proper routing of his shipments. Like classifications and rates, the subject requires careful study. In too many cases this subject receives little attention, but by exercising care in routing shipments, the shipping clerk can be of material assistance to the sales department, and, incidentally, to the customers of his house.