Every data point on SupplyChainStack has a source, a verification date, and a confidence score. This page documents all 10 data sources powering our benchmarks, tools, and research.
Supply chain decisions affect real operations. When a shipper uses our freight benchmarks to negotiate a carrier contract, or a professional uses our certification comparisons to decide where to invest $1,000+ in exam fees, they deserve to know where the data comes from.
We hold ourselves to four principles:
| Data Source | Description | Primary Source | Refresh | Confidence | Last Verified | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Surcharge Index fuel_surcharge |
LTL and FTL fuel surcharge percentages, based on EIA weekly diesel average. | EIA Weekly Diesel Survey | weekly | Official source (govt/organization) | Mar 26, 2026 | ✓ Fresh |
| Seasonal Freight Factors seasonal_factors |
Monthly demand adjustment factors by freight mode (produce season, holiday peak, etc.). | USDA AMS + Internal Model | monthly | Official source (govt/organization) | — | — Never refreshed |
| Supply Chain Certification Comparison Database cert_comparisons |
Certification data for CSCP, CPIM, CPSM, CPM, CLTD, Six Sigma. Source: Official issuing organization websites (ASCM, ISM, ASQ). | ASCM, ISM, ASQ official websites | annual | Official source (govt/organization) | Mar 29, 2026 | ✓ Fresh |
| Freight Rate Benchmarks freight_rates |
LTL, FTL, ocean, air, and parcel rate benchmarks. Source basis: DAT Trendlines, Freightos Baltic Index. | DAT Trendlines + Freightos Baltic Index | weekly | Trade publication (DAT/Freightos) | Mar 26, 2026 | ✓ Fresh |
| LTL Zone Rate Matrix ltl_zone_rates |
LTL rates by origin-destination zone pair (same/adjacent/regional/cross). $/cwt before fuel surcharge. | DAT Trendlines Regional Averages | weekly | Trade publication (DAT/Freightos) | Mar 26, 2026 | ✓ Fresh |
| Ocean Container Rates ocean_rates |
FCL container rates (China–US lanes). Source: Freightos Baltic Index. | Freightos Baltic Index | weekly | Trade publication (DAT/Freightos) | Mar 26, 2026 | ✓ Fresh |
| US Freight Lane Rate Database freight_lanes |
FTL dry van and LTL rates for 16 major US freight corridors. Basis: DAT Freight & Analytics Trendlines annual averages. | DAT Freight & Analytics Trendlines | monthly | Trade publication (DAT/Freightos) | Mar 29, 2026 | ✓ Fresh |
| Inventory Algorithm Constants inventory_algorithm_constants |
Lead time (14d), order cost ($50), holding cost rate (25%) used in safety stock / EOQ calculations. | Internal Model (manual review quarterly) | monthly | Industry estimate | — | — Never refreshed |
| Newsletter Subscriber List newsletter_subscribers |
Subscriber CRM. Updated on each subscribe/unsubscribe event. | User action | on_demand | Industry estimate | — | — Never refreshed |
| User-Uploaded Inventory Data user_csv_data |
CSV datasets uploaded by users. Refreshed whenever users upload new data. | User upload | on_demand | Industry estimate | — | — Never refreshed |
Our freight rate benchmarks are based on DAT Freight & Analytics Trendlines, the industry's primary source for spot and contract rate data covering 68,000+ load-to-truck ratios daily.
Specifically, we use:
Important: All rates are benchmarks, not quotes. Actual rates depend on equipment availability, carrier selection, load characteristics, accessorials, and real-time market conditions. Use these benchmarks for budgeting and negotiation context — not as final prices.
Certification data (exam fees, study hours, prerequisites, renewal requirements) is sourced directly from the official websites of issuing organizations:
Certification data is reviewed annually as exam fees and requirements change. If you notice outdated information, contact us.
SupplyChainStack's benchmarks power freight budget planning, carrier negotiations, and certification planning for thousands of supply chain professionals.
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