Freight tariffs shall contain:

(1) Table of contents (unless otherwise specifically authorized by the commission). A full and complete statement in alphabetical order of the exact location where information under general headings, by subjects, will be found, specifying page or item numbers. If a tariff contains so small a volume of matter that it plainly discloses its contents, the table of contents may be omitted.

(2) A list, alphabetically arranged, of the names of all carriers participating in the tariff. If there be not more than 10 participating carriers, their names may be shown on the title page. Each carrier or agent which issues a joint tariff shall file with the commission an informal list or schedule of powers of attorney or concurrences; or in the alternative may show the powers of attorney or concurrence numbers in connection with the list of participating carriers in the tariff.

(3) A complete index alphabetically arranged of all articles upon which commodity rates or exceptions to the governing classification are named together with reference to each item or page where such article is shown. If all of the commodity rates to each destination in a general commodity or a combined class and commodity tariff are arranged in alphabetical order by commodities, the index of commodities may be omitted from the tariff.

(4) An alphabetical index of all points from which rates apply and a separate alphabetical index of all points to which all rates apply except where all or substantially all rates apply in both directions the points of origin and destination may be shown in one index. Such index or indexes must show the item, page or index numbers from or to which rates apply. If there be not more than 12 points of origin or 12 points of destination, the name of each if practicable may be shown on the title page. If the points of origin or of destination are shown alphabetically arranged or are shown by groups alphabetically arranged, no index is required.

(5) List of exceptions, if any, to the classification, or reference to a classification exception tariff or tariffs governing the tariff.

(6) Such explanatory statements in clear and explicit terms regarding the rates and rules contained in the tariff may be necessary to remove all doubt as to their proper application.

(7) Rules and regulations which govern the tariff in clear and explicit terms, setting forth all privileges and services covered by the rates. A special rule applying to a particular rate shall be shown in connection with, and on the same page with, such rates. Where it is not desirable or practicable to include the governing rules and regulations in the rate tariff, such rules and regulations may be separately published in tariffs filed by an individual carrier or by an agent, providing that reference is made to such tariffs on the title page.

(8)(a) An explicit statement of the rates, in cents or in dollars and cents per pound, per 100 pounds, per barrel or other package, per ton, or per car, or other unit, together with the names or designations of the places from and to which they apply, all arranged in a simple and systematic manner. Minimum carload weights or other units must be specifically stated. Tariffs containing rates per ton must specify what constitutes a ton thereunder. A ton of 2,000 pounds must be specified as "net ton" or "ton of 2,000 pounds." A ton of 2,240 pounds must be specified as "gross ton" or "long ton" or a "ton of 2,240 pounds." A ton measurement must be specified as "ton of 40 cubic feet." Complicated or ambiguous terms must be avoided. Insofar as possible such rates should be assigned an identifying number to facilitate reference thereto. If all rates are stated in the same unit that fact may be indicated on the title page immediately in connection with the application of the tariff.

(b) When articles are made subject to percentages of class rates the rates applicable under such provisions must be shown in the class tariffs just as if those percentages were additional numbered or lettered classes, or reference may be made to an appropriate table published in the tariff containing the class rates. Unless this is done specific commodity rates must be published.

(c) A commodity item may provide rates on a number of items by the use of generic heading without naming such articles, providing such commodity item contains reference to an item in the tariff which contains a complete list of such articles, or contains reference to the number of a separate tariff containing such a list of articles. Such reference to a separate item or tariff may not be made unless a definite and complete list of the articles under the same generic heading is shown in the item, tariff or classification so referred to.

(9) The different routes via which rate applies must be shown. When a tariff specifies routing, the rates may not be applied via routes not specified.

(10) Explanation of symbols, reference marks and technical abbreviations used in the tariff, except that the explanation of a reference mark or symbol used only in connection with particular items or rates shall be shown on the page on which it is used.

(11) The above rules are in addition to the general rules of this circular insofar as they apply to freight operations.