Cross Reference Numbers
Parts from different vendors that serve the same function but are distinct products:
Different manufacturers (e.g., Bendix vs. Meritor vs. Wabco)
Different prices per vendor
May have slight variations in quality, warranty, or specifications
Useful for finding competitive alternatives or when preferred brand is unavailable
Example: Air dryer cartridge for Freightliner Cascadia:
Bendix 109994X
Meritor R955300
Wabco 4324130010
Alternate Part Numbers
The exact same part with multiple identifying numbers:
Same manufacturer, same product
Identical price (from same vendor)
Numbers change due to rebranding, superseding, or multiple labeling systems
All numbers point to the same physical inventory item
Example: Volvo D13 fuel filter:
Original: 21707133
Alternate: 22480372 (superseded number)
Alternate: 85113146 (older packaging)
Key Difference
Cross Reference = Different parts that work for the same application
Alternate = Same part with multiple numbers
🛠 Which One Do I Add in EasyTruckShop?
Use Cross Reference when you want to link a part from a different vendor or manufacturer that does the same job. For example: you stock a Bendix air dryer but want to also find it when searching by the Meritor number.
Use Alternate Part Number when the same part you already stock has multiple identifying numbers — like a superseded number, an older catalog number, or a number from a different labeling system. All alternate numbers point to the same inventory item.
If you're not sure which to use: ask yourself — is this the same physical part I already have in my system, or a different product that fits the same application? Same part = Alternate. Different product = Cross Reference.