The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-07-20

map as means of computing rates
chart individualized to every postofice
in the United States. The plans con-
template the purchase Of large num-
Der Of automobiles, to be used exclu-
sively for the delivery Of parcel post
matter.
While, for the present, the maximum
weight limit Of 90 pounds and the re-
duction in rates will apply only to the
first and second zones, from any given
miles-the changes directed today con-
stitute the first long step towards
universal extension Of the system and
a general reduction in the rates of
postage on parcel matter.
Makes Prediction.
'tIt is my expectation and belief
said Postmaster General Burleson,
"that eventualy-and it may be ff-
teen or twenty years-the postal serv-
ice viii handle practically all Of the
small package transportation business
in the United States, The maximum
weight limit, extended now from IL to
20 pounds, expect to see increased
demonstrate the practicability Of hand
ling the postal business at even lower
rates than we now propose. I appre-
ciate fully the sentiment for an in
crease in the weight limit and q re-
duction in rates to all zones, but it is
necessary for US, In q sense, to feel our
way. For that reason we have made
the. changes proposed apply only to the
first and second zones. :"
Changes Announced.
Mr.. Burleson announced the changes
as follows:
"The first zones shall include the
territory within the local delivery of
any Office and the first zone rate of
postage will apply to all parcel post
mail deposited at any Office for local
delivery or for delivery by city carrier
or on rail routes emanating from that
postofice.
"The second zone shall include the
remainder Of what is now the first zone,
together with the present second zone,
and shall include all the units Of area
located 10 ate; in Whole or IN part within Al
radius, OF approximately $50 miles from
any given postoffice.
s'The rate Of postage on parcels
Weighing In excess Of four ounces in
the proposed first zone will be reduced
from cents for the first pound and
cent for each additional pound or frac-
tion thereof, to cents for the first
pound and ] cent for each additional
two pounds or fraction thereof. and the
rate for the second zone Will be re,
dueed from 5 cents for the first pound
and cents for each additional pound
or 6 cents for the first pound and 4
cents, fol. each additional pound OF
fraction thereof, to cents for the first
pound and ] cent for each additional
pound or fraction thereof.
Weight Increased.
"The maximum weight of parcel post
packages Will be increased from II
pounds to 20 pounds, the increase Of
weight to apply only to the first and
second zones. No change has been
made in the size or form Of the pack.
age.'
Statistics collected by the depart.
ment show that quite one-third of the
total number Of parcels mailed are
handled within the proposed first and
second zones, and the postmaster gen
era! believes the increase in the wei ight
limit and the reduction Of the rates of
postage IN the first and second zones,
as proposed, will benefit greatly more
than one-third Of the public; and that
tne producer, the consumer and the
local merchant will profit materially
:,
that the farmers, who were led to an,
tlclpate much benefit from the parcel
post service, will be afforded cheap
means OF transporting their products di-
Tectly to the consumer, and that the
ioca! merchant whose trade does not
lustHy the employment Of extensive
dehy,ery service, also will be benefited,
as the system will put him in close
touch with his customers.
The rate shset, which Is to be used
as substitute for the parcel post
map, Will be prepared as soon as prac.
guide. eO0'
!, Postal experts estimate that, with
the proposed changes in the parcel post
system IN operation, the revenues of
me postoffce department will be 80
increased as to show substa ntial sur.
year.