The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1913-07-22
IMPROVED PARCEL POST
PROPOSED CHANGE AUGUST 10.
chase of Large Number of Au-
tomobiles for Delivery.

the extension, improvement and re-
duction in rates of the parcel post
has been announced by Postmaster
General Burleson. The changes,
which are to become effective on
August Is, include an increase from
IL pounds to 90 pounds in the maxi
mum weight of parcels, a material
reduction in the postage rates in the
first and second zones, and the aban
donment of the parcel post map as
q means of computing rates and the
substitution for 1t of rate chart in
dividualized to every postoffice in the
United States. The plans contem-
plate the purchase of large number
Of automobiles to be used exclusively
for the parcel post matter.
While, for the present, the maxi
mum weight of 20 pounds and the
reduction in rates will apply only to
the first and second zones, from any
given postoffice-a distance of about
$50 miles-the changes directed con-
stitute the first long step towards a
universal extension of the system and
a general reduction in the rates of
postage on parcel matter.
BURLEsoN's PLANS.
"It is my expectation and belief"
said Postmaster General Burleson,
"that eventually-and it may be
fifteen or twenty years-the postal
service will handle practically all of
TIE small package transportation
business in the United States. The
maximum weight limit, extended now
from IL to 90 pounds, expect to see
increased to 100 pounds, and expert
ence may demonstrate the practic-
ability OF handling the parcel bust
% fng
propose.
"In the making OF extensions and
reductions OF rates, IL is necessary,
for us to proceed with caution, so as
to afford ample opportunity to pre-
pare for the increased business. For
that reason we have made the
changes proposed apply only to the
first and second zones. I appreciate
fully the sentiment for an increase
in the weight limit and a reduction
in rates to all zones, but 1t is neces-
sary for use, in a sense, to feel our
way"
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHANGE.
Mr.. Burleson announced the
changes as follows:
"The first zone 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 car
rier or on rural routes emanating
from that postoffice.
"The second zone shall include the
remainder of what ia now the first
zone together with the present sec
ond zone, and shall include all the
units of area located in whole or in
part within a radius of approximate
ly $50 miles from any given post
office.
"The rate OF postage on parcels
weighing in excess of four ounces in
the proposed first zone will be re-
duced from FIVE cents for the first
pound and one cent for each addi-
tional pound or fraction thereof to
five cents for the first pound and one
cent for each additional two ounces
or fraction thereof. and the rate for
the second zone will be reduced from
five cents for the first pound and
three cents for each additional
pound, or six cents for the first
pound or fraction thereof, to five
cents for the first pound and one
cent for each additinal poundl or
fraction thereof.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT 20 POUNDS.
"The maximum weight of parcel
post packages will be increased from
II pounds to 90 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
package"
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 postmas-
ter general believes the increase in
the weight limit and the reduction of
the rates of postage in the first and
second zones, as proposed, will bene-
fit greatly more than one-third of the
public; and that the producer, the
consumer and the local merchant will
profit materially by the changes. He
points out. too, that the farmers, who
were led to anticipate much benefit
from the parcel post service, will be
afforded cheap means of trans
porting their products directly to the
consumer, and that the local mer-
chant whose trade does not justify
the employment OF extensive delivery
service also will be benefited, as the
system will put him in close touch
with his customers.
500, 700, 900 PARCELS.
At the outset 1t was estimated that
300,000,000 parcels would be hand
led during the first year OF the ap-
GRAFTON of the parcel post system,
but IL now appears from the statis-
tics that, influenced by the changes
proposed the service will be so popu-
lariZed that the number Of parcels
carried during the ensuing twelve
months will be more than double the
original eoffu ate