Norwich bulletin., 1913-07-21
LARGER PACKAGES
 AND LOWER RATES
Changes in. Parcel Post Service to
 Take Effect E1s. IS.

Washington, July 2O-Plans for the extension, improvement and reduction tn rates of the Parcel Post were an nounced yesterday by Postmaster General Burleson. The changes, which are to become effective on August 15 include an increase from Il pounds to 20 pounds in the maximum weight of parcels. a material reduction in the postage rates in the first and second zones. and the abandonments of the parcel map as a means of computing rates and the substitution for it of z rate chart individualized to every Tostoffice in the United States. The plans contemplate the purchase of a large number of automobiles to be used exclusively for the delivery of parcel post matter.
 While, for the present, the maximum weight limit of % pounds and the re- ductiOn in rates will apply only to the first and second zones, from any given postofice-a distance of about 150 Yniles-the changes directed today constitute the first long step towards a universal extension of the system and a general reduction in the rates Of postage on parcel matter.
 May Yet Handle 100 Pound Pack
 ages.
 Tt is my expectation and belief said Postmaster General Burleson,
 
 teen or twenty years-the Postal Serv- ice will handle practically al of the small package transportation business in the United States The maximum limit. extended now from II to 20 pounds ] expect to see increased to onstrate the practicability of handling the parcel business at even lower rates than we now propose
 Tn :he making of extensions and re- auctions of rates it is necessary for us 10 proceed with caution, so as to af- the increased business. For that reason we have made the changes pro- posed apply only to the first nd sec ond zones. I appreciate fully the sent iment for an increase in the weight limit and reduction in rates to ali zones, but 1t is necessary for us, in a sense to feel our way"
 MT. Burleson announced the changes as follows:
 The first zone shall include the ter- ritory within the local delivery of any office and the first zone rate of post age will apply to all parcel post c1afl deposited at any office for local de- livery by city carrier or on r,'ral routes emanating from that post office.
 The second zone shal include the remainder of what is now the first gone together with the present scc- ond zone. and shall include all units of area located in whole or in part within radius of approximately 150 miles from any given post office.
 Reduction Of Rates.
 The rate of postage on parcels weighing in excess of four ounces ip the proposed zone will be redu@ee from five cents for the first p31nd and one cent for each additional pound or fraction thereof to hve cents for the first pound and one cent for each ad- ditional two pounds or fraction thereof. and tho rate for the second zone gill be reduced from five cents Cor fb~ first pound and three cents for aaeA additional pound OF Ei1 cents for the first pound afid four cents for -,anh af= ditional pound Or fraction thereof 10 Ave cents for the first poind and ona cent for each additional pound or ffar . fior thereof.
 ''rhc maximum weight Of rareej post packages will 6e increased ffafn eleven pouF.1s to twenty pounds, fias increase of weight ts apply enY te fihs first and second zones. Su changes have been made ia the size or form of inc package,