Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1913-07-23
PARCEL POST.


we're announced Saturday by Postmaster
| General Burleson. The changes, which
are to become effective on August 10, in
elude an increase from eleven pounds to
twenty pounds in the maximum weight
parcels; q material reduction in the post
age rates in the first and second zones,
and the abandonment OF the parcel post
map as means of computing rates, and
the substitution for 1t OF a rate chart
/ individualized to every postotfice in the
United States. The plans contemplate the
purchase of large number of automobiles
to be used exclusively for the delivery Of
parcel post matter.
While for the present the maximum
weight limit of twenty pounds and the re-
duction in rates will apply only to the first
and second zones, from any given post
office-a distance OF about $50 miles-the
changes directed to-day constitute the first
long step towards a universal extension
Of the system and a general reduction
in the rates of postage on parcel matter.
| at is my expectation and belief" said
Postmaster General Burleson, 'ihst
eventually - and 1t may be fifteen or
twenty years - the postal service will
handle practically all OF the small package
transportation business in the United
States. The maximum weight limit, ex-
tended now from eleven to twenty pounds,
expect to see increased to 100 pounds,
and experience may demonstrate the
| practicabiiity of handling the parcel
| business at even lower rates than we now
propose.
"In the making Of extensions and re-
| auctions of rates ii is necessary for US to
proceed with caution, 80 as to afford am
pie opportunity to prepare for the in
creased business. For that reason we
have made the changes proposed apply
only to the first and second zones. ap-
praciste fully the sentiment for an in
crease in the weight limit and reduction
in rates to all zones, but 1t Is necessary for
as, in q sense, to feel our way"
Mr.. Burieson announced the changes a.
| follows:
1.-THE first zone shall include the territory
within the local delivery OF any Office, and
the first zone rate OF postage will apply to
parcel post mail deposited at any Office for
local delivery by city carrier or on rural
routes emsnsting from that postofiice.
1.-THE second zone shall include the re-
mainder OF what is now the first zone, to-
gether with the present second zone, and
shall include all the units Of area located
in whole or in part within q radius OF
approximately $50 miles from any given
postoffice.
''The rate OF postage on parcels weigh
ing in excess OF four ounces In the pro-
posed first zone will be reduced from five
cents for the first pound and one cent for
each additional pound or fraction thereof
to five cents for the first pound and one
cent for each additional two pounds or
fraction thereof, and the rate for the Sec
ond zone will be reduced from Ave cents
for the first pound and three cents for
each additional pound or six cents for the
first pound and four cents for each addi-
tional pound or fraction thereof TO five
cents for the first pound and one cent for
| each additional pound or fraction thereof.
'sThe maximum weight OF parcel post
packages will be increased from eleven
pounds to twenty pounds, the increase of
weight to apply only to the first and sec
ond zones. No change has been made in
the sire or form OF the package"
Statistics collected by the department
show that quite one-third of the total
number of parcels mailed arc handled
within the proposed first and second
zones, and the postmaster 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
benefit greatly more than one-third OF the
| public; and that the producer, the con-
sumner 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 a chear
means OF transporting their products
directly to the consumer, and that the
local merchant whose trade does not justify
the employment OF extensive delivery SER
| vice also will be benefited, as the system
| will put him in close touch with his Gus
toners.
AT the outset ii was estimated that 800
000, 900 parcels would be handled during
the first year OF the operation of the par.
Gel post system, but it now appears from
the statistics that, influenced by tho
changes proposed to-day, the service viii
be so popularized that the number Of par.
cells carried during the ensuing twelve
months will be more than double tbs
original estimate.
The rate sheet, which is to be used as I
substitute for the parcel post map, will b
prepared as soon as practicable and at
tsched to the parcel post guide. The rat.
chart, to be made for each separate post
office, will be worked out from the loca
point OF the unit in which the postoffics
Is located. The simplicity OF the plan, II
is thought, will make easily determinabls
| the rate OF postage from that unit to any
other on any maiiabie parcel and viii
greatly facilitate the handling OF parcel
4 II. -