Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-20
CHANGE IN RULES
FOR PARCEL POST
Postmaster General Plans Ex-
tensions and improvements
of the Service.
PROVIDES LOWER RATES:
PARCELS TO BE HEAVIER
New Rates and Weights Applied
Ony to First and Second Zones
at Present

arc 10 become effective August -. IN
cIude an increase from eleven pounds to
etweuty pounds in the maximum weight
III parcels. u material reduction in the
POSTAGE rates III the first and second
zones. and the abandonment of the par
Gel post map as means OF computing
rates and the substitution for il OF
rate chart individualized to every post
office in the United States. The plans
contemplate the purchase OF large
number OF automobiles to be used ex
eIusiveIy for the delivery of parcel post
matter.
While for the present the maximum
weight liynit 81 twenty pounds and the
reduction in rates viii apply only 10
the first and second zones, from any
given post cffice-a distance OF about 1oG
miIes-the changes directed constitute the
first long step toward a universal eXten-
sion OF the system and a general re
duction in the rates of postage on parcel
matter.
Wider Scope Predicted.
1t is my expectation and belief" said
Postmaster General Burieson. that even
tually-and il may be fifteen twenty
years-the postal service will handle
practically all Of the small package
trans portation business in the United
States. The maximum weight limit ex-
teaaed uoN from eleven to twenty
pounds 1 expect 10 see increased 10 loo
lounaS ana experience may demonstrate
the practicabillty OF handing the parcel
usiuess at even lower races than we
HOW propose.
IN tn. king of extensions and re-
auctions cf rates it is necessary for
Us To proceed with caution, SO as to
AFFORD ample opportunity To prepare
for the increased business. For that
IeaSOn nave made the changes pro-
posed apply emily ~ the first and sec
Ond zones. | appreciate fully the senti-
ment for an increase in the weight
limit and reduction in rates to all
zones, but it is necessary for US, in
sense. to feel our way.
Mr.. Burleson announced the changes
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
delivery or for delivery by city carrier
or on rural routes emanating from that
post office.
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 in whole or in part
within a radius of approximately $50
miles from any given post office.
Rates of Postage.
The rate of postage on parcels
Z weighing in excess of four ounces in
the proposed first zone will be reduced
from cents for the first pound and
1 cent for each additional pound or
fraction thereof TO cents for the
first pound and cent for each addi-
tional two pounds or fraction thereof
and the rate for the second zone will
be reduced from cents for the first
pound and 3 cents for each additional
pound or cents for the first pound
and cents for each additional pound
or fraction thereof TO ) cents for the
first pound and / cent for each addi-
tional pound or fraction thereof
THE 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 secon1 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.
erai believes the increase in the weight
limit and the reduction of the rates of
postage in the first and second zones
proposed. will benefit greatly more
than one-th;rd of the public: and that
the producer. the consumer and the local
merchant will profit materially by the
changes.
Cheap Method Benefits Farmers.
He points out. too. that the farmers
from the parcel post service. will be at
forded a cheap means of Transporting
their products directly TO the consumer
and that the local merchant whose trade
does rot justify the employment OF ex-
tensive delivery service also will be ben
c'itcGf as the system Will put him III close
touca with his customers
1t the outset il estimated that
.@E'.GJ't1 parce's would be handled dur
iEs the first year Of the operation of
:he pa ~ post system. but it now APP
pears from the statistics that influenced
~ The changes proposed the service will
b. so popularized thai the number of
.arce!s carried during the ensuing twelve
months viii be more than double the
original estimate.
The rate sheet. which is TO be used
as substitute for the parcel post map
viii Be prepared as soon practicable
and attached To the parcel post guide
The rate chart to he made for each
separate post office. Will be worked out
rom the focal point OF the unit in
min the post p!f4Nt - io1dltu ne
simplicity OF the plan. II is thought
viii make easily determinable the rate
CT postage from that unit to any other
on any maila5ie parcel and will greatly
facilitate the handling Of parcel post
matter AZ post Office windows.
Under regulations recently adopted
the use OF distinctive stamps no longer
is mandatory, and the public now is
permitted 20 mail parcels with ordina ~
stamps affixed
Fees for Insurance.
The insurance fee, which originally
was 10 cents. was found to be ex-
cessive. and an order. effective July l.
insured 10 actual value up to SIS; and
a ten-cent fee is exacted only on par
cells insured to actual value of more
than S25 and not exceeding $50. Under
this arrangement the business Of in
surfing packages has more than dou-
hlec. particularly in the sending oil
valuable merchandise.
During the present month an i'm
nense business has been built up in
the handling of parcels forwarded
under the c. O. ID. regulation, inau-
rurated July. 1. 1913, which is said I.
oe proving popular. not only among
mel chants. but among the people gen
orally.
Postal experts estimate that. with this
proposed changes III the parcel posi-
system in operation. the revenues oil