Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1913-07-25
PARCEL POST CHANGES

General Burleson. The changes,
rbich are to become effective Au-
eust Is, include an increase from IL
0ounds to 20 pounds in the minimum
weight of parcels material reduc-
lion of the postage rates in the first
and second zones and the abandon
nent of the parcel post map as a
means of computing rates and the
substitution for it of rate chart
,rdiyidualized to every postoffice in
he United States. The plans con-
temp plate the purchase of a large
number of automobiles to be used ex-
clusyely for the delivery of parcel
post matter.
While for the present the maxi
mum weight limit of 20 pounds and
the reduction in rates will apply only
IN the first and second zones, from
any given postoffice-a distance of
about $50 miles--the changes direct
ed today constitute the first long step
toward a universal extension of the
system and a general reduction in
the rates of postage on parcel matter.
1T is my expectation and belief"
said Postmaster General Burleson.
that eventually-and it may be IS
or 20 years-the postal service will
handle practically all of the small
package transportation business in
the United States. The maximum
weight limit, extended now from II
creased to 100, and experience may
demonstrate the practicability of
handling the parcel business at even
lower rates than we now propose. |
appreciate fully the sentiment for an
increase in weight limit and a re-
duction in rates to all zones, but it is
necessary for us in a sense to feel
our way. For that reason We have
made the changes proposed apply
only to the first and second zones"
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 is 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 radius Of approximately
1850 miles from any given postoffice.
The rate of postage on parcels
weighing in excess of four ounces in
I the proposed first zone will be re-
duced from 5 cents for the first
pound and / cent for each additional
pound or fraction thereof to 5 cents
ror the first pound and l cent for
each additional two pounds or frac-
tlon thereof, and the rate for the sec
ond zone will be reduced from 5
cents for the first pound and cents
for each additional pound or cents
Tor the first pound and cents for
each additional pound or fraction
'hereof to cents for the first pound
and cent for each additional pound
or fraction thereof.
The maximum weight of parcel
post packages will be increased from
II pounds to 20 pounds, the increase
VI weight to apply only to the first
ana second zones No change had
Oeen made in the size or form of
package"
Benefit to Farmer
statistics collected by the depart
ment show that quite one-third of
Tue total parcels mailed are handled
"ithln the proposed first and second
~hes, and the postmaster general be-
neVes the increase in the weight
"ullt and the reduction of rates of
peStage in the first and second zones
as proposed will benefit more than
Oue-third of the public and that the
"ouucer, the consumer and the local
merchants will profit materially by
'ne change. He points ut,too, that
He farmers who were led to antici-
p''e much benefit from the parcel
p0S' service will be afforded a cheap
Ieans of transportating their pro-
D''s directly to the consumer, and
mat the local merchants whose trade
NOeS not justify the employment of
A'enslVe delivery service also will
benefited, as the system will put
'~ IN close touch with his Gus
toners.
me rate sheet which is to be used
substitute for the parcel post
sap VIII be prepared as soon as prac-
"'apie and attached to the parcel