The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-07-31
PARCEL POST SERVICE
TO Be CHANGED
Weight Limit Has Been Increased.
VIII Go Into Eject August is

by Postmaster General Burleson. The
changes which are to become effec
tive on August Is, include an increase
from IL pounds to 20 pounds in the
maximum weight of parcels; a mater.
ial reduction in the postage rates ir
the first and second zones, and the
abandonment of the parcel post mar
as a means of computing rates ant
the substitution of rate chart indi-
vidualized to every postoffice 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 maxi
mum weight limit of 20 pounds and
the reduction in rates will apply only
to the first and second zones, from
any given postonlce--a distance of
about $50 miles-the changes directed
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,
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 IA to
20 pounds, | expect to see increased
to 100 pounds, and experience may
demonstrate the practicability of
handling the parcel business at even
lower rates than we now propose.
In the making of extensions and
reductions of rates it is necessary for
us to proceed with caution, so as to
afford ample opportunity to prepare
for the increased business. For that
reason we have made the changes
proposed apply only to the first and
second zones. ! appreciate fully the
sentiment for an increase in the
weight limit and a reduction in rates
to all zones, but it is necessary for
us, in a sense to feel our way"
Mr.. 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 mail
deposited at any office for local de-
livery 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 radius of approximately 1870
miles from any given postoifice.
The rate of postage on parcels
weighing in excess of four ounces in
the proposed first zone will be reduc-
ed from five cents for the first pound
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 second
zone will be reduced from five cents
for the first pound and three cents
for each additional pound or six cents
fn hn fret Mound nnnfC fn1,
each additional pound or fraction
thereof to five cents for the first
pound and one cent for each addition
al pound or fraction thereof.
THE maximum weight of parcel
post packages will be increased from
eleven pounds to 90 pounds, the in
crease 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-thrd of the
total number of parcels mailed are
handled within the proposed first and
SeCOuu zones, anu inc iOSliildotci
General believes the increase in the
weight limit and the reduction of the
rates Of postage in the first and sec
ond zones, as proposed, will benefit
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 transport
ing their products directly to the con
and that the local merchant
whose trade does not justify the en-
ployment of extensive delivery ser
vice also will be benefited. as the sys
tenn will put him in close touch with
his customers
At the outset it was estimated that
300. 100000 parcels would be handled
Freckles