The Twin Falls times. [volume] (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1905-1916, 1913-07-25
REDUCED PARCEL POST RATES
Will Go Into Effect August 15-In.
crease from II TO 20 Pounds.


Washington, July 21.-Plans for the
extension, Improvement and reduction
in rates of the parcel post have been
announced by Postmaster General
Burleson. The changes, which are to
become effective Aug. 10, include an
increase from il pounds to 20 pounds
in the maximum weight of parcels; a
partial reduction in the postage rates
in the first and second zones, and the
abandonment of the parcel post map
as means of computing rates and the
substitution for ii of a rate chart in
divldualized to every postoffice in the
United States. The plans contemplate
the purchase of large number of au-
tomobiles to be used exclusively for
the delivery of parcel post matter.
While, for the present, the maximum
weight limit of 20 pounds and the re-
duction in rates will apply only to the
first and second zones, from any given
postoffice-a distance of about $50
miles-the changes directed constitute
the first long step towards a univer-
sal 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 han
die practically all of the small pack
age transportation business in the
United States. The maximum weight
limit, extended now from II to 20
pounds, | expect to see increased to
100 pounds and experience may dem
onstrate the practicability of handling
the postal business at even lower
rates than we now propose. I appre-
ciate fully the sentiment for an in
crease in the 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 ter
ritory within the local delivery of any
office and the first zone rate of post
age will apply to all parcel post de-
livery or for delivery by city carrier
or on rail routes emanating from that
postoffoce.
"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 postoffice.
'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
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 second
zone will be reduced from five cents
for the first pound and three cents for
each additional pound or six cents for
the first pound and four cents for each
additional pound or fraction thereof,
to five cents for the first pound and
one 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
of weight to apply only to the first and
second zones. No change has been
made in the size or form of the pack
ge.'-Capital News.