Arizona republican., 1917-09-23

T merce said, in part, It is necessary that every possible use be made both for local and through freight, of all inter- for waterways, canals, rivers and lakes and this must be done not only as generally, but as quickly as possible if we are to escape serious congestion. There is more than sufficient business for both railway and waterway for many months to come. Wherever, therefore, throughout the country a barge, or boat, a scow, lighter or motor vessel can be made to take the place of a railway car, it ought to be done If this plan is actually accom- plished motor trucks may be made to play an important part at shipping and receiving points, covering, as they might. effectively, a range of tributary territory with a radius of forty to sev- enty miles, provided they travelled over fairly good roads and had aver age weather conditions.
 "7. Probable Construction of Mill tary Roads The increasing depend ence of the belligerents in the war upon the use of motor trucks has con vinced Americans of the need for ade- quate strategic military highways in this country Several of the eastern states have already started to make surveys of their needs in that respect, in conjunction with the engineers de- pertinent of the army. It is probable that military highways, suitable for use of heavy duty trucks will be con- structed through the employment of convict labor. These roads, and others now in process of construction. will act as a strong incentive for the ex- tended of
 ''In addition to these specific req sons for the probable increased deman1 for trucks, the splendid performance. of the trucks now in service, and the educational work done by the truck | companies has resulted in a growing recognition of the need for more ef- ficient methods of transportation. which will be increasingly apparent in the future.
 If, then, as these reasons indicate. the demand for trucks is increased by both government and commercial re- ouirements, how will the truck manu- lecturers meet the situation? In the first place it is apparent that the in- creased demand will stimulate the to- tai output of trucks throughout the country. Established manufacturers will build more trucks and fewer pleasure cars New manufacturers W.li continue to enter the field, for the market will absorb more than all the trucks that can be built for long time to come. New types. of trucks will ap- pear, If we may judge from what has happened. In England alone. seven- teen makes of trucks driven by steam are now sold. while those using kero- sene are also rapidly increasing. Used l pleasure cars will be converted into trucks, through the use of driving units especially built for that purpore Final 1 ly, the electric truck will be built in larger quantities than ever before, due to its ease and economy of operation , the increasing scarcity and high cost of gasoline, and the fact that there is al most no likelihood of electrics being commandeered by the government, since it's range of effective operation is comparatively limited for military purposes
 This increased total output of trucks will probably have several important results. In the first place, there will be an increasing shortage of parts. such as motors, axles, transmissions. etc Hence more truck manufacturers VIII make their own parts. Next there Will be an increasing shortage of Ia = Dor due to the demands in all indus, tries as well as the withdrawal of men who must go to the front The selec- tive draft will probably protect the manufacturers of trucks and parts. to large extent, since motor trucks are regarded as military necessities. New ertheless, the shortage of labor will be very severe. Another result will be higher prices for finished trucks. due to the higher costs of materials, labor ana distribution, as we'll as increased war taxes. Finally, the most annoying result Will be seriously delayed de- nveries, due to the various war con- dltlons already mentioned, It is. therefore. my suggestion that those who nave been considering the purchase of trucks for their delivery equipment should immediately place their orders. II they have not already done so. for they will find it increasingly difficult
 to obtain deliveries in the future.
 'The increased demand for trucks and the attempt on the part of the 1 truck makers to meet it will prob i ably bring about improved methods of i manufacture, in order to make possi-
 Die greater output, and to offset ris-
 ing costs of all kinds. Along with these
 
 improvements there will probably be l certain, changes in present selling
 methods. As the increased demand | Will result in less difficulty in selling
 the output of the various factories
 fewer salesmen will be required. Ad- ! vertlsing will probably continue, but
 not on such an extensive and costl,
 scale. Furthermore, older salesmer
 will be needed as the war may con-
 tlnue long enough to require the use o1
 most of our younger men in the army
 Let us next consider how war condi.
 tions will affect those now operating
 trucks. To begin with, the trucks uset
 Tn the army will require drivers whC
 have had at least some experience, ant
 1t is thought that the selective draf
 will make it possible to recruit driver.
 from those now in that business Thi
 may cause temporary shortage fo commercial purposes, which will be in
 tensified by the increased sale o
 trucks. all of which will, of course
 require drivers. Already such publ
 spirited organizations as the Moto