Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-05-06
IMPORTANT DECISION
the Interstate Commerce Comm,s,o,
H"ies Against Freight Rate TA
Conserve Pulp Wood

Boston, Mass. May 5.-Paper manufan.
turers VINO have been Interested in an
application before the Interstate Com
MERGE Commission for a favorable rata
on metal shipping cases which would re-
suit In the conservation of wood for pulp
purposes have learned that the commits
sion mas refused the freight rate asked
Tor thus making the use Of metal con.
tanners fmpracticable. The decision fol-
lowed by only few days the introduce
ZION IN Congress of the Underwood re.
solution calling attention to the fact that
more than double the amount Of wood
used IN paper manufacture is wasted an
nuaily in wooden boxes and paper con-
tanners.
Paper men have been hoping that the
nearing on containers would be reopened
to give them opportunity to show how
greatly favorable decision would at
rect the paper industry. and Arthur c.
Hastings. formerly president OF the
American Paper and Pulp association, re-
Gently made a trip to Washington to urge
this action upon the commission. Mr.
Hastings will testify before the Senate
committee investigating the print paper
shortage.
The petition before the commission ask
ed that on shipments contained in metal
cases freight charges be based on the
net weight of contents. and that when
the container is knocked down flat for
return to the shipper 1t might be shipped
at the sheet steel rate 1t was estimated
that this would result in a gain rather
than a loss to the railroads.
The metal container on which the rate
was asked had been approved by the
American Railway association as pre-
venting loss. damage. and possessing the
advantage that it can be used again and
again, the latter a feature not offered by
wooden containers.
Dozens of letters from manufacturers
and railroad and freight men were pro-
duced endorsing the container. and it was
shown that it had been used to advan-
tage by one Of the largest sugar refiner-
les in the. country. the only drawback
being the prohbitive freight rates. Tho
granting Of favorable rate was. how
ever opposed by the wooden and fibre
box manufacturers.
In its decision the Interstate Commerce
Commission said;
I'VE have had occasion to comment in
other proceedings upon the waste
brought about by loss and damage in
transit, and the seriousness Of this prob
lem is increasing rather than diminish
ing Anything that can be done TO re-
duce such loss and damage Is manifes,iy
alike. Concessions in freight charges
based upon the manner In which goods
are packed or the containers which arr
used are not unlawful, provided they arc
reasonably related to the advantages
accruing to the carriers from 'Ne i'm
proved packing or loading.
I'm the present instance, however the
evidence offered to show the character
and extent Of the advantages which tho
carriers would derive from the uv~ r
complainants container is largely ~,
lative. This Is necessarily so, since :n-rr
has been little actual experience upon
which 10 predicate morn definite infovtna-
ton, but II results in a record which Of
fer3 no adequate foundation for the ac-
ton opon our part which mplainAnt
seeks. Defendants tthe CARRIER 10 not
concede shat the Scnef!.s claimed wou,c
be realised IN practice. II appears. also.
that such reduction OF loss and Dana x.
as nigh; result from tho Use OF the con-
tainer would differ widely in tho case
Of various commodities. Under tho cir.
We are no. justified in rN-
durirr tho carriers TO grant the conccs-
sions which are sought, or In unde-tnk.
ing to prescribe modified concessions"
II has been estimated that tho use %
metal containers would saw. 100000 Il,
and theft OF goods In transit,
$240. 00O. 000 In wasted lumber now used in
one trip containers. and from ten to -
percent OF the cost of food stuffs which
now goes to pay FOR crates which are
thrown away.