The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-05-27

Reductions in rates to bring about
necessary readjustments are going on
daily thruout the country by dealings
directly between shippers and railroad
traffic men, said Chambers. Records
of the interstate commerce commits
sion show that approximately 1O,OOO
freight tariffs are filed each month,
many covering a number OF rate
changes. Contained in these tarl11s
are many voluntary changes made by
the carriers Kate reports from these
railroad bureaus show the results OF
cooperation between carriers and
shippers in restoring relationships and
removing determinations in inequali-
ties and providing rates tor new IN
dustries."
Considered 1900 Subjects.
The western trunk line committee at
Chicago, Chambers said, since June,
1920 has considered loo SUBJECTS
nearly all of which grew out of the
rate increase ordered by the interstate
commerce commission. OF that num-
, Der it has acted upon 1000, of which
more than 80 per cent were reductions
on raw materials, such as crushed
rock, gravel and other building ma
terials, and grain, coal and lumper:
Two hundred applications are still
pending.
From September /, when increased
rates became effective, until May l.
1921, the southwestern freight bureau
u = L.
subjects, of which 112 were at pubic
conferences. At present there are 491
subjects pending involving rate reduc-
tions, while forty-eight propose ad-
vances. OF the changes 1868 were pro
posed by shippers and 116 by the car
riers and involve principally reduc-
tions upon stone. lumber, sand ana
gravel, brick, cement, fresh fruits ana
vegetables, as well as various otner
commodities. The greatest number OF
oh
freight tariff tRreau at San Francisco
and number 16 900, of which 11,0OO
were reductions. Most of these are
reductions caused by extending all
rates in certain tariffs to apply from
new points of origin. The majority
of increases are in state rates awaiting
approval of state commissions
"Since the increased rates went into
effect" Chambers said, the transcon-
tinential freight bureau in Chlcago
has made approximately 236 changes
in rates growing out of $50 confer
ences with shippers.
Many Changes Made.
where there is change of rate in
volving more than one tariff, We have
called it one change; likewise changes
in lumber rates have been considered
one change" the witness explained
"If we should count each rate change
it would run up to many thousands.
THE trunk line association IN New
York" he continued has received
since September l, 2,472 proposals fol
changes in existing freight rates ir
which 2.266 recommendations have
been made, each representing approx
al Of from one to several hundred
changes in specific rates" Chambers
also told the committee that since
August 25 last the central freight as
sociatiOn. with headquarters in Chi
cago, has held approximately sixty
conferences with shippers, as a result
of which there have been approM
mately $500 changes in commodity
rates from origin points and 7,5O(
destination point changes.
While impossible to estimate th'
number of rate changes involved. tht
witness said that the New England
freight association, located in Boston
had considered 619 proposals foI
freight rate changes. in which sol
recommendations had been made
Fifteen public hearings have beer
held, he said, in addition to innumer
able informal conferences between in
dividual shippers and the railroads.
\ Freight Charges in South.
The Southern Freight association IL
Atlanta has made 1881 recommends
tions, Chambers said. authorizin.
changes in rates. Conferences be
tween members of the association anc
the shippers are held one day eacl
week.
The railroads should be allowed I,
work out traffic problems by dealin,
directly with shippers or their organ