The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-06-12
ROADS SEEK TRADE
ON CUT RATE BASIS
Rail Officers and Shippers
A gree on Reductions on
Certain Routes.
I. C.. C. THEN APPEALED TO
Many Tariffs Already Low
cred, Notably on Agricul-
tural Products.
Special Despatch to THE NEW YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. c., june IL.

Special Despatch to THE NEW YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau
Washington, ID. c., June ii.
Bargain counter bidding for business
through offerings OF freight rate reduc-
tons are being made by railroads at
conferences with shippers in all sections
of the country. Hundreds of these con-
ferences are beiSg held at which the
roads and shippers get together on pro-
posed reductions for carrying specific
commodities over given routes.
Reductions already have been effected
on scores of commodities between speci-
fled points. according to applications
filed with the /. c. c. When the rail
officials and shippers agree on a rate
reduction the proposed new rate is filed
at the commissions office here anihgoes
into effect within thirty days Unless 1rc-
test Is made In that case the Commission
holds a hearing to receive the rrotests
Prior agreement between shippers and
the roads usually eliminate POSE City OK
protest and the new rates become ef1ec-zE
i've Immediately.
Among the rate reductions already
made are many on agricultural products.
including alfalfa and products of sugar
beets. Alfalfa rates in the West were
reduced ia cents a hundred weight ana
the beet products IS cents. Grain ana
lumber from Pacific coast points to the
Mississippi River also have been SUBJ
jected to reductions, and shippers In many
Western States are arranging ccrffr-
ences with roads at which a genera rs-
duction will be discussed In az rrars-
continental rates.
Reductions I'm rates on bui.Jtrr faa-
terals. including sand and grave are
being discussed at conferences here De-
tween officials Of Eastern roads and
shippers Many roads also have cut
prices on coal shipments.
With the desire OF President T}ar-
ding known TO all rail Officials that ail
rates should be reduced, the nuinfef ci
these conferences is being increased
daily. The I. c. G. is keeping 81 cipar
touch with them TO see thar the reepce
tons are being made carefully anL with
a view to increasing business OF the
roads.
1t is unlikely that the roads or ship
pers will attempt to put into effect any
general horizontal rate reduction II
they did the commission probably would
not approve Il. The commission con-
siders this unscientific. Several recent
horizontal changes in rail rates nave
DESTROYED those differentials worked OUT
by the commission over period OF sew
eral wears prior to the opening OF the
world war.
Rail rates now are approximately 40
per cent. above the prewar levels. Rail
officials generally are anxious 10 de-
crease charges on some commodities
which are so high as TO discourage ship
ments. But large shipments are being
offered to the roads in other commodi-
ties despite the high rates. In such
cases the roads want to keep the rates
where they are.
But with $500. 100000 worth OF econo-
mics guaranteed through wage scale
cuts ordered by the Chicago Labor
Board and s1oo.o0o.OoO more saved
through purchases of coal at reduced
rates. the roads now are in position to
bid for more trade by cutting prices
Just like any other business. officials
explain.