Sentence:  The condition, par excellence, in favor of motor truck operation is one involving long <WSD>hauls</WSD>. In fact, it may be almost said that any one having to make long <WSD>hauls</WSD> in his business should motorize at once without further debate, as the case for trucks is practically settled by the mere statement of this condition. ... Transportation involving short <WSD>hauls</WSD> is the obverse of the ideal, and as a general thing represents a condition unfavorable for the operation of motor trucks. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  The distance over which something is hauled or transported, especially if long.