In referring to the great European steamship lines which touch Venezuelan ports I mentioned the fact that a combination to control freight rates existed. This is simply an agreement by which these companies agree on maximum and minimum rates to be charged on certain classes of goods. Undoubtedly such pooling has its disadvantages, since it tends to keep competition out of the field.
We come now to a consideration of the one American line operating between New York and La Guaira, i.e., the "Red D Line" of steamships. I have purposely saved this for the last since, in considering this subject from an American viewpoint, it is naturally the most important. This line carries the mail, passenger and freight from American ports to those of Venezuela, and is responsible to a great extent for the proper delivery of merchandise sold to Venezuelan companies by American firms.
The Red D Line has its home office in New York City, with branch offices in Caracas, San Juan, P. R.; Curaçao, W. I.; Puerto Cabello and Maracaibo. It is under contract with the United States Government for the transportation of mail, and supplies a weekly service between New York, Porto Rico, Curaçao and Venezuela.
In regard to rates and charges, among the most important of this company's regulations are the following:
(1) Rates are assessed per cubic foot, or 100 pounds ship's option, except as otherwise provided.
(2) Packages containing different articles will be charged the tariff rate for the highest class article contained therein.
(3) Packages of more than $100.00 in value must be noted on ships receipts when such goods are offered at the pier. Charges on packages of this kind will be in addition to tariff ¾ of 1% on all values over $100.00 per package. This company will not be liable in the event of loss or damage from any cause whatever as detailed in bills of lading, for more than $100.00 per package unless such value is shown on shipping receipts and extra freight paid thereon.
(4) Minimum charge to San Juan, P. R., $3.00; to Curaçao, Maracaibo, Coro and Puerto Cabello, $5.00; to La Guaira, Ven., $5.00 plus wharf dues.