While the new schedule is under consideration, H.B.C. traffic men will see the advantage of working to secure a spread of two classes between less-than-carload and full carload ratings on drygoods. It is reported also that every effort will be made to convince carriers that certain lines of drygoods should be listed separately or in greatly restricted groups, instead of being carried, as at present, under extensive groups. It is apparent that an important saving for H.B.C. stores would result from such re-classification in view of the 35 per cent. difference between first and third class and first and second class ratings.
Under the proposed new freight classification (No. 17), certain drygoods shipped in carlots will take a second class rate. The present classification (No. 16) on such drygoods gives no advantage in rate for carloads.
Why classification No. 17 (under consideration) proposes to allow a difference of only one class between L.C.L. and carloads of this commodity is not clear, inasmuch as for other lines of goods a difference of two classes is allowed when shipped by the carload. Drygoods certainly should be entitled to take third class rate in carloads.
Furthermore, both the present classification (No. 16) and proposed classification (No. 17) arbitrarily “lump” a great number of lines of merchandise in a special class without giving a special carload rate on them (see page 77, item 76, No. 16; page 97, item 60, No. 17).
One of the aims of the proposed new classification (No. 17) is to place a reasonable restriction on the indiscriminate mixing of merchandise which have a basic difference of origin. Accordingly, to get the greatest advantage from this classification for the drygoods business, those whose interests are affected will naturally insist upon a reasonable minimum weight for carloads–say 18,000 pounds. This would probably mean eliminating, of course, drygoods “not otherwise specified” and substituting certain lines of drygoods which would be entitled to mix and be eligible for third class rate in carloads.
A few headings are here suggested for such specified lines:
ALL KNITTED GOODS–Wool or cotton, such as underwear (men’s, women’s and children’s), hose and half hose (wool and cotton), sweaters, toques, heavy wool gloves. These should be allowed to mix and make up a carload.
CLOTH–and garments made from same.
VELVETEENS, VELOURS, cotton velvets and cotton comforters, should be allowed to mix with cotton piece goods.
Blankets and Boots could not mix with other lines.