With a minimum of—
| Up to 100 kilometres | fl. 2·0 (3s. 4d.) |
| ” 200 ” | ” 3·0 (5s. 0d.) |
| Above 200 ” | ” 4·0 (6s. 8d.) |
BELGIUM.
The basis on which the rates are fixed in Belgium is:—
(a) A fixed charge of one franc per ton, irrespective of distance, which is practically equivalent to a structural terminal charge for the use of stations and for clerkage.
(b) A mileage scale, graduated according to distance.
On all lines worked by the State, whether constructed by it, purchased by, or the subject of a concession, the local tariff of the State Railways is applied generally. Before 1884, the Grand Central Belge had a distinct classification and a tariff of rates on the whole higher than that of the State Railways, but the rates charged on the independent lines are now based on those adopted by the State Railways, and sanctioned by the Minister.
The rates for traffic with France are framed by assimilating the Belgian to the French scale, based on the shortest route; for certain important kinds of traffic there are exceptional tariffs, by which each Company make a reduction from their ordinary rates.
In addition to the weight and distance, the value, and bulk of the goods are taken into consideration in the classification, if it can be said that any classification exists.