Figure 23.—Lug boxes as loaded in car.
Lug boxes were formerly loaded lengthwise of the car but are now generally loaded crosswise,—that is, the side of the box is crosswise throwing the heavy endwise thrust against the substantial end of the box. Thin strips are nailed between layers, butting against the sides of the car to prevent shifting of the load and closing of ventilation channels. Refrigerated cars are generally used [but icing is not usual].
Figure 24.—The square braid basket is widely used as a local market package for tomatoes. The faced pack looks better and is easily put up. Covers permit stacking six or eight high.
A few shipping sections, notably New Jersey, still use the 12-quart climax basket for tomatoes.
Local markets use various containers for tomatoes,—the Boston bushel box; a half bushel of the same depth also used in New England; lug boxes; the Jersey tomato crate; and very commonly, 8 and 12-quart square braid veneer market baskets. Peach baskets and bushel baskets are now used but little, being too deep for good carrying. The diamond market basket of earlier years has about disappeared—being too flexible and not suited for stacking. The square braid with suitable cover may be stacked very satisfactorily in trucks but is hardly substantial [enough for rail shipment].
Figure 25.—The Connecticut half bushel box. Figure 19 shows how this is packed.