RATE STRUCTURE (Con.) RAILWAY EXPRESS SERVICE miles wide, and it would be obviously unfair to quote the same rate between extreme points in each block, a distance of approximately 100 miles, as is authorized between two points located just over the block line, and a short distance apart. Therefore each block is sub-divided into sixteen sub-blocks, lettered from A to Q, inc., omitting the letter "J," and rates between points in the eight blocks surrounding the block of origin are established between these sub-blocks. (See exhibit on page 384.) The Carriers and the Express Companies made application to the Interstate Commerce Commission for increased rates. A decision of the Commission on May 17, 1924 (I. C. C. No. 13930, 89 I. C. C., 297), made a very radical departure from the scheme of class rates and zone boundaries that have been in effect for over ten years (I. C. C. No. 4198, 28 I. C. C., 131). Under the decision, on or before January 1, 1925 (Commission's Order dated November 22, 1924, postponed effective date to March 1, 1925), the United States will be divided into three amended zones instead of five zones, as at present. The present system of grouping express stations within and by means of geographical main blocks formed by the parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude, and within by means of sub-blocks, shall be retained and maintained, but exceptions may be made by dividing main blocks in particular instances, as the course of rail lines may make necessary to the application of just and equitable rates to different portions of any block. This change in zoning will result in a material change in the present rates, as the following will indicate. Amended Zone 1 covers territory north of Ohio River, including portions of West Virginia and Virginia formerly in Zones 1 and 2. Amended Zone 2 covers east of Mississippi River, south of Ohio River and portions of West Virginia and Virginia, formerly in Zone 2. Amended Zone 3 covers major part of all territory west of Mississippi River, formerly Zones 3, 4 and 5. The change in rate factors, i. e., express terminal and rail terminal allowances, plus basic haulage charge, account for the new rates. Revised scales of class rates per 100 pounds and graduated package charges will be issued. The Carriers and the Express Companies petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission, under date of August 28, 1924, to reconsider its decision dated May 17, 1924, and set aside its order of that date, so far as such order requires reductions in the express class rates in Zones 2, 3, 4 and 5. HOW TO RATES BASED EXPRESS METHOD OF CHARGES RAILWAY EXPRESS SERVICE To ascertain an express class rate it is necessary first to refer to the Joint Directory of Express Stations to locate the block numbers of the point of origin and the point of destination, then to consult the Block Tariff for the block in which the point of origin is located. This Block Tariff will show the rate scale applicable between the two blocks in question. It is then necessary to refer to the Local and Joint Schedules of 1st and 2nd Class Package Rates, which shows the rate per hundred pounds for the aforesaid Rate Scale. Commodity tariffs covering food stuffs, principally fruits, vegetables, fish, milk, cream, etc., are also published by the express companies. The value of every shipment must be declared by the shipper and inserted in the express receipt. The rules of the express companies provide that a receipt in the form specified in the Classification must be given for all shipments. Shipper's declaration of the value of the shipment may be made by inserting "Not exceeding $50.00" or "Not exceeding 50 cents per pound," as the case may be, in that portion of the receipt reading "Value herein declared by shipper to be............. When the value exceeds $50.00 on a shipment weighing 100 pounds or less, or exceeds 50 cents per pound on a shipment weighing over 100 pounds, the value must also be marked by the shipper on the package. In the case of shipments consisting of two or more packages, the value declared must be marked on the shipment in the following manner: "Value $200.00 on 2," or "Value $200.00 on 3," as the case may be. The specific rates named in express tariffs are based upon valuations not exceeding $50.00 for any shipment of 100 pounds or less, or not exceeding 50 cents per pound, actual weight, in excess of 100 pounds, except as to other than ordinary live stock, birds, pigeons, poultry, paintings, pastels, pictures, statuary and wax figures. When the value, actual or released, exceeds that above stated, an extra charge of 10 cents per hundred dollars or fraction thereof in excess of the value stated above will be made. Shipments bearing stated value of $5.00 a pound or over are handled by express companies in special departments which require hand-to-hand receipt from each employee. The present express receipt is the result of action taken by the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1917 to originate a form, the provisions of which inure to the benefit of and are binding upon shipper, consignee and carrier. (For form of Express Receipt, see page 534.) To determine express charges on a shipment, the actual weight must be known; for example: Box-weight 60 pounds, from Newark, N. J., to Cincinnati, Ohio. Then refer to Block Tariff (see page 385) covering Block 951 and Then refer to Local and Joint Schedule of First and Second Class RAILWAY EXPRESS SERVICE Sub-block would enter into computation of charges on shipment from Newark, N. J., to Trenton, N. J. (See page 385.) Box-weight 60 pounds. Newark will be found in 951-H; Trenton in 951-N. By referring to Block Tariff we find Scale 8 applies, and reference to the schedule of first and second class rates shows rate for 60 pounds as 88 cents first class, 66 cents second class. Rule governing computation of charges on a shipment of over 100 pounds is METHOD OF as follows: COMPUTING EXPRESS CHARGES (Con.) CANADIAN The first class charges on shipments over 100 pounds are computed at the first-class rate by multiplying rate by the number of pounds in the shipments. Example: 207 lbs. @ $1.25-$2.59 Second class charges on shipments of over 100 pounds are first computed at first class rate, 75% of the result representing the charge; i. e.: 207 lbs. @ $1.25-$2.59 75% of $2.59-$1.95 In computing charges, whenever fractions occur, either in the aggregate weight or charges, fractions of less than one-half will be dropped. Where the fraction is one-half or more, the next higher whole number must be used. Shipments for Canada (from United States) should be accompanied by Shippers' Export Declaration (Form 29, page 512) in duplicate. This is a document required. by the U. S. Government for statistical purposes, in which is catalogued the contents of the article shipped, its value, and particulars as to shipper and consignee. It is important that this form be completed in detail, to avoid delay at border. Customs authorities insist that description of articles must be accurate and complete. Values should be the actual cost or selling price, if goods are sold. If shipped on consignment without a sale having been made, market value at time of exportation from port in United States should be stated. Shippers should provide themselves with copy of Export Classification Schedule prepared by the U. S. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, Washington, D. C., who will supply them upon request. A certified shipper's invoice in duplicate should be forwarded direct by mail to consignee. Signature, if typed, must also be written in ink or indelible pencil. The possession of this invoice enables consignee to expedite the handling of shipment through Custom House at destination. The express company furnishes special envelope in which to enclose export declaration, invoices, etc., so that they cannot become mislaid. It is very important that Shipper's Export Declarations be attached to shipment at time of forwarding. Shipments of meat must carry the U. S. Meat Inspector's certificate in order to enter Canada. Name and address of consignee and shipper and value must be plainly marked on each shipment. There is no transportation war tax charged on shipments entering Canada. There is, however, a small fee charged for customs service and manifesting, which at the present time is about 22 cents for each shipment. Shippers of goods from the United States to Canada must also show on the goods exported the country of origin as required by the Canada Customs Tariff Act 1921, effective December 31, 1921. EXPRESS NECESSARY RAILWAY EXPRESS SERVICE Most express claims grow out of causes which are avoidable. It pays to analyze claims to find out just where the trouble lies. It may be poor packing or insecure or careless marking. It may be found that all claims are on one certain class of shipments. When the cause is determined, the remedy can as a rule be easily applied. It is estimated that no shipper should have more than one just claim to each one thousand shipments by express. The policy of the express companies is to pay all just claims promptly. Frequently settlement is delayed by claimant's failure to supply information and documents necessary to prompt investigation. It is the purpose to indicate what is required of the claimant to permit prompt action on tracers and claims. Tracing express shipments does not ordinarily expedite delivery and tracers should not be instituted unless and until notice has been received from consignee that goods have not arrived, such notice being of a date long enough after date os shipment to allow ample time for the shipment to be transported and delivered. Tracing should be done through local express offices. Requests to trace for returns on C. O. D. shipments should not be made until forty (40) or seventy (70) days have elapsed since date shipment was forwarded (except in the case of perishable shipments), this length of time depending on whether agent at destination was instructed to hold shipment thirty (30) days or sixty (60) days before returning it to shipper in case consignee refuses it. If, however, shipper has received information that C. O. D. shipment has been THE HANDLING delivered and returns have not been received, the express company should be given the benefit of that information and requested to make returns immediately. OF TRACERS PRESENTATION Requests to trace for returns on perishable shipments sent C. O. D. are usually acted upon immediately, at shipper's request, and proper trace instituted. Requests to trace money and valuable shipments will receive immediate attention if the shipper has reason to believe the shipment has not reached destination and reasonable time has elapsed for delivery. The express company provides a "Blank for Presentation of Loss and Damage. Claims" (see Form 51, page 535) which when properly prepared by claimants, gives the information necessary for proper investigation of claims. This form should be used or followed when presenting claims. Claims may be presented to the local express agent or direct to the Claim Agent— but in all cases claims must be entered at the place at which claimant desires payment made. On receipt of claim at the express company's Claim Bureau, a number will be assigned and prompt acknowledgment sent claimant showing express company number assigned-also claimant's number, if any. Claims must be filed with the express company within six months of date of delivery of shipment, or if not delivered, then within six months and fifteen days from date shipment was forwarded. Exception: Claims for Apparent Damage or Delay. Prior to January 10, 1921, the Uniform Express Receipt stated that in case of TIME LIMIT IN non-delivery, claim should be entered within four months after a reasonable time for delivery.. The new receipt fixes this "reasonable time" as fifteen days. Effective September 10, 1921, the time for filing claims was extended to six months. WHICH LOSS AND DAMAGE CLAIMS MAY BE FILED Suits against the express company for loss or damage may be instituted any time within two years from date claim (or any part thereof) is declined in writing by the express company. SUPPORTING FOR CLAIMS RAILWAY EXPRESS SERVICE In presenting claims against the express company the following data and documents are required: Nature and extent of loss or damage. Invoice price of articles. Amount of claim and how determined. Exact copy of express receipt to establish: Date of receipt. Shipper's name and address. Value or amount of C. O. D. Consignee and destination. Charges (prepaid or collect).. Name of express employe signing receipt. Itemized Descriptive Invoice. This in order to identify the shipment in the event it has lost its mark. Many trade invoices submitted are of no value whatsoever for searching purposes, as they do not describe the missing article or contents. When castings or machinery parts are lost, always show the weight, dimensions and marks or numbers appearing on the castings or parts. Consignee's original complaint or a copy of it. (This will expedite the adjustment.) Any additional information in claimant's possession. There may be facts or circumstances known to claimant which he may consider nonessential, but which might aid very materially in the investigation. Give all of the facts or circumstances in the first letter and save time for all concerned. WHEN SHIP- CORRESPOND The attention of the express company's representative should be called to shipments delivered in bad order, so that an opportunity may be given to verify the extent of damage. Any loss or damage found to exist after delivery should be reported to the express company's agent immediately upon discovery by consignee. When such loss or damage is not discovered until after shipment has been opened, the package should be kept intact, particular care being taken to preserve all portions of the wrapping, bearing names, addresses, marks, numbers, labels, etc., until the express company's representative can make an inspection. In case of shortage in contents, weigh the shipment. Pending the settlement of any dispute or disagreement between the consignee and a deliveryman or other representative of the express company, as to questions of loss or damage in connection with property transported, the consignee should avoid further loss or damage by promptly accepting, the property from the express company. Such action on his part in no way affects any valid claim which may exist against the express company. When occasion arises to correspond with the express company regarding claim ENCE REGARD-pending, Claim Agent or other official handling the claim should be addressed and his file reference quoted, otherwise there may be delay in matching up the correspondence. ING CLAIMS |