off the railroads and
placing it on motor trucks operating over the highways, millions of
tons of merchandise and materials are transported satisfactorily and
the railroads are given much needed relief. The motive power and cars
thus freed from short-haul work can be employed in very important
long-distance service. The Railroad Administration has indorsed motor
transportation for this work and reported that this form of relief
will make it possible for the railroads to operate more effectively
under the present traffic congestion; hence shippers using the
highways are assisting in the solution of transportation problems and
rendering a patriotic service. It is also to be noted that if shippers
use the highways for short hauls and thus relieve the railroads of a
burden, they assist in improving general conditions so that they will
indirectly benefit by having more prompt service on long-distance
shipments.

Dependability of Highways Transportation Proven.

The practicability and dependability of highway haulage between
neighboring cities has been demonstrated fully. Hundreds of local and
intercity motor express lines are in successful operation in widely
scattered sections of the country. The return-load bureau system has
been installed in England, where it is now considered unpatriotic to
run a truck without a load. Manchester, England, for example, and all
the surrounding cities were among the first to start return-load
bureaus and have reciprocal arrangements whereby they exchange
information regarding available trucks and loads.

Much of the short-haul freight is carried on the highways by motor
trucks. It is picked up at the door of the shipper and delivered at
the door of the consignee, entailing only two handlings. It is
delivered the same day it is shipped, which for certain commodities is
the rapidity of transport desired. Frequently after motor trucks
deliver a load, they return empty, whereas there are shippers who
would avail themselves of the opportunity to send a load on such a
truck to its home town. On the other hand, the truck owner would like
to obtain a return load because the charge for it would reduce his own
haulage cost. To bring the shipper and truck owner together serves the
interests of both, hence the return-load bureaus are of mutual
benefit. These bureaus are nonmoney-making patriotic organizations
deserving of the support of shippers whom they serve unselfishly.

Return-Load Bureau