Return Loads to Increase Transport Resources by Avoiding Waste of Empty Vehicle Running. | Page 2

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 Bureaus Listed in Telephone Directories.
In many cities the telephone companies have listed the return-load
bureaus under the title "Return loads" in the local directories. By
calling "Return loads" or the telephone number of the bureau, shippers
can learn where trucks may be obtained to carry loads to points which
the shipper wishes to reach quickly. In many cities there are motor
express lines operating on daily schedule over regular routes, but there
are also many companies, firms, and individuals that own trucks which
stand idle part of the time. The return-load bureaus list these trucks and
can place them at the service of the shippers on short notice.
There may be many transportation problems confronting shippers,
especially during the winter period, when it is difficult for the railroads
to operate at maximum efficiency due to weather conditions. There is,
however, no period in the year when the judicious use of the highways
can not be of service both to the country and its shippers. It is
suggested that a contact be made with the traffic manager of the local
return-load bureau and the possibilities of this type of transportation
studied. Preparedness is proportionately of as much benefit to the

individual as to the Nation, and if consideration is now given by the
shippers to the few problems that may be confronting them in
connection with highway transportation, they will be in a position to
profit by this form of transportation when the needs arise.
It is the purpose of the Highways Transport Committee to bring about
as quickly as possible an organization of return-load bureaus in all
States where it will be beneficial to establish reciprocal relations. In the
meantime shipments can be made over those routes which have been
designated for highway transportation. Motor trucks are a part of the
transportation equipment of every community, and to increase their
transport capacity they should operate continuously under full loads as
far as possible. This is also in the interests of conservation, in that they
do not "wear the road without the load," and effect a saving of the
equipment and incidental supplies. Shippers can be of considerable
assistance in making efficient this war-time measure by cooperating
with the return-load bureaus. Shippers are urged to give as much
advance notice as possible, so that the bureaus may notify those in
other cities in time to arrange for loads for motor trucks on return trips.
Since transportation problems have greatly multiplied, due to the
demands made upon the railways, waterways, etc., the one source left
open for quick expansion is the highway. Manufacturers, merchants,
and others interested in the shipment of materials and supplies of all
kinds should give this form of transportation careful consideration and
encourage the work of return-load bureaus. Shippers should realize the
vital importance of patronizing these bureaus, which are so unselfishly
rendering a great service, as the expenses of each bureau are cared for
by the local community or organization where the bureau is located.
In many cases highway transportation costs less than rail express rates,
while in some cases it is slightly in excess, but, regardless of rates,
highway transportation is a war-time measure. Shippers derive great
benefits from the quick movement of merchandise by rail over long
distances, due