CHAPTER IX

FREIGHT CLASSIFICATION

Importance and nature of classification described, 300.--Classifications and tariffs distinguished, as a means of changing rates, 301.--The three classification committees, 304.--Wide differences between them illustrated, 305.--Historical development, 306.--Increase in items enumerated, 309.--Growing distinction between carload and less-than-carload rates, 310.--Great volume of elaborate rules and descriptions, 312.--Theoretical basis of classification, 314.--Cost of service v. value of service, 315.--Practically, classification based upon rule of thumb, 319.--The "spread" in classification between commodities, 319.--Similarly as between places, 320.--Commodity rates described, 322.--Natural in undeveloped conditions, 323.--Various sorts of commodity rates, 324.--The problem of carload ratings, 325.--Carloads theoretically considered, 326.--Effect upon commercial competition, 327.--New England milk rates, 329.--Mixed carloads, 331.--Minimum carload rates, 322.--Importance of car capacity, 334.--Market capacity and minimum carloads, 336.

Uniform classification for the United States, 337.--Revival of interest since 1906, 339.--Overlapping and conflicting jurisdictions, 340.--Confusion and discrimination, 341.--Anomalies and conflicts illustrated, 342.--Two main obstacles to uniform classification, 345.--Reflection of local trade conditions, 345.--Compromise not satisfactory, 346.--Classifications and distance tariffs interlock, 347.--General conclusions, 351.