The present complicated system of differential rates, which vary not only according to distance but also according to the nature, quality and value of goods, and involving different rates, amounting in number literally to millions, would be swept away, the only variations in rates being in respect of such obvious matters as weight, size, whether carried in bulk or in packages, in open trucks or closed, whether requiring special care or labour in packing or otherwise. The average rates proposed would, it is believed, admit of a uniform rate for any distance for minerals and other goods carried in bulk in open trucks, of no more than the lowest rate now in force, by charging higher rates for goods requiring closed trucks and more labour in handling, still higher rates for goods of abnormal size or weight, and higher rates still for single small parcels, on account of greater proportionate expense of handling. For the small single parcels the rate might be for slow service as much as 6d. for any weight up to 1cwt. (equal to 10s. per ton), and for fast service say 1s., or possibly more, for any weight up to 1cwt., the weight being graduated downwards for parcels of greater weight as are the rates now in force for letter and parcels post. The goods traffic would be in effect an extension of the present parcels post, the present rates for which would probably be capable of very substantial reduction. These figures are put forward by way of suggestion only, and the question of terminal charges and fees for loading and unloading may have to be taken into account. Numerous details must necessarily be gone into in fixing an average uniform rate, and it is very likely that considerable modifications may be found necessary. Any such modifications, however, must be based upon the three rules set out on page 30 in order that the scheme may effect its object. FOOTNOTES [1] For reasons of these modifications of the present practice in National and Municipal Trading see Chapter IV., pp. 33-41. CHAPTER II. ADVANTAGES OF THE SCHEME. If this scheme is practicable financially (and one object of this pamphlet is to prove that this is so), then it seems almost superfluous to point out the great advantages of its adoption.