wages varies from ^>300 to $kOO per day while on the same basis a 5000 ton 

 reefer ship can be operated for $700 to $1200 per day depending on the type 

 and area of operations. Assuming an average of $3^0 for a ^00 ton clipper 

 and $1000 for a ^000 ton reefer ship the operating cost exclusive of wages 

 is 3 . 5 5 1 per ton of capacity. The payroll per month, under United 

 StattiS maritime wage scales for a 15 man crew for ocean going service re- 

 quired on tuna clippers, would be $5900 without overtime or war zone bonus- 

 es. But about $12,000 per month will cover similar base pay requirements 

 for a 5000 ton reefer ship under the American flag. On a tonnage basis a 

 clipper will pay about five times the wages per ton capacity when compared 

 to a reefer ship. 



Ocean freight rates vary in accordance with Shipping Conference tariff 

 rates and ranges. Various lines operate in specific areas and a uniform 

 rate applies by agreement at a conference to a given item. Another deter- 

 ring factor under the schedule is the standard practice of quoting rates 

 for example, "From Panama or any Central American Port to any U.S. Pacific 

 Port, or any Atlantic or Gulf Coast Port," because any ship engaged in 

 such runs usually makes all the major ports ^vithin an area. A sample 

 quote from the Grace Line for tuna from Panama or any Central American 

 Port to San Diego or any West Coast Port is as follows: 



ConditionlS/ 



Non-contract 

 Contract 

 Non-contract 

 Contract 



In addition to very unfavorable operating costs and low freight 

 rates, as contrasted to cli.pper- caught and transported tuna at about $300 

 per ton, the paper work involved in carrying cargo requires the services 

 of experts. For each separate item of cargo, documentary charges involv- 

 ing manifests, export declarations, ocean bills of lading, and insurance 

 contracts are involved. Furthermore, when carrying cargo for hire the 



12/ Various classes of dry stores very from I/2 to 2/3 of these rates, 

 18/ Contract is an agreement to ship all fish for one year. 



235 



