SELLING LUMBER 317 



We will now take up for consideration the second point, or 

 the execution of the order by the mill. 



Experience also teaches us that claims usually develop dur- 

 ing the execution of an order at the mill, from the following 

 causes : 



Errors in grade. Claims 



Developing 



Errors m tallying. at the Mill 



Shortages. 



Mismanufacture of lumber. 



Poor planing mill work. 



Errors in invoices and price. 



Difference of understanding between the sales office and the 

 shipping department. 



Shipping lumber during unfavorable weather conditions. 



Shipping green lumber. 



Putting wrong routings in bills of lading. 



Mill being forced to use equipment not adapted to order, espe- 

 cially during car shortages. 



Not shipping proportion of the correct lengths. 



While these items coyer the cause of claims originating at 

 the mill, I believe it would be more appropriate to bring this 

 matter up for discussion at an operators' meeting rather than at 

 the present one, where we are dealing primarily and principally 

 with sales problems. 



We will now consider the third point, or the inspection and 

 tallying of the stock on receipt of the car, by the customer. The 

 customer and his assistants who receive the stock are only human ; 

 therefore are liable to mistakes. The principal causes of claims 

 and disputes originating with the customers may properly be classi- 

 fied under the following heads : 



The human element, or the natural difference of opinion be- 

 tween the employees of the customer and the employees of the 

 mill, particularly in tallying and grading, for grading is not an 

 exact science and a reasonable variation of opinion between the claims Origin- 

 inspectors should be recognized. ating After 



Rough handling and breakage of lumber when unloading same 

 from the car. 



Natural disposition of purchaser to compare the lumber of 

 one manufacturer with the lumber of another, instead of using 

 the Southern Pine Association grading rules. 



Actual mistakes in tallying and checking the lumber. 



