188 THE HIGH COST OF LIVING 



and equipment were mobilized for most effective 

 use, and for use where most needed to meet the 

 nation's emergencies. 



There would be great economy in the merging of 

 all these fast-freight and express lines under govern- 

 ment control; and a still greater economy in the 

 utilization of cars to their full capacity. A central 

 authority, thinking of all the needs of the nation, 

 could determine what commodity should be moved 

 and what not. It would send its ''flying squadron" 

 where most needed. Perishable commodities could 

 be saved. Food shortage could be prevented. Fuel 

 could be placed where it is needed and at rates that 

 industry could stand. Cars could be run full both 

 ways. Transportation could be speeded up. And 

 freight rates could be adjusted on a basis suited to 

 the service performed rather than to the arbitrary 

 classification which now prevails. 



The proposal would involve a relatively small ex- 

 penditure, for cars can be constructed at a cost of 

 less than $1,000. It would involve little organiza- 

 tion, for a single office force of any one of the fast- 

 freight lines could handle all of the lines involved. 

 Rates could be simplified. Instead of a million 

 commodity rates a score would suffice. The rates 

 paid to the railroads for haulage might be the same 

 as those now paid by the fast-freight lines. They 

 might be fixed on a car-mile or a ton-mile basis for 

 haulage, irrespective of the contents of the car. 



