COST OF DISTRIBUTING MILK. 53 



Suggestions for improving Conditions. 



1. Keeping adequate accounts to show cost of operation and calling 

 attention to wasteful methods and inefficiencies. A little study will show 

 many leaks which can often very easily be stopped. 



2. Standardizing distribution. The data indicate the need of deter- 

 mining what is adequate and eflScient equipment for a 500, 800 or 1,200 

 quart deUvery. Is a two-horse load with one driver and a helper or the 

 one-man, one-horse unit the more economical? None of these things 

 has been worked out. 



To answer these questions completely means standardizing the milk- 

 distributing business; the answer will indicate means of eliminating waste, 

 lessening costs and increasing service. Many such studies as this must be 

 made but even this first one indicates some points of attack. Not only 

 should the individual distributor study his business, but organizations of 

 distributors should be formed in each town and city for mutual improve- 

 ment and the discussion of points of economy, and for agreement on some 

 div-ision of territory to lessen duplication of routes and to protect their 

 mutual interests. 



3. The introduction of the ticket system to lessen collection costs and 

 save time in deUvery. The investigation indicates that the use of tickets 

 tends to eliminate loss of bottles and bad accounts. 



4. Large daily dehveries per horse and per driver. Several progressive 

 firms in cities not here considered give a bonus to the driver for all de- 

 liveries and collections, and a commission on all new business above a 

 certain minimum. This makes it an object for the driver to increase his 

 sales, stop at a few more doors, obtain new customers and climb addi- 

 tional stairs. Long hauls from farm to delivery district are costly and 

 the longer the initial haul the more milk dehveries necessary in order that 

 this high initial cost may be offset. 



5. Co-operative deUvery. But, after all is said, the final adequate solu- 

 tion of milk distribution will come only through municipal delivery or 

 the organization of producing distributors. In small cities and towns a 

 co-operative milk plant, owned and managed by dairymen, is very feasible. 

 One plant could easily process and deliver the necessary 2,500 to 10,000 

 quarts per day and solve most if not all of the problems of economical 

 and adequate supply. 



6. Central milk plants. The problem of milk distribution in large 

 cities is difficult but the organization of the small milkmen operating in 

 one section of a city into a distributing agency would cure many ills and 

 bring about cheaper deUvery. Organization of seUing is an old matter to 

 manufacturers and merchandisers but not to dairymen. The difficulties 

 are personal, but sometimes personal jealousies and suspicions are fatal 

 to progress and profits. 



The solution of the milk problem is in the hands of the milk producers 

 and dealers. If they have sufficient courage, foresight, perseverance and 



