SHIPPING MASSACHUSETTS APPLES 7 



Current Harvesting and Marketing Practices of Groovers 



Before the Massachusetts apple growers attempt to reach the more distant 

 markets they will have to make certain changes in present harvesting and mar- 

 keting practices, because of the necessity of shipment by rail. Certain other 

 practices as they are now carried on will fit very well into the exploitation of these 

 new markets. 



Among the unfavorable items are the size of shipments, the frequency of ship- 

 ments and the type of package. 



At present most of the apples are consigned in lots of two sizes, 100 to 125 boxes 

 and 200 to 300 boxes. Considering 60 shipments for which this type of data is 

 available 21 per cent of the growers shipped in lots of 100 to 125 boxes, 26 per cent 

 in lots of 200 to 300 boxes, and 13 per cent in carloads (600 boxes). In part the 

 size of the consignment is determined by the quantity which can be most efficiently 

 packed out daily by the grower. There is also a definite relation between the type 

 and capacity of the carrier and the size of consignment. In some instances the 

 number of boxes shipped depends on the capacity of the carrier, and in others the 

 selection of the carrier depends on the volume which a shipper wishes to move. 



The frequency with which shipments are made seems to affect the size of indivi- 

 dual consignments. In the 100 to 125 box group, growers consigned daily. In the 

 200 to 300 box group, they shipped three times a week. The practice followed is 

 determined partly by the grower's organization and partly by the requests of the 

 consignee. 



Another practice which may prove temporarily detrimental to the interests of 

 the grower is the use of the Massachusetts Standard Box. The package is not well 

 known outside of New England. This feature in itself need not be a permanent 

 hindrance. It is no more difficult to handle than the Western box, and is equally 

 well adapted to the display of apples. 



Among the factors which can expedite rail shipping into the potential markets 

 are grading, time of sale, and the channels of trade. 



Massachusetts growers may be relied on to place on the market a pack which, 

 on a quality basis, compares favorably with packs from other regions. Eighty- 

 seven per cent of the growers graded their Baldwins and Mclntoshes, the two varie- 

 ties which comprise the larger volume of out-of-state consignments. Grading 

 usually means that only the higher priced apples will be shipped. The cost of 

 shipping is consequently less in relation to the price received. 



The period of the year when growers normally sell their apples has a direct 

 bearing on shipping. Its importance is further emphasized when considered in 

 relation to the size of consignments and the frequency with which they are made. 



About 15 per cent of the growers sold all their Mcintosh as picked or shortly 

 after. Practically none sold Baldwins until January first. Most of the sales were 

 distributed throughout the late fall and early winter. It would be possible, there- 

 fore, during the normal sales period, to pack out a large enough volume for con- 

 signment to a new market. The opportunity exists for organizing the packing force 

 so as conveniently to loarl out the volume at the proper time. Since most of the 

 sales take place after the peak of harvesting has passed, more attention could be 

 given to satisfactory packing and shipping. 



In shipping to any one of the suggested markets, the practice is to consign to a 

 commission house or auction agent. This involves little that is new. Most 

 growers are now selling through the commission house. Markets may differ as to 



