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determine the temperatures prevailing in refrigerator cars in transit and 

 what temperatures are necessary in order to transport the goods in prime 

 condition. The department could readily provide instruments which 

 would give a record of the temperatures prevailing throughout the entire 

 haul, be that long or short; but it was necessary to know also the con- 

 struction of the cars, their insulation, bunker system, icing methods and 

 a hundred and one details that could be obtained only with the co-opera- 

 tion of the railroads. This matter was, therefore, laid before railroad 

 after railroad as the work extended, and in every case it has met with 

 universal courtesy and a willingness to give the help or privileges asked. 



We have taken long journeys on freight trains in company with the 

 carload of the perishable product under observation. Every agent in 

 every yard has been notified by the railroad officials of our coming and 

 has done all in his power to make the trip profitable and the observers 

 more comfortable — not an easy matter, when running through a blizzard 

 or on a fast schedule. We have also been made welcome in every freight 

 yard, transfer station, dock, pier and terminal, and every facility in the 

 possession of the carriers has been put at our disposal. 



We have in this way gained an intimate, first-hand knowledge of the 

 problem of transporting perishables from the railroad viewpoint; and 

 because we have studied with the shipper or producer every detail of the 

 origin and preparation of the product to be shipped, tracing it step by 

 step to the consumer, we have absorbed his point of view also. 



We have found a woeful lack of a mutual understanding of the 

 difficulties confronting both parties. Each is ready instantly to disclaim 

 responsibility and to place blame on the opposite party. Such a condi- 

 tion of affairs can only work hardship to all concerned. Litigation is a far 

 greater expense to the nation than the money actually spent indicates, 

 because it seldom results in fundamental reforms, and many of the condi- 

 tions which the decision is expected to remedy remain practically the 

 same. The fact that very frequently the well-being of the railroad makes 

 for the success of the shipper, and vice versa, is too often lost sight of. 



Without in any way trespassing on either the peace commission or 

 the judiciary, we have had the satisfaction many times of seeing mooted 

 questions between railroads and shippers clarified and more efficient work 

 done as a result of the knowledge gained. This principle has progressed 

 to such an extent in the poultry, butter and egg industry that a joint 

 committee has been appointed by the shippers and the railroads to discuss 

 transportation problems in their broadest sense, to acquire information 

 and to encourage more intelligent packing and handling, that losses all 

 along the line may be avoided. A representative of the Department of 

 Agriculture meets with this committee in an advisory capacity, thereby 

 keeping its work in touch with the newest findings of the department. 

 From time to time the committee issues reports which are published in 

 trade papers as well as separately. 



