MOTOR TRANSPORTATION FOR RURAL DISTRICTS 5 
the country. In addition, the Bureau of Markets has been instrumental 
in establishing motor service in various districts during the early part 
of 1918 and the methods adopted and the difficulties encountered have 
furnished material for a fairly comprehensive viewpoint on the en- 
tire problem. 
Inquiries are constantly being received regarding the practices and 
methods of successful operators of rural truck routes. It is a regret- 
table fact that there are practically no rural truck operators whose 
general plans are worthy of study by less experienced operators. Most 
rural routes are in the formative stage. For this reason it is felt that 
a summary of the problems of all will be of mutual interest both to the 
present operator and to the prospective one. The usefulness of the 
motor truck for the individual farmer will not be dwelt upon in this 
bulletin, but we will concern ourselves entirely with the possibilities 
of the motor truck as a community transportation feature. 
PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF THE FIELD OF OPERATION. 
Too many beginners delay a canvass of their field of operation until 
they are definitely committed to the establishment of a motor route by 
an investment of funds. Such a beginning is decidedly an unwise one. 
Many an optimistic viewpoint has been changed by a closer scrutiny 
of the business essentials which must be considered when a rural route 
is established. It is very desirable, in fact almost necessary, that a 
thorough business survey be made in advance by the prospective 
operator. In the first place, an investigation may disclose the fact that. 
it is unnecessary or undesirable to start the route at all. Secondly, a 
proper investigation may materially modify preliminary plans, par- 
ticularly with respect to the investment of funds and the selection of 
equipment. Enthusiastic but inaccurate reports which have been given 
wide circulation in many districts, have been responsible for some 
amateur beginnings which should ‘never have been undertaken. The 
motor route which has a chance for success must be founded on a 
careful business analysis of the field of operations. ; 
There are four important factors which must be given consideration 
by the beginner in the field of rural motor transportation. These four 
factors are: (1) The volume of farm products produced along the 
contemplated route; (2) the volume of miscellaneous hauling which 
could be secured to supplement regular loads; (3) competition from 
other carriers which would be encountered; (4) the character of the 
highways over which the trucks must run. It may safely be said that : 
the features mentioned above will ultimately determine the success or 
failure of any rural route. 
A motor route established in a sparsely settled or non-productive 
region is foredoomed to failure. A little thought will make it clear 
