DEMUEEAGE INFOBMATIOISr FOE FAEMEES. 5 



This code, known as the ''National Car Demurrage Rules," or 

 ''Uniform Code," was approved by the Interstate Commerce Com- 

 mission in December, 1909, and indorsed by the American Railway 

 Association in January, 1910. Since that date changes in the code 

 have been made by the adoption of amendments by the American 

 Railway Association and their subsequent approval by the Inter- 

 state Commerce Commission. The association adopted a revised set 

 of rules in May, 1912, which was approved by the commission in 

 June of the same year. In November, 1912, and again in December, 

 1913, the association adopted modifications of individual rules and 

 the commission shortly thereafter approved the changes. Additional 

 changes are in progress at the present time through the same chan- 

 nels. None of the changes has been radical. The fundamental 

 features of the code, as adopted in 1909, stiU remain. 



The Interstate Commerce Commission's approval has always been 

 based on its recognition of "the great benefits to be derived from 

 uniformity in car-service rules" and its desire to lend its influence 

 to the movement for such uniformity. Even with this general 

 approval it is still necessary for the roads to publish the demurrage 

 rules and regulations in tariff form and file them with the commis- 

 sion before they can become legally effective. Approval by the 

 commission in this way does not preclude that body from entertain- 

 ing and determining any complaint that may arise in the practical 

 application of the rules. 



PROVISIONS OF THE UNIFORM DEMURRAGE CODE. 



Following is a brief summary of the provisions of the Uniform 

 Code: 



CARS SUBJECT TO RULES. 



Rule 1 begins with the broad proposition that all "cars held for 

 or by consignors or consignees for loading, unloading, forwarding 

 directions, or for any other pui-pose" are subject to demurrage rules. 

 Exception is made of cars loaded with live stock; of empty cars 

 placed for loading coal at mines or mine sidings, or coke at coke 

 ovens, and cars under load with coal at mines or mine sidings, or 

 coke ovens; and of empty private cars in storage. 



Cars loaded with live stock are excepted for the obvious reason 

 that they arc never held beyond the free time and their exception 

 thus obviates the necessity of a great deal of umiecessaiy accounting. 

 It is to be observed that cars ordered for the loading of live stock 

 arc subj(!(;t to demurrage rules. 



Cars for loarling coal and coke and cars under load witli these 

 commodities awaiting billing are excepted, as it has been found that 

 proper car distribution rules will take care of the difnoulties fonnorly 



