998 MODERN FRUIT MARKETING 
3,000,000 packages exclusive of the vegetables, return- 
ing to the distributors over $3,000,000 net. This fruit 
was shipped to 243 cities in 38 states, to 33 cities in six 
Canadian Provinces and 179 carloads were exported to 
16 cities in 10 European countries. Of the 3,958 cars-of 
fruit shipped, 54% started on f. o. b. order and 45% 
as tramp cars. Of these, 83% were delivered on f. o. b. 
basis, the balance being consigned or sold through the 
auctions.. This means that about 90% of the fruit that 
was started as tramps was sold by the agents before ar- 
rival at the Eastern destination. In previous years, 
when handled by the separate exchanges, it was estimated 
that less than 80% of the fruit was sold on an f. o. b. 
basis. 
As one might expect, this organization had its diffi- 
culties. Cars were rejected. Some met with accident in 
transit. Some of the packs and grades were not up to 
standard. Claims were filed against the concern that 
had te be debated in court. But through it all, quite a 
remarkable record was made for the first year. What 
the final outcome will be time alone will tell. It is likely 
that some of the local associations will withdraw. Some 
of the details may have to be re-organized but the basic 
fundamental principles of the plan are correct. 
In the first annual report of the organization is given 
a list of 17 reasons why the distributing association is 
desirable for fruit growers of the Pacific Northwest. A 
part of these follow that the reader may draw his own 
conclusions. 
1. It places at the service of the grower a body of 
trained and experienced experts, better equipped and 
better informed than the buyers; it maintains a com- 
