MARKETING WESTERN BOXED APPLES | 
company began refrigerator service from the Pacific coast to Euro- 
pen ports, and in 1921 five steamship lines offered such service. 
xports through Seattle and Portland have increased each year and 
these ports are now used extensively for such shipments. 
Intercoastal water transportation is not used extensively for the 
movement of boxed apples. A few experimental shipments were 
made in refrigerated ships in 1914. During the war this activity 
ceased and it was not until 1920 that intercoastal service was again 
offered the shipper. Since that time several companies have begun 
such a service. There are many things to consider when viewing 
the practicability of intercoastal shipment. Water rates between 
Pacific and Atlantic seaboards, including the short rail haul from 
producing sections to ports of embarkation, have been less than all- 
rail rates. Winter shipments by water are not subject to freezing 
hazards encountered by rail shipments. To offset these advantages 
several important facts must be taken into consideration such as 
trade customs and methods of sales. 
Many of the apples are sold on an f. 0. b. basis. Most of the re- 
maining tonnage is rolled toward the East and sold in transit. If 
such unsold fruit were shipped by water there would be no oppor- 
tunity for distribution to inland markets west of the Missouri river 
and it is doubtful if local rates applying to points any great distance 
from the Atlantic and Gulf seaboards could be absorbed. The east- 
ern buyer has preferred rail shipments, as he is slow to consent to 
new and unproven methods of transportation. It is maintained, 
however, that intercoastal service is practical and economical for 
shipment from one seaboard to the other for such shipments as do 
not have to be back hauled. Port facilities at certain places must 
be improved to provide refrigerated storage, which is an important 
factor in the transportation of boxed apples and should prove espe- 
cially practicable for late varieties which the trade stores at seaport 
towns for late winter or spring sales. 
STORAGE AT SHIPPING POINTS 
As the production of boxed apples has increased, growers and 
shippers have realized the economic necessity of providing adequate 
storage facilities at shipping points. A wide difference of opinion 
exists, however, regarding the quantity of apples which should be 
stored at shipping point in comparison with that stored at eastern 
gateways, such as Minneapolis, Omaha, Denver, Kansas City, and 
Chicago. 
Some growers and shippers urge in favor of eastern storage its 
convenience in marketing and the avoidance of danger from freezing. 
Other growers and shippers favor storage at ee point adequate 
for the bulk of the crop so that shipments need be made only as 
‘market demands are apparent. Thus the storage and marketing 1s 
more directly under control, and the shipping and marketing season 
extended as conditions may require. Regardless of arguments in 
reference to marketing as it relates to point of storage, it is advisable 
to place certain varieties, like Jonathan and Delicious, in cold storage 
temperatures as soon as harvested, if they are to be delivered to the 
city dealer in prime condition for retail distribution. The condition 
of late varieties, such as Yellow Newtown and Winesap, can be im- 
