MARKETING WESTERN BOXED APPLES 69 
150 to the box or smaller than 188 are likely to sell for less, but in 
seasons when the crop runs mostly to large sizes there is often active 
demand for sizes as small as 200 or 216. 
The requirements of grading and packing boxed apples for foreign 
trade are not in general different from those in packing for cold 
storage. A strong, well-nailed package, strapped at both ends, and 
a tight pack tend to reduce loss from damage and waste. Special 
requirements of the season and of the prospective market should be 
considered in Sa the varieties and sizes exported. Federal 
inspection certificates have a similar significance in foreign and in 
home markets and many apples for export are now inspected before 
loading (fig. 31). 
Fic. 31.—Federal officer inspecting boxed apples for export 
SHIPMENT 
Although about one-half of the total of exported apples is shipped 
in common cargo, boxed apples are more often shipped under refrig- 
eration because of the long journey from producing section to final 
market. Some steamships are equipped with mechanical refrig- 
eration plants and ventilation systems. The experienced care of 
the shipmaster and of the refrigeration engineer are needed to prevent 
damage in loading or unloading or from unfavorable conditions of 
temperature, moisture, and ventilation. Boxes are stowed on 
end and held in place by car strapping across each tier of boxes. 
Not all the poor stock received is the result of the ocean voyage. 
One source of delay and loss is the tramp car, which has been diverted 
from one point to another in search of a market and finally turned 
over to the exporter. Even at the point of export there is sometimes 
poor connection with the steamer and rough handling. 
