16 
BULLETIN 1412, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
LOADING HAMPERS 
When loading hampers, the packages in the first layer usually are 
loaded on ends, 6 or 7 rows wide, with alternate hampers reversed. 
The hampers may extend from end to end of the car, completely 
filling the space between the doors, but better circulation of air may 
be obtained by substituting a bracing for 1 or 2 stacks between the 
doors. Succeeding layers are placed in the same way, with tops 
against tops and bottoms against bottoms, as shown in Figure 10. 
When there are not enough hampers to make the top layer complete, 
they may be loaded on the sides with alternate ends reversed; at 
least enough of them should be so loaded to form a brace for the 
hampers standing upright in the ends of the car. In any case the 
load should be so solidly constructed as to prevent any shifting of the 
load in transit either from side to side or from end to end. 
On account of its relatively light weight, lettuce packed in hampers 
may be loaded with the hampers lying on their sides, alternate 
hampers reversed. If the load is more than 4 layers in height, 
however, the top layers may retard the circulation of air, and their 
weight may be sufficient to cause considerable breakage and damage 
in the lower layers. It is maintained by some that better eircula- 
Fig. 10. — Arrangement of hampers in a refrigerator car 
tion of air is obtained by this method than if the hampers are loaded 
on end, provided the load is not too high; but in either case re- 
frigeration of the load is very slow, because of lack of continuous 
air channels between the packages. The lettuce in the center of the 
load retains the field heat for a long time. 
LOADING FLAT CRATES 
The 2-dozen crate may be loaded on edge, 8 or 9 rows wide and 
3 layers high, or lying flat, 5 rows wide and 7 or 8 layers high. In 
either case sufficient space should be left between the rows for circula- 
tion of air throughout the load. The maximum area of exposure 
to the circulating air is obtained if the packages are loaded on edge, 
as shown in Figure 11. The packages may extend the entire length 
of the car, but more effective air circulation may be obtained by the 
use of a bracing between the doors. 
To prevent side swaying and shifting, it is necessary that each 
stack of crates be securely stripped crosswise of the car with 1-inch 
strips, two strips to each layer, nailed at the front and back edges 
of the top of each crate. Plaster laths laid end to end may be sub- 
stituted for the regular car strips. One end of each strip should 
touch the side wall of the car; alternate strips should abut against 
