22 
BULLETIN 1412, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
DIVERTING CARS 
It is frequently necessary to divert a car in transit or to reconsign 
it after arrival in a market. Diversion orders usually are filed with 
the local agent, but if desired they may be wired to the general freight 
agent of the originating line or to the agent of the delivering line at 
the first destination. 
The essential facts contained in a telegram ordering a diversion 
are the car initials and number, date of shipment, shipping point, 
destination, contents of the car, names of the shipper and the con- 
signee, the city to which the car is to be diverted, and the name 
of the new consignee. The words " protect through rate " are in- 
cluded to avoid the possibility of a freight charge made up of a 
Fig. 14. — Car-lot shipments of lettuce are now originating in 24 States 
combination of local rates. The following example indicates how 
the telegram may be worded. 
Williamson, N. Y., July 20, 1924. 
General Freight Agent, 
Pennsylvania R. R. Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.: 
From Williamson eighteenth consigned ourselves Pittsburgh car P. F. E. 
31353 lettuce. Divert protecting through rate. White Produce Co., Cincin- 
nati. Route Pennsylvania. Wire accomplishment. 
John Doe & Co. 
Diversion instructions given by telegraph, by telephone, or in per- 
son should be confirmed promptly by a written order, a copy of which 
is retained by the shipper. This confirming order should give clear- 
ly the essential facts of the request and in addition should state the 
day and hour at which the original order was filed. 
CAR-LOT MOVEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION 
Car-lot shipments of lettuce are now originating in 24 States in- 
stead of in 12 as in 1916 (fig. 14). The industry has made its great- 
est strides in States producing Iceberg lettuce, until in 1924 three- 
