THE EXPRESS CHARGES PRESCRIBED BY THE INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION.

The article focuses on the express charges prescribed by the Interstate Commerce Commission in the U.S. In one of the articles, the writer described the more important objects of complaint against rates and practices of express companies that have prevailed heretofore; stated the remedial changes, reached in some cases with the cooperation of companies, that are applicable to practices and methods of handling the traffic; discussed more fully arguments urged in support of complaints against the present classification, rates and charges; and stated the general plan proposed by the Interstate Commerce Commission for dealing with these complaints. A schedule prescribed by the commission, effective from October 15, 1913, is a complete revision of the whole structure of express rates. It becomes at once a matter of considerable interest to know upon what basis or principle the commission proceeded in constructing its brand-new structure of charges. The commission considered a number of bases that have been urged, including: the return on the investment; the capitalization of companies; earnings; the operating expenses; first-class freight rates; and passenger rates. In addition, the commission endeavored to reach some common understanding in the matter with the express companies.