'Return Loads' to Increase Transport Resources by Avoiding Waste of Empty Vehicle Running Informative Summary

Overview:

The pamphlet “Return Loads” was published by the United States Council of National Defense in 1918 during World War I. The Council recognized the critical need for efficient transportation during wartime and proposed a system of “return-load bureaus” to maximize the use of motor trucks. This initiative was designed to address the issue of empty truck runs, a major inefficiency in the transportation system at the time.

The bureaus acted as intermediaries between shippers who needed goods transported and truck owners who had empty vehicles. By connecting these two parties, the bureaus ensured that trucks were not running empty, saving resources, reducing costs, and improving overall transport capacity. The pamphlet emphasizes the patriotic nature of this initiative, urging shippers to cooperate with the bureaus to aid the war effort. The text also highlights the benefits of using highway transport for shorter hauls, relieving pressure on the railways and allowing them to focus on longer distances.

Key Findings:

Empty truck runs were a significant waste of resources and transportation capacity.
Return-load bureaus offered a solution to this inefficiency by connecting shippers with truck owners.
The use of motor trucks for short-haul transportation relieved pressure on railways.
Highway transport was increasingly seen as a patriotic duty during World War I.
Return-load bureaus were encouraged as a means of strengthening the nation’s transportation network.

Learning:

The importance of efficient transportation: This text illustrates the crucial role of efficient transportation in a functioning economy, especially during times of crisis. Empty truck runs were a significant drain on resources and the return-load bureau system demonstrated a practical solution to this problem.
The concept of “return loads”: This text introduces the idea of return loads as a way to improve transportation efficiency and conserve resources. The system of return-load bureaus helps ensure that trucks are always carrying cargo, maximizing their utility and reducing waste.
The benefits of using highways for short hauls: The text highlights the advantages of using trucks for short-haul transportation, particularly during times when rail lines are congested. This strategy relieves pressure on rail systems and allows them to focus on longer-distance transportation.
The patriotic duty of supporting wartime efforts: The text emphasizes the patriotic importance of supporting wartime efforts, including the use of efficient transportation solutions. Shippers were encouraged to use return-load bureaus as a way to contribute to the national war effort.

Historical Context:

This pamphlet was published during World War I, a period of intense industrial mobilization and a critical need for efficient transportation. The war effort demanded the transport of vast quantities of materials and supplies, placing significant strain on existing transportation infrastructure. The use of motor trucks was seen as a crucial way to supplement traditional rail transport, and the return-load bureau system was developed as a way to improve efficiency and conserve resources.

Facts:

Return-load bureaus were established to reduce the waste of empty vehicle running. This was a direct response to the need for resource conservation during wartime.
The Council of National Defense encouraged the widest possible use of motor trucks. The Council recognized the importance of motor trucks in supplementing existing transportation infrastructure.
State Councils of Defense were tasked with facilitating the use of motor trucks. They were encouraged to remove regulations that restricted motor truck usage.
Return-load bureaus brought together shippers and truck owners to ensure full loads. This matching system aimed to eliminate empty trips.
The system of return-load bureaus was already established in England. This demonstrated the success of the system in other countries facing similar wartime transportation challenges.
Motor trucks could deliver goods the same day they were shipped. This emphasized the speed and efficiency of highway transportation.
Motor trucks picked up and delivered goods at the door of the shipper and consignee. This highlighted the “door-to-door” service offered by truck transportation.
Return-load bureaus were non-money-making organizations. They were intended to serve the public good and support wartime efforts.
The Railroad Administration endorsed motor transportation for short hauls. They recognized the value of using trucks to relieve pressure on rail lines.
Shippers using highways for short hauls indirectly benefited from more prompt service on long-distance shipments. This highlighted the interconnectedness of the transportation system.
The dependability of highway haulage between neighboring cities had been demonstrated. This highlighted the growing popularity and reliability of motor transport.
The return-load bureau system aimed to organize bureaus in all states. This was a large-scale effort to expand the use of the system nationwide.
The use of trucks for short hauls freed up rail cars for longer-distance transportation. This demonstrated the complementary nature of different modes of transport.
Highway transportation offered a means for quick expansion of transport capacity during wartime. This highlighted the potential of highways to address transportation needs during times of crisis.
Highway transportation costs were often lower than rail express rates. This presented a compelling economic argument for using trucks.
Highway transportation was considered a patriotic measure during World War I. This emphasized the importance of supporting the war effort by using efficient transportation methods.
The pamphlet encouraged shippers to give advance notice for return loads. This helped ensure the efficient use of trucks and minimized delays.
The pamphlet urged manufacturers, merchants, and others to consider highway transportation. This aimed to broaden the adoption of the system.
The pamphlet highlighted the unselfishly rendered service of return-load bureaus. This emphasized the patriotic nature of the initiative.
The pamphlet encouraged shippers to contact their local return-load bureau. This emphasized the importance of utilizing this resource.

Statistics:

Millions of tons of merchandise and materials were transported satisfactorily by motor trucks. This highlights the significant contribution of trucks to the war effort.
The return-load bureau system was in operation in Manchester, England, and all surrounding cities. This demonstrates the widespread adoption of the system.
Hundreds of local and intercity motor express lines were in successful operation in the United States. This highlights the growing popularity of motor transportation.
The Highways Transport Committee operated out of the 944 Munsey Building in Washington, D.C. This provides a specific location for those seeking information about the committee.
The return-load bureaus were listed under “Return Loads” in telephone directories. This demonstrates the accessibility and ease of use of the system.

Terms:

Return-Load Bureaus: Organizations that connect shippers with truck owners to ensure that trucks are not running empty.
Highway Transport Committee: A committee of the Council of National Defense responsible for promoting the efficient use of highways for transportation.
State Councils of Defense: State-level organizations working to support the war effort, including transportation initiatives.
Motor Trucks: Vehicles used for transporting goods over highways.
Short-Haul Freight: Goods transported over relatively short distances, typically between neighboring cities or towns.
Railroad Embargoes: Restrictions placed on rail transport due to congestion or other factors.
Motor Express Lines: Companies operating motor trucks on regular routes for transporting goods.
Intracity Service: Transportation services within a city.
Transport Operating Efficiency: Maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of transportation systems.

Examples:

Manchester, England: This example demonstrates the success of the return-load bureau system in another country.
Local and intercity motor express lines: These examples illustrate the growing prevalence of motor transportation in the United States.
Shippers who need to send goods to a nearby town: This example highlights a situation where return-load bureaus can be beneficial.
Truck owners with empty vehicles returning from deliveries: This example demonstrates the inefficiency of empty truck runs.
Shippers facing delays due to railroad embargoes: This example highlights the need for alternative transportation solutions.
The use of motor trucks for short hauls freeing up rail cars for long-distance service: This example illustrates the complementary nature of different modes of transport.
Motor trucks delivering goods the same day they are shipped: This example demonstrates the speed and efficiency of highway transportation.
Shippers using highway transportation to reduce costs: This example highlights the economic benefits of using motor trucks.
Shippers giving advance notice for return loads: This example demonstrates how cooperation can improve the efficiency of the system.
Manufacturers and merchants using highway transportation to support the war effort: This example demonstrates the patriotic importance of using efficient transportation methods.

Conclusion:

The 1918 pamphlet “Return Loads” provides a compelling case for the importance of efficient transportation, particularly during wartime. The return-load bureau system, designed to minimize empty truck runs, offers a practical solution to a significant waste of resources and transportation capacity. The pamphlet highlights the patriotic duty of supporting the war effort by utilizing this system and emphasizes the advantages of using highway transport for short-haul deliveries, relieving pressure on railways and freeing up capacity for longer-distance transportation. This text provides valuable insights into the changing role of transportation during a period of great national mobilization.

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