THE ROAD TRANSPORT OF FURNITURE IN THE U.S.A.
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IN OUR issue for April 11th we pub lished an article on the road transport of furniture. A reader in America says that he feels sure we would be glad to have information as to the methods employed in that country.
He refers particularly to the activities of the Red Ball Transit Co,, who operate over 40 trucks made by the United States Motor Truck Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Recently the Red Ball Transit Co. madetan overland delivery of household pods from Indianapolis, Ind., toNew York City, and, incidentally, this journey of 1,000 miles was made in the middle of winter, a season which may not convey much to many in this country, but to those who are acquainted with the cenditions prevailing in this part of America it will prove what a colossal task the vehicles had to undertake.
The convoy consisted of eight trucks, accompanied by a U.S. tender loaded_ with supplies. From Indianapolis to Dayton, Ohio, all average speed of 15 m.p.h. was maintained, whilst from the latter town to Columbus the average speed was raised to 161 m.p.h. From Columbus to Wheeling, W. Va., the
speed was cut down to m.p.h.., as, owing to hills, almost impassable roads and bad weather, the travelling was done mostly an first and second gears, but the speed was again increased to 11 m.p.h. on the way to Pittsburg, after which the route led over the Allegheny Mountains, which were covered with snow and ice, to Gettysburg, on which section the thermometer registered six degrees below zero. For educational and publicity purposes the fleet of vehicles paradea in cities and towns through which they passed, and they attracted much attention.
Daring the whole journey of over 1,000 miles the total time lost for adjustments and 'repairs on all the vehicles was only five hours, and no accidents to vehicles, loads or drivers occurred, in spite of the drastic conditions. The return of the U.S. tender was made in 40 hours' actual running time, a remarkably high average under the conditions. The time taken by the whole convoy in returning from New York City to Indianapolis was 72 hours.
The Vehicles used by the Rod Ball Transit Co. consist of fully enclosed van bodies, with the drivers' cabs also enclosed, an 3-ton chassis. As the company have various branches in different parts of the country they are able to arrange return loads, so that the vehicles very seldom run empty, arid thus rates can be cut down to"a reasonable figure.
When a load of furniture, pictures, bric--brac, etc., is taken over, the parts are all packed in heavy blankets and pads, and are guaranteed safe delivery.