The Rationalization of Retail Deliveries
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fiUCH has already been said in this IV/journal concerning various methods of grouping transport in order to economize in the use of vehicles for s'etail-delivery work. Now, t h e Government is really taking this matter in hand, and retailers all over the country are being asked to co-operate in preparing and putting into operation more extensive plans of this nature in connection with deliveries to their customers.
They may include the pooling of vehicles, delivery of certain goods on nominated days, and the restriction of delivery areas. Whilst details may vary in different localities, the objects are the same—to save fuel, vehicles and man power, and it is suggested that a reduction of 25 per cent. in the fuel used would mean a saving of some 10,090,000 gallons a year.
The Ministries of War Transport and Food and the Board of Trade are cooperating in this move. They will have powers to compel any recalcitrants, but they do not think that recourse to these will be necessary. As a first step, shoppers will be asked to carry home their parcels. To initiate schemes in connection with goods which cannot be dealt with in this way, Regional Transport Commissioners-will call meetings of traders in each Region. These will be followed by others in every town and district. The Ministry of Food will facilitate the re-registration of customers where this is necessary as a result of restrictions of delivery areas.
Organization of pools will vary according to the _views of members. Vans may be operated by their original owners, in which case, other retailers employing them would pay for their deliveries; or vehicle's may be operated by a common management committee, to which all retailers would contribute.
For the moment, the retail delivery ' of milk and bread are being excluded, as they require special investigation.
The small trader with a bicycle or a horsed cart will be included in the scheme, just as much as will be' the multiple store with a large Beet of vans.