Motor Road Transport For Commercial Purposes
(Liquid Fuel, Steam, Electricity)

SELECTION OF VEHICLE 29 Another instance in which this may happen is in dealing with a man uf act urer who is in only a small way of business. Instead of informing the inquirer that, if it is wished to carry a net load of 30 cwt., a higher price must be paid for the chassis than for that built to carry 20 cwt. only, he short-sightedly agrees to put a body on the chassis which will result in its being constantly overburdened. The Question of Power. The next important point is that of power in its alliance with vehicle speed and gearing. Different trades necessitate different rates of speed in their delivery service. There are in consequence several considerations which must be well weighed before the final selection of a van is made, in order to ensure that the choice will be a wise one. It is not sufficient that the vehicle should be able to accomplish its journeys with punctuality, but it should also be run in the most economical way. It is astonishing how little attention is paid to this matter. Great Economies Possible. There are firms to-day owning fleets of commercial motor vehicles representing tens of thousands of pounds, who, with a little adjustment here and there in the organization of their despatch service, or with greater foresight in the selection of new vehicles, could save some hundreds of pounds in the year. Careful observation shows that this occurs through want of experience or lack of interest, often coupled with inadequate record-keeping. The directors of the firm find that motor transport costs them much less proportionately than horse haulage, and there they rest content. They do not seem to consider