OCR Text |
Show IMPROVED CRATE IS URGENT NEED Manufacturers Should Make a More Rigid Inspection of Ma-terals Ma-terals Put Into Boxes. NAILING IS BIGGEST FACTOR Consideration Should Be Given to Methods of Construction Which Will Lessen Possibility of Loss in Shipping. (Prepared by the United States Department Depart-ment of Agriculture.) Important factors affecting the successful suc-cessful use of crates In marketing fruits and vegetables were carefully studied by a specialist of the bureau of markets, United States Department of Agriculture, during a recent trip. The lirst of these is the need of manufacturers manu-facturers making a more rigid inspection inspec-tion of materials used. While most manufacturers make an effort to have their stock inspected and to use only good material, in some cases this attempt is frustrated by the - - rjp t ' - - - d Showing Results of Poorly Crated Lettuce. failure of the workman to understand and appreciate the ideal which is guiding guid-ing Ills employer. Many crate-mill employees seem to cherish the old idea that because the crate is a gift package pack-age It should be made as cheaply as possible, using any sort of material so long as there Is a chance of Its holding hold-ing together, thus reducing the cost to the grower and shipper. The Growei's Responsibility. The crate manufacturer having done his part In providing materials free from defects, the grower or shipper ship-per should see to it that the crate Is not spoiled In being made up In his packing house or field. Growers and shippers should remember remem-ber that the nailing together of the crate Is one of the biggest factors In determining whether the container Is to be strong and substantial or weak and productive of damage claims. Cement-coated nails, not less than four-penny four-penny In size, should always be used, and care should be taken to see that they are properly spaced and placed. Greater care Is perhaps necessary In making up crates for express shipments ship-ments than for car-lot freight shipments, ship-ments, due to the more frequent handling they must undergo. For either method of shlplplng consideration considera-tion should be given to methods of construction which will lessen the possibility pos-sibility of loss. An Instance of this Is the use of the "web" or cleated side for celery crates. The slats are stapled to the cleats In the factory, making but one piece to each side to handle In the field Instead of three. It also Insures even spacing of the slats and gives an extra thickness for |