Goods in the Special Class must be in lots of 10,000 kilos. (10 Tons.) If a consignment weighed 11,000 kilos., the first 10,000 kilos, would be charged at the Special Rate, and the remaining 1,000 kilos. at the rate for Class I.

Goods in classes A, B, and C, are only charged at those rates if the consignments exceed 5 tons.

Goods belonging to Classes B, C, and D, and to the Special Class are carried in open wagons, the railway not being compelled to provide covers; but the consignor may cover the trucks at his own expense and risk, or give instructions in the freight-note for having the goods rated according to Class A, in which case they are treated in the same manner as goods belonging to that class. An exception is made, however, in the case of those goods which, according to law, must be carried in open trucks.

The consignor may also give directions that the goods belonging to Class A are to be carried at the rates of Class B, in which case they are conveyed in open trucks. Those goods, which although paying the rates of Class A, must be carried in open trucks, are excluded from this regulation.

At the special request of senders, tarpaulins are supplied by some of the railway companies, if there are any available, upon payment of fl. 1.60 (2s. 8d.) each, for distances up to 225 kilometres, with an additional charge of fl. 0.80 (1s. 4d.) for each additional 225 kilom. The Dutch Rhenish and Holland Railway Companies do not supply tarpaulins under any circumstances.

The railway companies undertake no responsibility whatever for damage arising from goods being carried in open trucks.

The following charges are allowed by law in addition to the foregoing rates and terminals: and with few exceptions they are the same on all railways.

For the use of cranes and other hoisting tackle, when the owner of the Goods finds the labour, the following are the charges:

Dutch States and Central Railways, 10d. per ton.

Dutch Rhenish Railway.

For tipping coals in quantities of—
  100 tons and above 1d.6 per ton.
   50 to 100 tons   1d.8 ”
  Up to 50 tons    2d.  ”

On the States Railway the charge is reduced to 1d.2 per ton if 20,000 tons per year are tipped.

For counting general goods—Per package, 0d.2, with a minimum of 1d.2.

The Holland Railway Company make no charge for counting ordinary goods, but for truck loads they charge 1d.2 per 10 packages, with a minimum of 1s. per truck load.

For stamping duplicate freight note—1d.2 each.

The States, Central and Holland Railways make no charge.

For delivery of general goods—

(a) Under ordinary circumstances 1d. per cwt., with a minimum charge per consignment of 6d.

(b) Under unusual circumstances, such as closed water, snow in street, etc., 2d. per cwt., with a minimum per consignment of 1s.

For collection—

(a) Under ordinary circumstances 1d. per cwt., with a minimum charge per consignment of 10d.

(b) Under unusual circumstances 2d. per cwt., with
a minimum charge per consignment of 1s. 8d.

The Holland Railway Company make charges for collection and delivery varying according to the Station.

The Dutch Rhenish Railway Company raise the charge only under unusual circumstances.

For advising the consignee of the arrival of his goods a charge of 1d. is made in all cases, except—

(a) In the case of goods to be called for;

(b) If consignee signs an agreement releasing the Company, not only from advising arrival, but also from all responsibility for detention of goods arising from notification of arrival not having been made.

The Holland Railway Company charge 0d.6 if the advice is sent by post.

  Labelling.—All goods in consignments of less than 5 tons must be labelled or marked with the name of the receiving Station. If the goods are tendered without this having been done, a charge for labelling of 0d.6 per package, with a minimum of 2d.4 is made by the Company. The Holland Railway Company do not show any such charge in their rate book.

  Commission for Collecting Paid-ons.—A commission of 1% with a minimum of 1d. for ordinary paid-ons, and ¼ %, for amounts paid for duty, &c., and for all costs incurred in connection with the last-named, is charged.

  Warehouse Rent.—All goods other than truck loads which are left till called for, are subject to the following charges if they are not taken away within 24 hours after receipt of advice of arrival:—

  Demurrage.—If trucks are not unloaded within eight hours after receipt of the notice of arrival a charge is made of 2d.4 per hour and truck, with a minimum of 1/-; or the Company may unload the goods at the owner’s expense, and warehouse them, charging rent.

The same amount of demurrage is charged if the trucks, which are to be loaded by consignors themselves, are not ready within the appointed time. If the consignor receives notice that the trucks are at his disposal in the morning, the loading must be effected on the same day; if notice is given in the afternoon, the loading must be over before 2 p.m. on the day following.

  Weighing.—On the Dutch Rhenish Railway a charge of 0d.6 per 2 cwt., with a minimum of 1d.2 for each item included in the freight-note, is made for weighing. On the Dutch States and Central Railways the charge is 0d.2 per cwt., with a minimum of 4d. per consignment, and on the Holland Railways 0d.8 per 2 cwt. with a minimum of 4d.

(a.) If the goods are weighed at the request of the consignor or consignee.

(b.) If the weight is not given in the freight note, but has to be filled in by the Company.

(c.) If the Company load the goods on behalf of consignor.

If the goods are weighed in full truck loads, the charge on the Dutch Rhenish Railway is 3d. per ton on the net weight; on the Dutch States, Central and Holland, 2s. If each article is weighed separately the charge is 0d.5 per 2 cwt.

Time allowed by Law for Transport.—The time occupied by the conveyance of goods, carriages, &c., may not exceed the following maxima, which are in force on all the Dutch Railways, and also on all the Railways forming part of the German Union:—

The time allowed for forwarding may only be reckoned once, irrespective of the number of railways over which the goods have to pass. On occasions of pressure of traffic caused by fairs, closed water, &c., these limits may be extended by the Minister of Railways. The time allowed for transport commences at the midnight following the stamping of the freight note, and it is not exceeded if the goods are delivered to consignee before the prescribed time has expired, or, in the event of the goods not having to be delivered, if notice is given in writing to consignee of their arrival before the expiration of the prescribed time.

Amount to be paid by the Company in case the time allowed by Law is exceeded, and no value is Insured.

(a) For General Goods, if the delay amount to more than 24 hours; or in the case of horses and other animals to more than 48 hours: up to 72 hours, ¼ of the freight; up to 8 days ⅓ of the freight; beyond 8 days, ½ of the freight.

(b) For Express Goods: beyond 12, and up to 24 hours, ¼ of the freight; up to 3 days, ⅓ of the freight; beyond 3 days, ½ of the freight.

(c) For Parcels: beyond 6, and up to 12 hours, ¼ of the freight; up to 24 hours, ⅓ of the freight; beyond 24 hours, ½ of the freight.

  Insurance.—A premium is charged for insurance if the declared value of the goods, cattle, &c., exceed that allowed by Article 33 of General Regulations, as compensation in case of damage or loss.

The value allowed is £25 for a horse, £10 10s. for a fat ox, £7 10s. per head for other cattle, £1 for a calf, £3 for a fat pig, £1 5s. for a lean pig, 13s. 4d. for a sheep or goat, 7s. 8d. for a dog, and £1 10s. per cwt. for other animals. If the value exceeds these sums, and the consignor wishes to insure such value being paid to him in case of damage, the premium is 1 per 1,000 of the sum insured for every 93 miles with a minimum of 4d.

The maximum value allowed for carriages and carts, including the articles placed in them, is £42. If the value exceeds that sum the premium payable is the same as for animals, with a minimum of 3d.

The value allowed for goods is assumed by law not to exceed £2 10s. per cwt. (30 fl. per 50 kilos). In case of whole or partial loss, the commercial value of the goods—which has to be proved—is taken as a basis. In the absence of data for arriving at the commercial value, the value which similar goods would have at the time and place of delivery is taken as the standard, deducting the amount of duty and other costs not paid owing to loss. If the goods are insured, the premium payable is one-tenth per 1,000 of the value declared, for each 93 miles (parts of that distance reckoned as 93 miles), with a minimum of 2d.

In case of wilful misconduct on the part of the Company or their servants, the liability is not limited to the normal or declared value.

To recover from the Railway Company the full amount of damage sustained, if delivery is not effected within the time allowed by law, the following premiums have to be paid:

For horses and other animals 0·2d. per 9 miles and £8. 6s. 8d., parts of this distance and amount reckoned as 9 miles and £8. 6s. 8d., with a minimum of 3d.;

For carriages, carts, &c., 0·4d. per 9 miles and £8. 6s. 8d., with a minimum of 3d.;

In respect of goods for the first 94 miles, 1 per 1,000 of the sum declared; for the following 140 miles, not more than ½ per 1,000; for each succeeding 234 miles, not more than ½ per 1,000, with a minimum of 2d., parts of 94, 140, and 234, reckoned as 94, 140, and 234. This premium is charged per each 10fl. (16s. 8d.) of the declared value.

On the States, Central and Holland Railways bulky goods, consisting of such goods as come in the classification under special tariff No. 1, or are enumerated in the rate book, are charged double the fast goods or piece goods rates, as the case may be, unless it is more advantageous to pay as for 5 tons at class A rate.

Grain, vegetables, meal, seed, and the like, which are classified under special tariff No. 2, are carried in box or covered trucks at the rates of class B.

On the Dutch Rhenish Railway bulky goods (i.e., goods weighing less than 340 lbs. per cubic yard) and goods of unusual weight, the size of which does not admit of their being passed through the door of an ordinary covered truck (5 ft. 3 in. by 5 ft), will not be carried in consignments of less than one ton, unless the freight for this weight, with a minimum of 4s. 2d. is paid, provided the conveyance can take place without an extra truck being necessary. Articles which prevent space being occupied by other goods are charged for at the rate of 340 lbs. per cubic yard occupied.

For articles totally unsuitable for loading with others, the freight for at least 5 tons must be paid for each truck used.

If a single consignment of bulky goods occupies less than 35 cubic feet, double freight is charged for the actual weight. An ordinary covered wagon is assumed to be capable of containing goods weighing at least four tons; the freight, therefore, for this weight must be charged for each wagon used.

  Cattle Rates.—The rates for through cattle traffic from a Station of one Railway to a Station of another Railway in Holland, are, if carried by Goods Train, as follows.—

(b) For small cattle (pigs, small calves, sheep, goats, &c.) the rates are:—

If carried by passenger trains the above rates are increased by one-third.

In addition to the rates a charge of fl. 0·60 (1s.) per truck is made for disinfecting the wagon.

There are no rates per head for through traffic between the various railways of Holland, except between the Dutch Rhenish and Dutch Central Railways. If, for instance, a cow is carried from a Station on the States Railway to a Station on the Dutch Rhenish Railway, the charge would be as for a full truck, unless it would be cheaper to charge the consignment from Railway to Railway at the local rates. In the case of traffic between the Dutch Rhenish and Central Railways, for which traffic rates per head exist, the following rates would be charged (by goods train only):—

For local traffic on the Dutch States Railways, rates per head and per truck load exist. Such rates per head are only available per goods trains; full truck loads are carried by passenger train.

I.—By Goods Trains.

(a) For full truck loads 1 cent. per square metre per kilometre, with terminals fl. 5 (8s. 4d.) (irrespective of size of truck). No difference is made for large or small cattle.

The charge for a truck of 15 square metres for 108 kilometres (67 miles) would be—

The rate per head for 124 kilometres (77 miles)—

With a minimum of—

BELGIUM.

The basis on which the rates are fixed in Belgium is:—

(a) A fixed charge of one franc per ton, irrespective of distance, which is practically equivalent to a structural terminal charge for the use of stations and for clerkage.

(b) A mileage scale, graduated according to distance.

On all lines worked by the State, whether constructed by it, purchased by, or the subject of a concession, the local tariff of the State Railways is applied generally. Before 1884, the Grand Central Belge had a distinct classification and a tariff of rates on the whole higher than that of the State Railways, but the rates charged on the independent lines are now based on those adopted by the State Railways, and sanctioned by the Minister.

The rates for traffic with France are framed by assimilating the Belgian to the French scale, based on the shortest route; for certain important kinds of traffic there are exceptional tariffs, by which each Company make a reduction from their ordinary rates.

In addition to the weight and distance, the value, and bulk of the goods are taken into consideration in the classification, if it can be said that any classification exists.

The tariff of the State Railways contains a classification which divides the Petite Vitesse goods into four classes. Besides these, twenty special tariffs have been adopted.

B—TARIFF FOR INTERCHANGED INLAND TRAFFIC.

The General Tariff comprises two Standard Scales, viz.:—Scale A and Scale C.—Scale A is the same as the Local Tariff except as regards the 4th Class rates for distances from 1 to 4 kilometres, for which a minimum of 5 kilometres per ton has been fixed.

Scale C differs from Scale A only by an increase of—Franc 0.10 per 100 kilogrammes on the Tariff Rates Nos. 1 and 2, and Franc 0.10 per 1000 kilogrammes on the rates of Tariff No. 3[124] (except in the case of Railway Carriages and Trucks on wheels), which latter charge is credited to the Western of Flanders Railway Company.

The following tables show, in English money, the terminal charge per ton, and the mileage rate per ton per mile:—

The foregoing Tariffs do not include the following various additional charges which are authorised and are, in fact, charged over and above the ordinary tariff rates:—

Tariff No. 1 applies to parcels carried by Passenger Trains, and includes all charges for terminal services and delivery to domicile, but not collection.

Parcels up to 5 kilos. (11 lbs.), the carriage of which is prepaid, are carried at an uniform rate of franc 0.80 (8d.), irrespective of distance, but if the carriage is not prepaid, they are charged as for 10 kilos. (22 lbs.)

Parcels 6 to 10 kilos., whether the carriage is or is not prepaid, are charged as for 10 kilos.

Parcels above 10 kilos. (22 lbs.) and up to 20 kilos., are charged as 20 kilos.; above 20 kilos. fractions of 10 kilos. are charged as 10 kilos.

Parcels of no declared value sent by Passenger Train must in all cases be prepaid.

In towns where there are cartage arrangements, delivery to “domicile” takes place immediately after arrival of the trains up to 9.0 p.m.

Parcels to be delivered between 9.0 p.m. and 7.0 a.m. are charged franc 0.25 extra each parcel.

Tariff No. 2 applies to packages up to 200 kilos. (4 cwt.) in weight to be forwarded by Goods Train, unless a written order is given for them to be sent by Passenger Train, under conditions of Tariff No. 1, or by Goods Train, under Tariff No. 3.

Prepaid parcels not exceeding 5 kilos. (11 lbs.) are carried at an uniform rate of franc 0.50 (5d.) each parcel, irrespective of distance.

Above 5 kilos. in weight the carriage is charged on the weight of the consignment consisting of one or more packages, any fraction of 10 kilos. being charged as for 10 kilos.

Prepaid parcels of 5 kilos. and less, are delivered to “domicile” on the morning following the day of forwarding, provided they be handed to the Railway at least one hour before the departure of the train. Other packages and goods sent under this tariff are generally forwarded on the evening of the day they have been accepted. They are delivered to “domicile,” in towns where there are cartage arrangements, within six hours of the arrival (night hours excluded), and provided this be not prevented by glut of traffic.

The rates of this Tariff include the loading charges, booking, and delivery to “domicile,” but not collection.

Tariff No. 3 applies to goods traffic, and is divided into four classes according to the nature and value of the goods as well as to other considerations.

All goods not specified are charged at the first-class rate (the highest), with a minimum of 400 kilos. (8 cwt.), as also are all consignments of goods, irrespective of class, the weight of which is less than 5 tons, unless it is more advantageous to pay as for 5 tons at the rate fixed for consignments of that weight. The exceptions are:—Empty vehicles used at fairs the minimum charge for which is as for 4,000 kilos. (4 tons) each. Flax and Hemp (raw), 4,000 kilos. (4 tons) per truck.

The minimum charges for the 2nd and 3rd classes are as for 5,000 kilos. (5 tons), and for the 4th class 10,000 kilos. (10 tons). Consignments under 10 tons are charged 3rd class rate, unless they pay as for 10 tons 4th class. The exceptions are for mining timber, which is charged at 4th class rate, with a minimum of 5,000 kilos. (5 tons). Above the minimum weights, fractions of 10 kilos. (22 lbs.) are charged as 10 kilos. Goods sent in bulk are accepted only in lots of 5,000 kilos. (5 tons) for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Classes, and in lots of 10,000 kilos (10 tons) for the 4th Class.

If a consignment, carried under the conditions of Tariff No. 3, consists of goods of different classes, the highest of such classes is charged for the whole consignment.

Goods of the 4th class are carried in open trucks only; but if, at the request of the consignors, they are carried in box or covered trucks, they are charged at 3rd class rate unless the consignor himself supplies the tarpaulin, or pays for hire thereof at the rate of 2 frs. (1s. 7d.) each. Tarpaulins provided by Consignors are returned free of charge, except 5d. for booking fee.

In the case of a sender requiring three trucks, he must give two full days’ notice to the railway of such requirement.

Provided forwarding be not prevented by a glut of traffic, consignments forwarded under this tariff are due at the arriving station three full days after acceptance. Another full day is required if the goods have to be carted to “domicile.”

Bulky goods weighing less than 200 kilos. per cubic metre, are charged 50 per cent. in addition to the ordinary rate, with a minimum of 200 kilos. per cubic metre, or half the tonnage capacity of the truck used; the exceptions to the rule being in favour of

1. Flax and hemp, raw, the maximum charge for which is 4 tons for a truck of 10 tons capacity.

2. Eggs, wool (except combed or carded), sheep skins, cotton and wool waste, oakum, flax and waste thereof pressed in bales or bundles, and live plants, which are charged at actual weights.

Goods sent in full truck loads may be loaded and unloaded at option by Senders and Consignees respectively, but if loaded by Senders they must be unloaded and carted by Consignees. Consignments under 5 tons and goods insured against damage or loss must in all cases be loaded and unloaded by the Railway.

The charge made by the Railway for loading and unloading is 10d. per ton of 1,000 kilos. If cranes or other loading appliances belonging to the Railway are used by Consignor or Consignee, a charge of 3d. per ton is made for their use.

The Railways on demand will verify the weight of the consignment as far as the appliances of the station will admit, a charge of franc 0.05 per 100 kilos. being made if the difference in the declared weight does not exceed 2 per cent. and the original charges are maintained.

Tariff No. 4 applies to the conveyance of Bullion, Bonds, Bank-notes, Title Deeds, &c., a false declaration of which, either in regard to weight, value, or nature of contents, is considered a fraud.

Carriage is charged upon 1,000 francs (£40) in value, any fraction of which sum is charged as for 1,000 francs, but if the charge so calculated is lower than it would be under the conditions of Tariff No. 2 the latter will be charged.

Additional services, viz., loading, unloading, booking and delivery to “domicile,” are included in the Tariff Rates.

Tariff No. 5 applies to carriages forwarded by Passenger Train; but at the option of the Sender, Carriages, as also Vans, Carts, Omnibuses, Tramway Cars, Engines and Threshing Machines, can be sent by Goods Train at the 2nd Class rate of Tariff No. 3, the minimum weight being:—

For  1  Vehicle—in pieces or on wheels—on one Truck 2,500 kilos.
 ”  2  Vehicles  ”     ”     ”     4,000 ”
 ”  3  ”     ”     ”      ”    5,500 ”
 ”  4  ”     ”     ”      ”    7,000 ”

Vans, Carts, Omnibuses, &c., can also be charged at the 1st Class rate of Tariff No. 3, with 50 per cent. added as for bulky goods, if the latter is more advantageous to the Sender.

Loading and unloading are included in the Passenger Train rate, but are performed at Sender’s risk. In the case of Goods Train, those services are performed at the risk and expense of the Owner.

Carriages conveyed in covered Trucks specially provided for such traffic are charged 25 per cent. over and above the Ordinary rates, both by Passenger and Goods Train.

Tariff No. 6 applies to Horses, Cattle and Dogs. Cattle is carried exclusively by Goods Train; Horses, Colts, Mules and Ponies are admitted for conveyance by Passenger Trains (Express Trains excepted), only in the two following cases, viz.:—

a. When the distance of the journey is 75 kilometres (46 miles) or more.

b. When the departure and arrival stations form the extreme points between which the Train runs.

The minimum charge for Horses, Colts, Mules or Ponies by Passenger Train is as for three heads.

The Goods Train rates are divided into three categories, viz.:—