erally used is one 60-lb. sheet, basis 24" x 36"-480, saturated with a waterproof compound, or two 30-lb. sheets cemented together with a waterproof compound. Various waterproof compounds have been used, including wax and asphaltum. The compound which is used, however, should be capable of rendering the sheet thoroughly waterproof, and should not be of a character which will penetrate through the paper and stain the contents of the bale. Two sheets are generally used, one over the top and one over the bottom of the bale, and they should be of sufficient length and width to lap several inches on the sides and ends. Bales containing very valuable material or material very susceptible to damage, are often lined with 4 or even 6 sheets to insure perfect protection. CHAPTER IV PRACTICAL NOTES ON EXPORT SHIPPING BY M. C. FITZ GERALD, Manager of Transportation, General Electric Company. I N the belief that some of our brother manufacturers may find interest and perhaps value in some of the practical methods which we have adopted and standardized for the packing and shipping of electrical apparatus and supplies, I here present some principles to be observed in connection with the construction of the containers, their markings and the arrangement of the materials inside the containers. The General Electric Company operates on the principle that "The order has not been completed until the customer is satisfied." We have tried to place ourselves in the position of the customer or consignee. We have studied the conditions of transportation, in at least three ways: first, as reported by our agents and customers-second, as reported by the United States Consuls both to Washington as well as direct to ourselves, and third, by the reports of our construction men and commercial men who are traveling the four quarters of the globe. The result of these studies has forced us to the conclusion that the two principal features in successful export shipping are the container and its markings. They are of about equal importance and to slight either one of these is likely to disappoint our good customers. Between factory and destination many things can happen unless proper provisions are made; and either a faulty container or inadequate markings may result in the following: 1-Refusal by the steamship company to ac cept the shipment, 2 The destruction or loss of material in the cargo aboard ship, 3-The destruction or loss of material be- 4-Accident or loss while lying on the piers, In getting material safely into the hands of the customer regardless of exposure, rough handling and delays and regardless of the different languages spoken by the employees of the carrying companies en route, we feel we have been quite successful. The following notes represent good average procedure. Containers. In determining the size and weight of containers for miscellaneous shipping, we try to adhere as closely as possible to a maximum gross weight of 300 lbs. and a maximum measurement of 2' x 2' x 3'. In both domestic as well as export shipping, less difficulties are encountered with the above size and weight. However, there are, of course, a great many pieces of apparatus of much heavier weight and requiring much larger cases. Note, for example, reproduction of photograph No. 19, page 87. The gross weight of this case is 37,410 pounds, the net weight 31,200 pounds. The case measures 113 inches by 73 inches by 217 inches. As to details of container construction, valuable data have been compiled by the United States Forest Products Laboratory at Madison, Wisconsin, and the War Department.1 In no particular do the reproductions of photographs which accompany this chapter require more careful observation and study than in the evidence of the great care which has been taken so to strengthen the boxes as The essential features of the bulletins here in question are reprinted in Chapter V. (19) CASE CONTAINING TOP HALF ARMATURE. Note notches cut for slings, ventilating holes, band iron stretched tight nailed from 4 to 6 inches. Shipping marks appear on two sides of case which weighs gross 37,410 lbs., net 31,200 lbs. Height 113", width 73", length 217". (20 and 21) CASE OF UNUSUALLY RUGGED CONSTRUCTION. (Left) Side view of case. Thickness and class of lumber varies according to weight and nature of contents. Capable of withstanding all sorts of hardships even in transit. (Right) End view of the same case. |