Page:The Reshaping of British Railways (Beeching Report).pdf/85

 Traffic involving the lower cost terminal facilities (i.e. private sidings) passes in higher wagon loadings and usually shows some margin over direct costs, except when in combination with one of the unfavourable terminal conditions at the other end of the transit.

Transit distance does not materially alter the general position stated although results are better at the longer distances.

The volume of wagon-load merchandise and minerals traffic which remains on rail and passes under the high terminal cost conditions is relatively very small.

Charges do not adequately reflect the effects of poor wagon loading, high cost terminal conditions, and infiation of costs by declining traffic.

Some more detailed conclusions relating to particular groups are given in the Report.