Historic Congressional Report on Transportation Policy Released by GovInfo.gov
Washington D.C. – A significant document from the archives of the United States Congress, S. Rept. 75-1768, titled “Long and Short Haul,” has been made publicly available through GovInfo.gov. The report, originally ordered to be printed on April 20, 1938 (with a calendar day reference of May 10), marks a key moment in the nation’s consideration of transportation infrastructure and regulation. Its release on August 15, 2025, at 18:01, provides researchers, policymakers, and the public with valuable insights into the transportation challenges and debates of the late 1930s.
The “Long and Short Haul” report originates from the 75th Congress and likely delves into the complexities of railroad rate structures and their impact on competition and commerce. In the era it was produced, the “long and short haul” principle was a fundamental aspect of railroad regulation. This principle generally stipulated that a carrier should not charge more for a shorter haul than for a longer haul over the same line, even if the longer haul included the shorter one. However, exceptions and discussions surrounding the fairness and economic viability of these rules were frequent.
The timing of this report, released during a period of economic recovery following the Great Depression and amidst evolving transportation technologies like trucking and aviation, suggests that the “Long and Short Haul” discussion was likely intertwined with broader questions about how to best support and regulate the nation’s burgeoning transportation network. It may have addressed issues such as:
- Rate Discrimination: Examining whether the long and short haul rules effectively prevented unfair pricing practices or hindered economic development by creating artificial barriers.
- Competition: Analyzing the competitive landscape between railroads and other emerging modes of transport, and how rate policies influenced this dynamic.
- Economic Impact: Assessing the effects of these regulations on businesses, consumers, and regional economies.
- Government Oversight: Discussing the role of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) or other regulatory bodies in setting and enforcing transportation rates.
The availability of this report on GovInfo.gov, the official repository for U.S. government publications, is a testament to the commitment to transparency and public access to historical records. It allows for a deeper understanding of the historical context that shaped modern transportation policy. Researchers interested in the evolution of transportation economics, regulatory history, or the legislative processes of the 1930s will find this document invaluable.
The release of S. Rept. 75-1768 serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of analyzing past policy decisions to inform present-day challenges. As the nation continues to grapple with the future of infrastructure and transportation, understanding the historical debates surrounding issues like the “long and short haul” can offer valuable perspectives and lessons learned. The public is encouraged to explore this and other historical documents available on GovInfo.gov.
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govinfo.gov Congressional SerialSet published ‘S. Rept. 75-1768 – Long and short haul. April 20 (calendar day, May 10), 1938. — Ordered to be printed’ at 2025-08-15 18:01. Please write a detaile d article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.