In the fourth place, there were in the United States in 1917 some 55,000
post offices. The number of express offices is not definitely known, but
it is probably in the neighborhood of 40,000. The possibilities of
saving by cooperation and consolidation here are again obvious,
particularly when it is remembered that a large section of the
activities of practically every post office is given over to handling
packages mailed under the parcel-post. Especially in many smaller cities
and towns, post offices could handle with little increased cost the
business now requiring separate express offices in those localities.
Where post office facilities are inadequate to handle the demand now
being made upon them, the present express company offices might readily
serve to save the cost of additional construction and facilities in the
future. The amount of rental saved merely by the consolidation of many
different express offices may be indicated by reference to the recent
experience of the Railroad Administration in a parallel situation.
Similarly, there is possible an extensive consolidation and economizing
in stables and garages, office furniture and supplies.