This is compilation of tables used to determine postal rates used by stores and manufacturers especially based in in Boston, Chicago and New York. There are also rates for other delivery services in the supplements that show what parcel postage/delivery cost over 100 years ago.  And it is far less than now!   While the cost of the service has risen over time, not unexpectedly, certain differences are notable,  Packages were wrapped and tied up with string. And insurance against loss was 25 cents for $100.  Why such a difference in the latter case?