The trunk lines in the early years of their existence were in the position of many other American business enterprises.

For the time being, they were more than competent to carry all the freight offered at competitive points.

Inasmuch as there was not enough to go around, they fought mercilessly for what business there was.

When a large individual shipper was prepared to guarantee them a certain amount of freight in return for special rates, they were obliged either to grant the rates or to lose the business.

Of course they submitted, and defended their submission as a measure of self-preservation.
No great intelligence is required to detect in this situation the evidence of a vicious circle.