At a time when messages sent across the globe are delivered in an instant, one would think that the traditional mail “is dead.” However, this tried and tested method of reaching out to others is far from being obsolete as evident by the number of postage services that are still around to this day.
If you are from a generation that didn’t rely on emails and the post-service that much, you might not be familiar with how it works. The service may seem rather obsolete and unnecessary now but keep in mind that without it, texts, instant messaging, and emails might not exist today as mails were their origin point.
It’s good to look back and understand the importance of a post office. That’s why we’re here to talk about what it is, and how it works.
What Is A Post Office?
By definition, a post office is a branch of the government or an agency that handles the transmission of mail. Aside from being the drop-off point of mails, post offices are also tasked with distributing mails to their rightful receivers. It was a vital service back when emails and instant messaging weren’t a thing yet.
Post offices are scattered throughout key cities which makes it very easy to reach out to anyone through them. In the last couple of years, they have incorporated new techniques and technologies to make the process more seamless.
With regards to whether or not we should consider post office services as being dead, the reality is far from that. Millions of post services are still operational worldwide. With the use of new technologies, they’ve become a preferred method for sending documents as well.
How Does It Work?
The simple yet intricate process of the post office starts at the moment you write a letter. Be it a plain letter or a package, it is important that you are very detailed when it comes to the address. This means including all important details such as the zip code and street names.
Some postal services actually offer to pick up the mail or the package at your doorstep. Such services come at an extra fee of course but what you get in return is added convenience. Traditionally though, you have to drop off the letter or the package at the postal office that’s near you.
From there, the post office will begin sorting out the mail. Back in the old days, this was done manually meaning it took a lot of time to get mail delivered. Sorting the mail usually takes longer than the actual delivery process itself. That all changed with the franking machine incorporated a more seamless way to organize mails and packages.
This special machine is used to process huge volumes of mail in a short amount of time. This machine is vital in a modern post office which is why offices should invest in it. So, how much does a franking machine cost, and is it really worth it? For postal services that don’t want to lag behind, it is a good investment.
The cost of a franking machine varies depending on the machine and it’s usually a big investment. However, considering what you save on manual services and stamps, franking machines will pay off within a few months after purchase.
Once the mail is sorted out, they either get delivered to a central hub for the post office or they get directed to a delivery man directly. This depends on whether or not the mail or package is addressed to somewhere far off. If the mail or package is addressed to someone within the city, it can be delivered immediately.
However, if the package or mail is to be delivered somewhere far off, the post office needs to direct it to a central hub first. There, it will be sorted along with deliveries that are nearby so that the delivery service to send the mail can approach the deliveries systematically.
It’s a simple process that’s made easier thanks to the emergence of new tools and technology that make it faster and more accurate. Despite the emergence of emails, instant messaging, and courier services, the post office is still a prime delivery option for most people.
The post office still serves a key part of our lives and it’s hard to imagine how things are going to be without them. As the industry continues to receive more upgrades and technologies that help improve it, we can expect postal services to thrive regardless of how advanced the era has become.
