The History of Postal Delivery (Encore)

Tech Advances

The evolution of postal delivery has been significantly shaped by technological advancements. Gary Arndt highlights how the introduction of railroads, steamships, and later airmail revolutionized the speed and efficiency of mail delivery. These innovations not only facilitated faster communication but also expanded the scope of mail services beyond simple letter delivery. In 1957, the Canadian Postal Service's automated letter sorting machine marked a pivotal moment, capable of sorting 200,000 letters per hour, showcasing the impact of automation on postal systems 1.

The postal system may not be as important as it used to be, but that's only because we have something better, cheaper, and faster now.

--- Gary Arndt

Despite the decline in traditional mail, the rise of parcel delivery due to online shopping underscores the enduring relevance of postal networks 1.

   

Mail-Order

The growth of mail-order businesses leveraged the postal network to reach customers in remote areas. Gary Arndt explains how Aaron Montgomery Ward's 1872 mail-order catalog targeted farmers far from urban centers, setting a precedent for future businesses. By 1894, Sears, Roebuck and Company had expanded this concept with a 322-page catalog, eventually growing to 532 pages, offering a wide range of products, including entire houses 1.

You could literally order almost anything from them, including an entire house.

--- Gary Arndt

This mail-order boom necessitated the development of formalized addressing systems and postal codes, further enhancing the efficiency of postal services 1.