Postal Transport

First a definition and distinction. Post or Mail? In Britain domestic items are sent by Post (hence the Post Office), but often more important or overseas items are often referred to as Mail (hence the Royal Mail and Air Mail). In France and other countries, the term Post or Poste is used, but in America it is usually Mail (hence US Mail). Here we have the story of the mails carried on wheels, from horse-drawn mail coaches to the railways and then motor transport by road. The internet and emails reduced the volume of letters carried by postal services in all countries, but the growth of e-commerce increased parcels traffic. Express delivery companies had always competed with the postal service in this sector, so we also look at carriage of parcels down the years by well-known names in the industry. The 21st century also saw a switch to forms of transport which caused less pollution; electricity and even pedal power. Most of our story relates to the UK, but with sidelights on practice in other countries.