Australia mechanised mail sorting introduction

A fascinating topic!

In the early 20th century, Australia's postal service, the Postmaster-General's Department (PMG), recognized the need to modernize its mail sorting processes to keep pace with the growing volume of mail and the increasing demand for efficient and reliable postal services.

In the 1920s, the PMG began exploring the possibility of introducing mechanized mail sorting systems to Australia. At the time, mechanized sorting was a relatively new concept, pioneered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the British General Post Office (GPO).

In 1925, the PMG sent a delegation to the United States to study the USPS's mechanized sorting operations and to assess the feasibility of introducing similar systems in Australia. The delegation was impressed by the efficiency and speed of the USPS's mechanized sorting, which had reduced sorting times by up to 90%.

In 1927, the PMG decided to introduce mechanized mail sorting to Australia, starting with the installation of a mechanized sorting machine at the Melbourne General Post Office (GPO). The machine, manufactured by the American company, Pitney Bowes, was capable of sorting up to 10,000 letters per hour.

The introduction of mechanized mail sorting in Australia was a significant milestone in the country's postal history. It marked the beginning of a new era in postal efficiency, accuracy, and speed, and paved the way for the widespread adoption of mechanized sorting systems across the country.

Over the years, the PMG continued to upgrade and expand its mechanized sorting capabilities, introducing new machines and technologies to improve sorting speeds and accuracy. Today, Australia's postal service, now known as Australia Post, operates a modern and efficient mechanized sorting system, capable of processing millions of items per day.

Here are some key dates and milestones in the introduction of mechanized mail sorting in Australia:

• 1925: PMG delegation visits the United States to study mechanized sorting operations.
• 1927: First mechanized sorting machine installed at Melbourne GPO.
• 1930s: Mechanized sorting machines introduced at other major post offices, including Sydney and Brisbane.
• 1950s: Introduction of automated sorting machines, capable of sorting up to 20,000 items per hour.
• 1960s: Widespread adoption of mechanized sorting systems across Australia.
• 1980s: Introduction of computerized sorting systems, capable of processing millions of items per day.
• 1990s: Upgrade to modern, high-speed sorting machines, capable of processing up to 30,000 items per hour.

The introduction of mechanized mail sorting in Australia has had a significant impact on the country's postal service, enabling faster, more efficient, and more accurate processing of mail. It has also played a crucial role in shaping the country's communication infrastructure and facilitating the growth of e-commerce and online services.