Carrier envelope mail
A blast from the past!
Carrier envelope mail, also known as "carriers" or "carrier mail," refers to a type of mail that was commonly used in the United States and other countries before the widespread use of email and online bill pay.
A carrier envelope was a pre-addressed envelope that was sent to a customer by a business or organization, usually containing a bill, invoice, or other type of correspondence. The envelope was typically printed with the company's logo and return address, and the customer's name and address were printed on the envelope as well.
Carriers were often used for routine transactions, such as:
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, etc.)
- Credit card statements
- Bank statements
- Insurance premiums
- Magazine subscriptions
- Catalogs and brochures
The carrier envelope was a convenient way for businesses to send regular correspondence to their customers, as it eliminated the need for customers to keep track of multiple bills and statements. It also allowed businesses to include additional information, such as promotional materials or special offers, with the bill.
However, with the rise of online banking, bill pay, and digital communication, the use of carrier envelopes has declined significantly. Many businesses now prefer to send electronic statements and bills, which are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.