Franked mail meaning
Franked mail refers to mail that has been pre-paid and pre-stamped with a postage stamp or a franking mark, indicating that it has been paid for by the sender. The term "franked" comes from the Old French word "franc," meaning "free" or "unpaid."
In the past, franked mail was commonly used by government officials, politicians, and other individuals who received a certain amount of free postage as part of their job or position. This allowed them to send mail without having to pay for the postage themselves.
Today, franked mail is still used in some countries, although it is less common than it once was. In the United States, for example, franked mail is typically used by government officials, such as members of Congress, to send official correspondence and documents.
Franked mail is usually marked with a special stamp or franking mark that indicates it has been paid for by the sender. This mark is often a rubber stamp or a printed label that is applied to the envelope or package. The franking mark may include the sender's name, title, or other identifying information.
Some common types of franked mail include:
- Official mail: This type of mail is sent by government officials, such as members of Congress, to conduct official business.
- Diplomatic mail: This type of mail is sent by diplomats and other government officials to conduct official business abroad.
- Business reply mail: This type of mail is sent by businesses to customers or clients, and is often pre-paid and pre-stamped.
- Charity mail: Some charities and non-profit organizations may use franked mail to send solicitations or other materials to their supporters.
Overall, franked mail is a way for senders to pre-pay for postage and have their mail marked with a special franking mark, indicating that it has been paid for by the sender.