How do postmen sort mail

The process of sorting mail, also known as mail processing, involves several steps to ensure that letters and packages are delivered to the correct addresses. Here's an overview of how postmen sort mail:

  1. Mail Collection: Postmen collect mail from post offices, mailboxes, and other collection points.
  2. Sorting at the Post Office: Mail is taken to a post office, where it is sorted into different categories, such as:
    • Letters (first-class mail)
    • Packages (parcels)
    • Periodicals (newspapers, magazines)
    • Bulk mail (junk mail, catalogs)
  3. Optical Character Reader (OCR) Scanning: Mail is scanned using an OCR machine, which reads the addresses and extracts the information. This helps to automate the sorting process.
  4. Automated Sorting Machines: Mail is then fed into automated sorting machines, which use the OCR data to sort the mail into different bins based on the destination zip code, city, or state.
  5. Manual Sorting: Mail that cannot be sorted by machine is sorted manually by postal workers. This includes items with unclear or incomplete addresses, or those that require special handling (e.g., international mail).
  6. Barcoding: Mail is then barcoded with a unique identifier, which helps track the item's journey and ensures it is delivered to the correct address.
  7. Transportation: Sorted mail is then transported to a regional sorting facility or a delivery center.
  8. Final Sorting: At the delivery center, mail is sorted again based on the final destination, including the specific street address and zip code.
  9. Delivery: Mail is then delivered to the recipient's mailbox or doorstep by a postal carrier.

In addition to these steps, postmen may also use various tools and technologies to facilitate the sorting process, such as:

Overall, the sorting process involves a combination of automation and manual effort to ensure that mail is delivered efficiently and accurately to its intended destination.