How does mail get sorted

The process of sorting mail is a complex and highly automated process that involves several steps. Here's an overview of how it works:

Step 1: Sorting at the Post Office

When you mail a letter or package, it is taken to a post office or a mail processing facility. The mail is then sorted into different categories based on its destination, such as:

• Local mail: Mail that is destined for the same city or region as the post office.
• Regional mail: Mail that is destined for a different region or state.
• National mail: Mail that is destined for a different state or country.

Step 2: Optical Character Reader (OCR) Scanning

The mail is then scanned using an Optical Character Reader (OCR) machine. The OCR machine reads the address on the envelope or package and converts it into a digital format. This allows the mail to be sorted electronically.

Step 3: Automated Processing

The scanned mail is then fed into an automated processing system, which sorts the mail based on its destination. This system uses a combination of conveyor belts, scanners, and sorting machines to sort the mail.

Step 4: Barcode Sorting

The mail is then sorted using barcodes. Each piece of mail has a unique barcode that corresponds to its destination. The sorting machines read the barcodes and sort the mail accordingly.

Step 5: Destination Sorting

The mail is then sorted by destination, which means it is sorted by the zip code or postal code of the recipient. This is done using a combination of conveyor belts and sorting machines.

Step 6: Final Sorting

The mail is then sorted one last time to ensure that it is going to the correct location. This is done using a combination of conveyor belts and sorting machines.

Step 7: Delivery

The sorted mail is then loaded onto trucks or planes and transported to its final destination. The mail is then delivered to the recipient's mailbox or doorstep.

Automation and Technology

Modern mail sorting facilities use a range of automation and technology to speed up the sorting process. Some of the technologies used include:

• Automated Package Processing (APP) machines, which can sort packages at a rate of up to 20,000 per hour.
• Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb), which allow for more accurate tracking and sorting of mail.
• Optical Character Readers (OCR), which can read and sort mail at a rate of up to 10,000 pieces per hour.
• Barcode Sorters, which can sort mail based on its barcode.

Overall, the process of sorting mail is a complex and highly automated process that relies on a combination of technology and human labor to ensure that mail is delivered efficiently and accurately.