Mail room trolley

The mail room trolley! A nostalgic and iconic symbol of postal services around the world.

A mail room trolley, also known as a mail cart or mail van, is a vehicle designed to transport mail and packages within a postal facility or between postal facilities. These trolleys are typically used to move large volumes of mail and packages between different areas of a post office, such as from the sorting room to the delivery area.

Here are some interesting facts about mail room trolleys:

  1. Design and construction: Mail room trolleys are custom-built to withstand the rigors of daily use and harsh postal environments. They are often made of durable materials like steel, aluminum, or fiberglass.
  2. Capacity: Mail room trolleys can carry a significant amount of mail and packages, ranging from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the size and design of the trolley.
  3. Features: Modern mail room trolleys often come equipped with features like shelves, bins, and compartments to organize and secure mail and packages during transport. Some trolleys may also have features like hydraulic lifts or ramps to facilitate loading and unloading.
  4. Types: There are different types of mail room trolleys, including:
    • Electric trolleys: Powered by electricity, these trolleys are often used in larger postal facilities.
    • Gas-powered trolleys: These trolleys are powered by gasoline or propane and are commonly used in smaller postal facilities or rural areas.
    • Manual trolleys: Push-pull trolleys that require human power to operate.
  5. History: The concept of mail room trolleys dates back to the early days of postal services. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, postal services began using horse-drawn carts and later, motorized vehicles to transport mail.
  6. Maintenance: Mail room trolleys require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good working condition. This includes tasks like cleaning, lubricating, and performing routine inspections.

Overall, mail room trolleys play a vital role in the efficient and timely delivery of mail and packages. They are an essential part of the postal infrastructure, and their design and functionality have evolved over time to meet the changing needs of postal services.