Royal mail packetpost

A fascinating topic!

Packetpost was a postal service operated by the Royal Mail in the United Kingdom from 1840 to 1870. It was a specialized service that allowed merchants and traders to send small packages, known as "packets," between major cities and towns in the UK.

Here are some interesting facts about Packetpost:

  1. Purpose: Packetpost was established to provide a faster and more reliable way for merchants to send small packages, such as textiles, machinery, and other goods, between major commercial centers.
  2. Network: The Packetpost network consisted of a series of routes that connected major cities and towns in the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool.
  3. Services: Packetpost offered several services, including:
    • Ordinary Packetpost: This was the standard service, which took around 3-5 days to deliver.
    • Express Packetpost: This was a faster service, which took around 1-2 days to deliver.
    • Parcel Post: This service was used for larger packages and took around 5-7 days to deliver.
  4. Packaging: Packages were typically wrapped in paper or cloth and sealed with wax or string. They were also marked with the sender's and recipient's addresses, as well as any relevant customs information.
  5. Rates: The cost of sending a packet depended on its weight, size, and destination. Rates varied from 1d to 10d (1-10 pence) per pound, with discounts available for larger packages.
  6. Competition: Packetpost faced competition from other postal services, such as the General Post Office (GPO) and private carriers like the London and North Western Railway.
  7. Decline: The Packetpost service declined in the late 19th century due to the rise of the General Post Office's parcel post service, which offered more competitive rates and a wider range of services.

Today, the Royal Mail still operates a parcel post service, but it is no longer called Packetpost. The service has evolved to include a range of options, including tracked and signed-for delivery, and is an essential part of the UK's logistics and e-commerce infrastructure.