Royal mail postal tube

A Royal Mail postal tube!

A postal tube, also known as a postal tube or tube mail, is a cylindrical container used by Royal Mail (the UK's postal service) to transport mail and packages. Here are some interesting facts about Royal Mail postal tubes:

  1. Standard size: Royal Mail postal tubes come in standard sizes, ranging from 10 inches (25 cm) to 36 inches (91 cm) in length, with diameters of 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 2 inches (5 cm).
  2. Material: The tubes are made of cardboard or plastic, with a sturdy construction to protect the contents during transit.
  3. Sealing: The tubes have a flap at one end that can be sealed with a sticker or tape to prevent contents from falling out during transport.
  4. Weight capacity: The weight capacity of a postal tube varies depending on its size, but generally, it can hold up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of mail or packages.
  5. Use: Postal tubes are commonly used for sending items that are too large or irregularly shaped for standard envelopes, such as posters, prints, maps, and documents.
  6. Tracking: Royal Mail tracks postal tubes using a unique barcode, allowing customers to track their items online.
  7. Cost: The cost of sending a postal tube depends on the size, weight, and destination of the item. You can check the Royal Mail website for the latest pricing information.
  8. Security: Postal tubes are designed to be secure, with tamper-evident seals and tracking information to prevent loss or theft.
  9. Environmentally friendly: Royal Mail aims to reduce its environmental impact by using recyclable materials for its postal tubes and encouraging customers to reuse them whenever possible.
  10. History: The concept of postal tubes dates back to the 19th century, when the first postal tubes were used in the UK to transport mail and packages. Today, Royal Mail uses millions of postal tubes every year to deliver mail and packages across the UK and internationally.

Overall, Royal Mail postal tubes are an essential part of the UK's postal system, providing a convenient and secure way to send large or irregularly shaped items.