Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rural Carriers Celebrate 100 Years

Rural delivery service has grown continually since it first began in Charles Town, Halltown, and Uvilla, West Virginia, in 1896. In fact, more that 25 million addresses in locations across America are served by rural routes. Rural routes no longer serve only isolated homesteads across barren wasteland. Indeed, rural routes may include deliveries to homes, farms, apartments, and shopping malls.

By these "Post Offices on Wheels," customers on these routes are afforded access to most of the postal services available at local post offices. Rural letter carriers not only sell stamps and money orders, but also accept and deliver registered, certified and insured mail, along with COD (cash on delivery) items, parcel post, Priority Mail, and Express Mail.

Ask your rural carrier or post office for a Stamp Purchase Order, a handy envelope for ordering stamps, post cards, and stamped envelope along with the form, the money order will be prepared and sent for you from the post office. You'll also get a receipt in the mail.

When leaving for vacation or other extended absences, prepare Form 8076, Authorization to Hold Mail, and we'll do so until your return. Then you can either pick up your mail or have it delivered. Here are some additional tips for making the most of your service:

File a written order with your carrier if you'd prefer that oversized parcels be left at your mailbox or other location, weather permitting.

If you receive notice to pick up a package requiring a signature at the post office, you may call and make arrangements for redelivery by your rural carrier.

Use your complete address, including route number, box number (or street number and name), city, state, and ZIP Code to ensure no delays.

Contact your rural carrier or postmaster before installing a new mailbox.

Apply rural box or house numbers at least one inch high.

Maintain a safe and clear approach to your mailbox at all times.

Keep the mailbox free of insects and other hazards.

Let your carrier know the names of everyone receiving mail at your box.

Help us celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Rural Free Delivery this fall by contacting your local post office and taking advantage of the many services available to rural customers. We are here to serve you the best of ouyr ability.