Abstract
The use of wheeled containers was originally proposed by the Post Office in 1962, for handling parcels between major centres with conventional Post Office road vehicles. Subsequent development has produced much improved interim designs suitable for transport by rail and by I.S.O. type containers as well as by road vehicles. Mechanical handling devices for containers and the problems associated with their development are reviewed. In 1967 a plan was formulated for the modernization of the parcels system including the replacement of mail bags by containers. It was decided to carry out a design study on a countrywide basis, with the intention, using a computor programme, of producing container designs capable of meeting all the requirements, including the bulk transport of letters by container. Progress of the study to date is described.
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