Introducing the Parcel Post system in the United States was a transformative event that revolutionized the shipping industry and impacted everyday life in America. It made the delivery of packages more affordable and accessible, leading to a boom in mail-order businesses and significantly changing the way Americans shopped and communicated.

• Dates: The Parcel Post system was introduced in the United States on January 1, 1913.
• Details: Before the introduction of Parcel Post, package delivery was handled by private shipping companies, which charged high rates and often had limited reach. Parcel Post was a new United States Post Office Department division that allowed for shipping packages weighing up to 11 pounds at more affordable rates. The system divided the country into eight postal zones, with shipping costs based on the distance between the sender and recipient. This new service made package delivery more accessible and cost-effective for the general public.
• Trivial Facts: The Parcel Post system inspired some peculiar events in its early days. One such event involved a couple from Idaho who mailed their 5-year-old daughter, May Pierstorff, to her grandparents in Oregon to save on shipping costs. She weighed 48.5 pounds and was sent as a “parcel” for 53 cents. Although this practice was not officially allowed, postal workers turned a blind eye to it. The Post Office Department eventually prohibited the mailing of people in 1920.
• Effects on Pop Culture: The introduction of the Parcel Post system profoundly impacted American society. The service enabled the growth of mail-order businesses like Sears, Roebuck & Co., and Montgomery Ward, which provided rural Americans access to various previously unavailable goods. This led to a shift in shopping habits and contributed to the rise of consumer culture. Parcel Post also played a significant role in the growth of other industries, such as the nursery and seed business. It even helped the Girl Scouts of America sell their famous cookies.
• Prominent People: The Parcel Post system was championed by Postmaster General Frank Harris Hitchcock, who advocated for its creation and oversaw its implementation.
• Countries Involved: Although the Parcel Post system was implemented in the United States, it influenced similar postal systems in other countries and became a model for efficient and affordable package delivery worldwide.

In summary, the introduction of the Parcel Post system in the United States in 1913 revolutionized the shipping industry and impacted American society. It made package delivery more accessible and affordable, leading to the growth of mail-order businesses and transforming the way people shopped and communicated. The Parcel Post system became an essential part of American life and remains integral to the country’s postal system.