"…Motor car[s] were likely to prove in the near future a mode of conveyance for letter and parcel mails which would be attended with advantage both as regards speed and economy."

Report of the Postmaster General, 1898

Prior to World War 1, the Post Office had relied on contractors to fulfil its road transport operations. This had allowed for competition between rival firms, in theory improving the price to the Post Office. Contracts were not cheap, however, and the volume of mail was still rising.

A few motor vehicles had already been purchased by the Post Office Stores Department, and the idea of acquiring more for postal operations was considered. There were worries that a state-owned transport fleet would cause a major increase in expenditure, not least in wages for drivers. For the time being, the idea of a large-scale motorised fleet was shelved.

A small number of motorcycles fitted with side carriers were purchased in 1914 for mail delivery. You can see one of these New Hudson combinations below. These were the true genesis of the Post Office motorised fleet. However, they proved to be underpowered and so four 'tri-cars' were also purchased.

The self-owned fleet grew slowly after this, with other vehicles introduced in discreet locations. But successful trials proved motor vehicles were the future, and that the Post Office could run its own.

Valuable lessons were learnt in these early days. Smaller types of postal and engineering vehicles had standard manufacturers' bodies modified to suit specific requirements. For the larger vehicles, special bodies were coach-built to a Royal Mail design and fitted to standard chassis.

Following World War 1 the situation had clearly changed. Thanks in part to the needs of war, advances had been made in vehicle technology and reliability.

In the 1920s a fleet of Fords became the first large-scale vehicle purchase to be used for postal operations. At this time, only Ford and Morris vehicles were mass-produced, and with a countrywide repair service available.

Purchasing American Fords was deemed unpatriotic in some quarters, so when Ford ceased manufacture of their T and TT Models in 1927, another supplier was sought. Morris was the obvious choice and their vehicles dominated the postal fleet until after World War 2.

Illustrations

Contracted parcels van, 1905

Vehicles owned prior to World War 1

New Hudson motorcycle combination