GPO prepares for mechanized parcel post
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• New steps in handling of parcel mail are to be taken by the Post Office in preparation for the concentrated mechanized parcel post service of the mid-1970s.
They involve trials of a new type of wheeled container with an aluminium bodywork that can be adjusted in height; and consideration of a modified version of this container to provide greater parcel capacity following recommendations resulting from detailed costing studies made by a combined team of engineers and researchers of METRA Consulting Group Ltd.
The consultant's recommendation on the type of container to use is very much in line with the GPO's own design which is about to be introduced on trials. The Post Office has placed initial orders for 150 of these and may order more if the trials are successful.
The GPO containers have a wheeled base 4ft 6in, long and 3ft wide and an aluminium bodywork that can be adjusted in height from 5ft 6in, to go into express parcel trains. to 6ft 9in. to fit into rreightliner containers. With lid closed to make the height 5ft 6in. each container has 40 cu. ft. of parcel space; and with lid open to form higher sides there is 57 cu. ft. of space.
By enlarging it within the wheel base dimensions and height requirements, the METRA-recommended container would have a 46 cu. ft. capacity at 5ft 6in. and 66 Cu. ft at 6ft. Sin.
Trials are to be made with the Post Office-designed containers in the Gloucester. Liverpool and London areas.
The suppliers of the first 150 aluminium, wheeled containers are Henry Bugden Vehicles, of Hove, Sussex, and Warwick Production Ltd, of Warwick.