Method and system for collecting and processing qualified and unqualified pre-sorted rated mail and courier envelopes and packages using a multi-use drop box system

摘要

A method and system for collecting and processing pre-sorted mail, courier envelopes and small packages and non-metered mail using a multi-use drop box. A single drop box system is used to receive pre-sorted mail that is pre-posted with the pre-sort rate by the customer. These customers may be either qualified or unqualified for a pre-sort rate but the pre-sort mail will be pooled together by the operator and processed by a pre-sort mailing company. Multi-use drop boxes are placed in convenient locations for the customers that are using the services provided by the multi-use drop box system. The multi-use drop boxes are collected from on a scheduled basis by the operator. The operator opens the multi-use drop box and separates the courier envelopes and packages from the pre-sort mail and sorts each into separate holding containers for each company. The separate containers are then delivered to a central facility of the pre-sort mail bureau and a central facility for each courier company. Revenues are received by the operator from the courier companies for pieces delivered to their central facility, and revenues are received by the operator from the pre-sort mail company for pre-sorted mail delivered to their central facility by the operator.