Screen Mail Trucks

In 1921, the Post Office Department began to regulate its fleet. They focused on three car companies for the design of their vehicles: Ford Motor Company, Commerce, and White Motor Company. Ford trucks eventually became the dominant vehicle in the fleet. Screen mail trucks were developed during the 1920s, having the interior enclosed in a protective cage. These trucks were in use through the 1920s and 1930s and even into the 1940s, although during the Depression and WWII years, new vehicles were not produces. Thus, wear and tear is visible as the trucks become older.

The image on the left is most likely an early truck than those in the image on the right. The later vehicles are becoming larger and the wheels become wider and sturdier.

Screen Mail Trucks: Images courtesy of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum online exhibit