Files and documents (shipping method)

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In the German postal system , the special type of mail and documents appeared at the beginning of the 18th century . The fees for this were structured as for letters , but had wider weight zones. In Prussia in 1717 such an item cost double the postage for up to 4 lots, nine times the postage from ½ to 1 pound, and over 40 pounds a postage more. These letters belonged to the driving mail.

At the Westphälische Post in 1808, files were a third cheaper than consignments of goods . From 1810 onwards, mail items could be sent at a rate of 30 to 30 g for half the postage fee.

The Prussian Post-Tax-Regulativ of December 18, 1824 required the postage fee for files up to 2 lots and increased each 4 lots by an additional postage fee. From 24 lots to 1 pound 6 times and up to 2 lots seven times the postage fee.

From 1827 the maximum weight was set at 16 lots (four times the postage fee), above which the double package fee was applied. Since 1825, the package fee for 1 pound and 5 miles has been 3 pfennigs, a minimum fee of up to 4 pounds double postage, over 4 pounds triple postage, with express mail + 50%, the single accompanying letter ( parcel card ) was free.

In 1848 the file tax was abolished and they could be transported according to the parcel tariff. The package fee per 1 pound and 5 miles 2, for rail transport 1½ pfennigs, minimum fee = double the postage fee, the single accompanying letter (package card) was still free.

It was not until 1920 that the postal regulations of the Reichspost dealt with postage-paid , official file letters from authorities over 250 to 500 g that were approved as mail. They were subject to mandatory franking, could be franked with ordinary postage stamps or with official stamps or (in Württemberg) with district stamps . File letters that were not or insufficiently franked had to be returned, otherwise they were subject to the package fee. Postage over 250 to 500 g at 5 Reichsmarks. As of March 1, 1923, they cease to be a special mail item.