The Evolution of Air Mail Service: From Post Office Planes to Private Carriers

The history of air mail service in the United States is a testament to the intricate evolution of transportation and postal services over the past century. While the US Post Office once operated its own airplanes, providing airmail service during a critical period in aviation history, it eventually transitioned to the now widespread use of private carriers.

Early Post Office Airplanes

Between 1918 and 1926, the US Post Office operated its fleet of airplanes, primarily using the Modified DH-4. This period saw the foundation laid for air mail service in the country. These early planes played a crucial role in providing reliable transportation for postal service.

The Shift to Private Carriers

In 1926, the Airmail Act of 1925 took effect, which allowed the Postal Department to contract air mail services to private carriers. This act was a direct response to the railroad industry's complaints about the Post Office's monopoly on carrying mail by air. Within a short period, several companies emerged to provide these services, including the Robertson Aircraft Corporation (RAC), for which a famous pilot, Charles Lindbergh, worked.

The Robertson Aircraft Corporation (RAC) began experimenting with passenger services in 1927, recognizing the potential for revenue beyond just carrying mail. This venture eventually led to the formation of Braniff International Airways. Other airmail carriers, such as those that became United Airlines and Eastern Airlines, also emerged in the late 1920s and 1930s.

The Impact on Railroads

The Airmail Act of 1925 aimed to support the railroads by undercutting the government's monopoly on flying mail. However, the expansion of air mail services had unforeseen consequences for the railroad industry. As the capacity and reliability of airplanes improved, they began to take over more and more passenger traffic, contributing to the decline of long-distance rail travel in the United States by the mid-20th century.

Leased Airplanes and Publicity

From 1926 onwards, the Post Office Department contracted with private operators for air mail, often with a condition to operate under the USPS paint scheme. These arrangements were intended for publicity purposes, highlighting the importance of air mail services to the public. For a brief period, these airplanes flew in USPS livery, though they were formally owned and operated by private companies under lease agreements.

The End of the Separate Air Mail Service

Domestic Air Mail as a separate service of the Postal Service effectively ended in October 1975 when the USPS policy required all first-class mail over 500 miles to be carried by air. This transition marked a significant shift towards a more unified and efficient mail delivery system.

International Air Mail, although significantly changed, continues to be a part of the modern postal service. The act of printing air mail stamps continued far into the 2010s, representing a tangible link to the golden age of air mail.

Today, the evolution of air mail service reflects the broader history of transportation in the United States, showcasing how public and private sectors interact to shape our mail and travel systems.