small is beautiful; human powered vehicle . . .

neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers
from the swift completion of their appointed rounds . . .

yes, small is beautiful. a human powered vehicle, otherwise known as a united states postal service satchel delivery cart. these satchel delivery cart is typical of the carts used by u.s. postal service letter carriers in the late twentieth century and to the present date. the four-wheeled cart has a collapsible handle and front wheel brakes and the dark blue fabric mailbag is attached to the cart frame. please note the feet of the proud mail delivery person as i took this photo in sunset park, brooklyn in february of this year. a detail image from the satchel delivery cart, another day, another zip code, when the delivery person was taking a scheduled break; please note the exposed aluminum structure . . .

more information & images: smithsonian national postal museum