As early as 1635 the messengers were allowed to carry parcels so long as their travelling was not thereby impeded,[436] and in 1652 a regular parcel service was in operation between Basel and Zurich, Schaffhausen, Lindau, and Ulm. In 1660 the Great Elector ordered that no parcels should thenceforward be carried by the posts free of postage. This may perhaps be taken as the origin of a recognized parcel post service in Prussia.[437]
The rates charged were at first based on the numerous diverse circumstances which governed the early letter rates.
They were increased in the event of any rise in the price of provender, and varied according to the mode of transmission and according as the parcels were sent by day or night, in fine weather or in bad weather.[438] In some cases the rate was varied according to the nature of the contents of the parcels.
In 1699 a tariff, under which the rates were regulated according to the distance and without reference to the mode of transmission, was established between certain offices in Prussia, and in 1712 this tariff was extended generally. The rate from Magdeburg to Stendal was 3 groschen per pound, to Leipzig 5 groschen per pound, and to Berlin 7 groschen per pound. In 1713 the summer and winter rates were abolished in Prussia. The rate for ordinary parcels from Berlin to Hamburg was 1 groschen per pound, from Berlin to Magdeburg 7 pf. per pound, from Berlin to Frankfort 4 pf. per pound, from Berlin to Leipzig 1 groschen per pound, etc. For provisions the rates were reduced by one-half, and for fancy goods the rates were doubled, a method of charge which gave rise to many practical difficulties.
In Saxony, by an ordinance of the 27th July 1713, parcels were divided into four classes, as follows:—
1. Packets of Documents (Akten-Pakete). The letter rate was applied to these in the following manner:—
| 1-4 | pound parcels were charged as | 2½ | ounces |
| 4-6 | " | 3 | " |
| 6-8 | " | 5 | " |
2. Money and fancy goods—
| For the value of | |||||
| 1-3 | miles | 100 | thaler current | 2 | groschen |
| 4-6 | " | 100 | " | 3 | " |
| 7-9 | " | 100 | " | 4 | " |
and so on up to 30 miles. (Note.—Distances are given in German miles throughout.)