Postboxes, especially in Poland, may have different markings that are not always understandable to everyone. 1 of the most common symbols is the letter ‘R’ placed on the mailbox. What precisely does this symbol mean, and why is it important? This article explains the meaning of this letter and its application in practice.
R on the mailbox – what precisely does that mean?
Letter ‘R’ in the mailbox is simply a sign related to registered consignments. In English, “R” comes from the word “R”registered‘recommended’. In Poland, this designation is utilized to indicate that the box in question allows the reception of registered consignments, specified as registered letters, which require confirmation of receipt.
Consigned shipments are a peculiar kind of correspondence that gives the sender a warrant that the letter or package will be sent to the recipient and the recipient will confirm receipt. This is peculiarly applicable for authoritative documents, contracts, calls for payment or judicial shipments.
Why is “R” crucial in mailboxes?
Boxes marked with the letter ‘R’ shall be utilized in cases where the postman cannot deliver the consignment straight to the addressee. This allows the recipient to subsequently receive the letter at the appropriate post office or via the avation procedure.
The ‘R’ is intended to:
- Communication to the mailmanThat in this box you can leave an aviso for a registered shipment.
- Facilitating mailing, due to the fact that it identifies boxes intended for handling recommended correspondence.
- Security – recommended consignments are protected from failure by the anticipation of monitoring them.
How does receiving recommended shipments work in practice?
If the registered letter is not delivered to the recipient's own hands, the mailman places it in the mailbox so-called. aviso. Aviso is simply a notification of an effort to deliver the consignment and of where and erstwhile it can be received. In most cases these are Polish Post Offices, but in fresh years shipments are besides increasingly sent to parcel vending machines, specified as Polish Post Office boxes.
The reception of the registered consignment shall require the presentation of an identity paper and the consignment number or avis code. In the case of power of attorney, another individual may be authorised to receive correspondence.

Modern solutions and "R" boxes
In the era of digitization and automation of postal services, Polish Post introduces fresh solutions specified as e-aviso. This allows customers to receive notifications of registered mails on their telephone or e-mail, which importantly facilitates the management of correspondence.
Moreover, more and more people decide to usage dedicated services, specified as post boxes in banks or online mailboxes, which replace conventional boxes with “R”.
Curiosities about registered shipments in Poland
- How many registered shipments does Poczta Polska serve?
According to data from 2023, the Polish Post Serviced About 90 million registered consignmentswhich shows how popular this form of correspondence is in the country. - How long are the packages stored?
Consignments are stored in the post office by 14 days from the date of avisation. If the recipient does not choice them up, they return to the sender. - Can you check the position of your online recommended shipment?
Yes, the Polish Post Office offers the ability to track consignments registered utilizing the number given on the confirmation of the broadcast. This service is available on the Polish Post Office website.
The word "R" on the mailbox is not only a simple symbol, but besides an crucial part of the strategy of transportation of registered correspondence. It facilitates the work of mailmen, ensures the safety of shipments and informs the recipients of the anticipation of receiving registered letters. If you regularly receive registered correspondence, it is worth making certain that your mailbox is decently marked and adapted for handling specified shipments.
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What does R mean on the mailbox? The Answer You request to Know