The Best Postal Cologne Options For You

Cologne, the fourth-most populous city in Germany, is famous for its Eau de Cologne, which has been produced there since 1709. The term cologne has since become a generic term for scented perfumes or fragrances.

In Germany, postcodes were introduced in 1941, initially composed of two digits for parcel services. In 1993, the two separate postcode systems in the Federal Republic and the GDR were connected to form a single, uniform system, introducing the five-digit ZIP code. Areas near Cologne, Bonn, and Aachen begin with the digit 5 in their ZIP codes.

The Cologne Post was a daily paper published for the British Armed Forces from 1919 to 1929. Army Post Office S40 was established in Cologne in 1919 to provide postal support for the first British Army of the Rhine and was closed in 1929 when the force was withdrawn from Germany.

Cologne postal codes

Cologne, or Köln in German, is a city in Germany. The German postcode system was introduced in 1941 and was originally composed of two digits. In 1993, the two systems in the Federal Republic and the GDR were connected to form a single, uniform system, introducing the five-digit ZIP code. The first digit of the ZIP code defines the German zone, and the second number represents the region. Areas near Cologne, Bonn, and Aachen begin with "5". Cologne is divided into 9 boroughs (Stadtbezirke) and 85 districts (Stadtteile).

Shipping cologne

Shipping Domestically vs. Internationally

When shipping cologne, it is important to note that there are different regulations for domestic and international shipments. For example, in the United States, the USPS only allows cologne to be shipped domestically via ground transportation. In contrast, international shipments of cologne are not permitted by the USPS due to the hazardous nature of the product. Other carriers, such as DHL or FedEx, may be able to facilitate international shipments of cologne, but this will require special clearance and validation that the shipping company knows how to handle dangerous goods.

Packaging

When packaging cologne for shipping, it is crucial to use appropriate materials to prevent breakage and spills. Here are some key tips for packaging cologne:

• Use a sealed and leak-proof container to prevent leakage during transit.
• Wrap each bottle individually in bubble wrap or similar protective material.
• Use a sturdy and secure box with enough space for cushioning material such as packing peanuts or shredded paper.
• Include absorbent materials inside the box in case of any spills or leaks.
• Use strong adhesive tape to secure the package.
• Consider using two boxes, one slightly smaller than the other, to provide extra protection.

Carrier-Specific Rules

Different carriers have their own specific rules and guidelines for shipping cologne and other hazardous materials. Here are some key points to note:

• USPS: Any cologne containing alcohol can only be shipped domestically and must be sent via ground transportation. It cannot be shipped using air transportation.
• FedEx: FedEx requires all dangerous goods, including cologne, to be correctly identified, classified, packed, marked, labelled, and documented. They also provide dangerous goods package labels specifically designed for different types of hazardous goods.
• UPS: UPS may require a contract stating that the shipper is in compliance with ADR regulations when shipping hazardous goods. All packages must be properly sealed to prevent leakage, and the contents must be secured within the package.
• DHL: DHL has Dangerous Goods Experts who can guide shippers through their requirements and processes for shipping dangerous goods.

International Shipping Alternatives

If you are unable or unwilling to ship cologne internationally due to the restrictions on hazardous materials, there are a few alternatives to consider:

• Alcohol-free colognes: These products do not contain the hazardous component (alcohol) and can, therefore, be shipped internationally without the same restrictions.
• Distributor websites: Many cologne brands are licensed to send their products internationally because they have been certified to safely pack and ship these types of items.

The Cologne Post newspaper

The Cologne Post was a daily newspaper published for the British Armed Forces from 31 March 1919 to 17 January 1926. It was founded and managed by Captain William Edward Rolston of the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). The Cologne Post was an independent organisation, not financed with Army funds, and was printed in Cologne by Kölnische Volkszeitung.

After 17 January 1926, the newspaper continued as The Cologne Post and Wiesbaden Times from 28 January 1926 to 3 November 1929. There was also an Upper Silesian edition published from 17 June to 6 August 1921 in Oppeln for the British Forces in Upper Silesia.

Army Post Office S40 was established in Cologne, Germany, in 1919 to provide postal support for the first British Army of the Rhine (BAOR). The office was closed in 1929 when the force was withdrawn from Germany.

Cologne today

Cologne is the largest city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth-most populous city in Germany, with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million people in the Cologne-Bonn urban region. It is famous for Eau de Cologne, which has been produced in the city since 1709, and its medieval Cologne Cathedral, which was the world's tallest building from 1880 to 1890.

Cologne is a major cultural centre, boasting more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. It is also home to several institutions of higher education, including the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest and largest universities, and the German Sport University Cologne.

The city is well-known for its beer, called Kölsch, and its lively carnival, which includes street festivals, parades, and ice hockey, football, and boxing events.

Postal codes in Cologne

Postal codes were introduced in Germany in 1941, initially consisting of two digits for parcel services. In 1993, a uniform five-digit system was introduced, with the first digit representing the German zone and the second digit representing the region. Areas near Cologne begin with the digit "5".

Deutsche Post

The German postcode system was introduced in 1941, initially using a two-digit code for parcel services. In 1962 and 1965, the Federal Republic and the GDR developed independent postal code systems, which were connected in 1993 to form a single, uniform system. This introduced the five-digit ZIP code, which is still in use today.

The first digit of the ZIP code defines the German zone, with the number "5" representing the area around Cologne, Bonn, and Aachen. The second digit represents the region within that zone. The first two digits together are also known as the postal region.

In a routing region, there are 20-200 numbers distributed for the conductive areas, which are in turn assigned to each municipality. This means that the postal code for Deutsche Post, which is located in the Cologne area, will start with "5".

Cologne's Army Post Office

The Army Post Office S40, also known as the Cologne Post, was established in Cologne, Germany, in 1919 to provide postal support for the British Army of the Rhine. The Cologne Post was also the name of a daily newspaper published for the British Armed Forces from 1919 to 1926, which was founded and edited by Captain William Edward Rolston of the Royal East Kent Regiment.

The Army Post Office in Cologne was part of the broader British military mail system, which has a long history dating back to medieval times. In the 15th century, King Edward IV established the Royal Post to support his troops in a war against Scotland. During the Crimean War in the 19th century, a Base Army Post Office was established in Constantinople, and a field post office was set up with the Army Headquarters at Balaklava. This led to the development of the first International Money Order Service, allowing troops to send money home to their families in the United Kingdom.

In modern times, military mail services are provided by most armed forces worldwide. In the United States, the Military Postal Service (MPS) adheres to USPS rules and federal and international laws for delivering mail to over 85 countries. The MPS offers services such as insured mail, registered mail, delivery confirmation, and priority mail to military post offices. Military personnel can send mail to other military post offices for free, and military postage rates are equivalent to domestic rates as the services cover the transportation costs.

To address mail to a military post office, use the APO (Army/Air Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office) format without including the city or country name. This ensures the mail is handled through the military mail system.

Frequently asked questions