Brievenbuspost

Brievenbuspost is a term used in the Netherlands and Belgium to describe mail items that are delivered directly through the recipient's mailbox. It generally refers to standard letters and other small items that fit through the mailbox slot, and is distinguished from larger parcels that require delivery to a door or a parcel locker and may require a signature.

Typical contents include personal correspondence, invoices, postcards, official notices, as well as advertising mail (advertentiepost) and promotional flyers that are addressed to a specific recipient or household.

Delivery is carried out by the national postal service or authorized carriers. In many cases the mail is left in the mailbox without the recipient being present, and no signature is required. In multi-unit buildings, items may be placed in a central mailbox or slot; some items may be delivered to a building's common mail area.

Brievenbuspost is subject to size and weight limits defined by the postal operator's tariff for letters and related categories. Items that exceed these limits are classified as pakketten (parcels) or brievenbuspakjes. Advertising mail may have opt-out regulations in some jurisdictions; individuals can request removal from mailing lists or use opt-out subscriptions.

Historically, brievenbuspost facilitated doorstep delivery of everyday letters and items, enabling cost-effective and scalable mail distribution. With the rise of digital communication, the volume of physical brievenbuspost has changed, though it remains a core service in many postal networks.