Images: Behind the Scenes at the USPS Palatine Processing and Distribution Center

  Mail processor Gerard Wilk tends the feeders of the Flat Sequencing System at the Palatine Processing and Distribution Center

  Workers prep mail through the FSS at the Palatine Processing and Distribution Center.

  Harry Jameson, mail handler equipment operator or mule driver, tows the mail in train-like fashion through the Palatine Processing and Distribution Center.

  Mail being sorted at the Palatine Processing and Distribution Center.

  Blue Rigid Capture Trays or RCTs are staged for the next step of processing flats on the FSS at the Palatine Processing and Distribution Center.

  Routing placards are used to direct the mail to the next step in processing or delivery at the Palatine Processing and Distribution Center.

  Mail handler Laurie Swanson sorts letter trays at the Palatine Processing and Distribution Center.

  Harry Jameson tows the mail through the Palatine Processing and Distribution Center.