adding the steps part

thepostalsystemexplained/index.md

@@ -69,3 +69,29 @@ Postal systems are also essential for sending biological samples, research mater
 
 As you can see, the postal system is still a major part of people's lives. This is precisely why governments make every effort to maintain control over it. By doing so, they are able to regulate what, when, and where you receive mail.
 
+## Postal system steps
+
+The objective here is to understand the exact steps involved in sending and receiving mail, and to identify where issues might arise in the process.
+
+The first step is preparing the mail. This is the sender's responsibility and occurs at their location. The sender prepares the item by writing the address, affixing the appropriate postage, and sealing the item if necessary. (Sealing the item is important, as it allows the sender to know if the item has been tampered with before reaching the recipient.)
+
+The second step is mail collection. The location for this depends on the sender’s choice, but it is typically done at a local mailbox, post office, or collection point. The sender then drops the item at the selected location and lets the postal system handle it from there. This is where the sender loses control of the mail. Once the item is in the postal system, the sender no longer has oversight over what happens to it. At this stage, the mail is vulnerable to being delayed, intercepted, stolen, or even monitored by authorities.
+
+![](robbed.png)
+
+The third step is sorting at the local post office or regional sorting facility. Most postal services use automated sorting systems that scan the postal code or barcode on the item to identify its destination. The system can also measure the weight of the item and provide information about its contents. For oversized items or those requiring special handling, human workers are involved in the sorting process. At this stage, the government may initiate a control to determine the contents of the mail.
+
+The next step is transportation. The goal here is to move the mail to the appropriate locations, such as central hubs, airports, regional distribution centers, or international transfer points. For local mail, it may be transferred to another local facility or directly to delivery workers. At this point, the government may also order checks, similar to those conducted at airports, or transportation vehicles could be intercepted, leading to the potential theft of mail. For international mail, customs inspections are typically conducted to ensure compliance with legal and security regulations set by governments. This can involve scanning for prohibited items, verifying taxes or duties, and checking the contents of packages.
+
+![](internationaljourney.png)
+
+AAfter that, the mail goes through another sorting process at a regional or central facility. It is sorted once again based on its final destination. For international mail, this may involve transferring the items from the central processing center to regional delivery hubs. Both automated and manual sorting systems are used during this step. Similar to the first sorting, your mail can be subject to further checks or inspections by authorities.
+
+Once sorted, postal workers pick up the items and take them to the local post office or distribution facility near the recipient. Depending on the area, postal carriers may travel on foot, by bike, motorbike, or in delivery vans. In remote areas, more unconventional methods, such as boats, motorcycles, or bicycles, might be used. At this stage, a government official might replace the postal worker to monitor the recipient or to take action if any illegal items are suspected in the delivery.
+
+Finally, the recipient receives the mail at the designated delivery location. This marks the end of the process, unless the destination location does not exist or the recipient refuses the mail. In such cases, the item is sent back to the sender, following all the same steps outlined above.
+
+![](postalchecks.png)
+
+
+