IHTM02131 - Communications: Inter-departmental mail: van services

Van services exist which transmit correspondence between HMRC Offices.

As the costs are largely fixed you should fully utilise the service to reduce the cost per item and to economise in the use of prepaid envelopes.

In addition, the service is often quicker and more efficient than the normal Post Office services.

The van service is part of the Inter;departmental Despatch Service (IDS) and connects the office not only with other HMRC HQ offices but with most other government departments via the IDS.

Delivery is virtually guaranteed within 24 hours from the time of collection.

You must use this service fully to avoid delay to official business.

Where the correspondence is

• addressed to any HMRC office in Great Britain, or
• addressed to the Public Guardianship Office

the address should include

• the name of the person the correspondence is to go to
• the name of the relevant department or office, and
• the name of the building

followed by the words ‘By Van’.

It is then enveloped or bagged, as appropriate, in the Post Room.