The Economic Times

Since 1874, a boat on the Detroit River has passed mail to freighters that never stop, hauled up in a bucket on a rope; it has its own ZIP code: 48222

Since 1874, the J.W. Westcott II has served as a crucial lifeline for freighters navigating the Detroit River. Starting with John Ward Westcott's effort to connect ships to land, it transformed into a legally recognized service by USPS, operating 24/7 from April to December. As traditional mail volume dwindled, the mailboat diversified its offerings, including grocery deliveries and foreign vessel guidance.