In the bustling waters of the Detroit River, a peculiar vessel known as the J.W. Westcott II delivers mail to passing freighters using a method called "mail by the pail." This 45-foot mail boat, launched in 1949, operates under the unique ZIP Code 48222, the only floating ZIP Code in the United States. The J.W. Westcott Company, founded in 1874 by Captain John Ward Westcott, began as a marine reporting service. By 1895, it had evolved into a full-fledged marine post office, gaining recognition for its innovative delivery method. The J.W. Westcott II maneuvers alongside moving ships, matching their speed and using a rope-and-bucket system to transfer mail and packages without stopping. This floating post office runs 24/7 for over 250 days a year, making approximately 6,000 trips annually. As it continues its storied service, the J.W. Westcott II remains a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of the postal service. In the world of mail, it truly stands alone, a steadfast guardian of the river's correspondence.