A double separator assembly used for a mail sorting system. A conveyor system facilitates movement of mail items through the double separator assembly. A substantially nonrotatable component is positioned proximate to the conveyor system. A mail driving assembly positioned proximate to the conveyor system if provided upstream from the friction component and in functional relation thereto. The mail driving assembly further includes an idler roller and a force generating device to hold the mail item against the conveyor system. Further disclosed are a mail processing system comprising a double separator, a mail processing method, a mail sensing assembly and method.