The invention is a method for channeling message traffic along an optimal path to its intended destination. The method is accomplished by drafting a message and a corresponding destination address together in electronic form. The message and address are coupled with a set of parameters which define a method of conversion of the electronic form of the message and address to a tangible form. The message and address are transmitted together with the conversion parameters, as a packet, to a routing facility via a digital carrier. The routing facility will select an optimal transmission path whereby the packet will be transmitted to the terminal node for conversion and printing. The selection of an optimal path is made by analyzing a set of weighted factors pertaining to a set of possible pathways. The combination of weighted scores will be used to determine which path has the highest weighted score. The path with the highest weighted score will be selected, and the transmission will be initiated by the routing facility along that path. The terminal node comprises receiving means for receiving the packet and printing means for converting the electronic message and address to human readable form by printing the message on a medium and printing the destination address on an envelope, from these a finished mail piece is formed and placed into a local mail stream for delivery to the destination address.