Mailman (City Letter Carrier)

Mailman (City Letter Carrier)

MailmanDave

17 Years Experience

Long Island, NY

Male, 43

I am a City Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service in NY. I've been a city letter carrier for over 17 years and it is the best job I've ever had. I mostly work 5 days per week (sometimes includes a Saturday) and often have the opportunity for overtime, which is usually voluntary. The route I deliver has about 350 homes and I walk to each of their doors to deliver the mail. Please keep in mind that I don't have authority to speak for the USPS, so all opinions are solely mine, not my employer.

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Last Answer on February 18, 2022

Best Rated

Did you always want to be a mailman? What inspired you? How much did you need to study?

Asked by MU about 11 years ago

When I was younger I wanted to be one, but then I went to college and tried pursuing other interests. When my other jobs didn't work out, my father recommended taking the Postal Exam. I didn't need to study too much. The exam was some memory items, following oral instructions, and some address verification. I am not sure what the test is like nowadays. I don't know what inspired me. My brother is a clerk at another Post Office on Long Island. 

925 Votes

I just moved in to a 2-family in Brooklyn with an upstairs & downstairs apt. There's a flight of stairs up to my porch. There is currently a communal mailbox. I mounted my own box near my door. How can I tell the carrier I'd like my mail to my box?

Asked by Tom almost 11 years ago

I am not sure how to do this. One option would be to put your name on your mailbox and also tape a note to the communal box that says "please deliver mail for (your name) to the other mailbox" Also, using telling people your address please include the word "up" or "upstairs" after your street address. I don't know that Any of these options will work. You could also call or visit your local PO and speak with a delivery supervisor to see if this procedure is allowed. Thank you for your question.

922 Votes

how do you know the difference between first st and 1st st, both could be the same street or two totally different streets

Asked by Tom Landry about 11 years ago

that's a great question. I don't come across that problem in my community. The main problem here would be "ln" vs. "st" or "ave" and we don't have too many repeat street names (I.e. Cedar St, Cedar Ln). I am sure what you've described does occur in some places. In that case, maybe the PO would somehow request one of the parties to get their house # or street name changed, though that is unlikely. I would think that "first" an "1st" are synonymous but maybe you know of a situation where they meant 2 physically different streets. The key is to make sure whomever you give out or type in your address anywhere that it is exactly correct with the correct ZIP code. 

922 Votes

Do you ever feel lonely when on your route, or do you enjoy the alone time?

Asked by rootinpootin almost 11 years ago

Great question. There are times when I wish people were around, but more often than not,I am okay with the solitude. I listen to podcasts about different subjects so I feel I am being paid to exercise and learn. The route I deliver is comprised of many residents who work during the day so I really don't see many. Then there are some senior citizens who seem To always be around. Fortunately, they aren't too long winded as they don't really give you extra time to chat for long. 

918 Votes

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How does insurance work if the package gets lost along the way? My tracking has said out for delivery for two weeks now. Do I get payment for the amount of insurance I paid for no questions asked?

Asked by ButterBean almost 11 years ago

There is a claims process to be followed when item is missing. I am not sure of the details of this process. There may be some questions asked, but if our tracking system shows as "out for delivery" and no scan afterwards that is a good indication that something went wrong and you'd probably be entitled to a refund. 

917 Votes

If I add a envelope in my PO box with a popped up sticky note for the postman, would he get it next time mail went in the slot? For leaving him a tip.

Asked by Joe Mass about 11 years ago

Great idea. That should work out fine. That's actually how I give a tip to my letter carrier. I live in an apt. Building so we have a bank of mailboxes in the hallway. 

916 Votes

CAN YOU EXPLAIN TO ME IN DETAILS HOW TO FILE A GRIEVANCE FOR LETTING A CARRIER USE AN LLV WHEN THEY HAVE NOT BEEN TRAINED,,BUT WOULD NOT LET ME USE IT AND I HAVE BEEN TRAINED,,JUST ASKING ,,THANKS

Asked by BLAKE almost 11 years ago

I am sorry that I have no experience in filing grievances. I don't know what remedy you would look for as a remedy. I agree that it seems wholly unfair that a carrier who is qualified to drive and LLV wouldn't be giveN priority over one who doesn't qualify. It also seems unsafe To allow that.  I would recommend speaking with a shop steward if there is one, or the Regional Administrative Assistant if there is no NALC shop steward. 

915 Votes

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