Ask a Mailman (City Letter Carrier) anything

1236 Questions

Last Answer on February 18, 2022

Why are some mail vehicles marked USPS and others just marked US mail?

Asked by Jj almost 5 years ago

I have never noticed that. I know that a rural carrier who sometimes uses their own vehicle sometimes just has a placard or magnetic sticker on the car that says US Mail. The USPS didn’t exist before 1971 but our whole fleet in use now would be substantially newer than that. My vehicle says “United States Postal Service” and also “www.usps.com” on the side. Our logos used to be an eagle which said “US Mail” below it. My uniform now has a more modern eagle and says “United States Postal Service”. To me they are synonymous terms.

183 Votes

Is that a photo of you sir?

Asked by Reed about 5 years ago

No, it isn’t a photo of me. I answer the qs posted here somewhat anonymously. I have no authorization from my employer (USPS) to do this forum. As you can see I do disparage them and my co-workers on occasion so they probably wouldn’t appreciate my comments. My description is as specific as I’d get and want to make sure I stay out of trouble for this. Many employers have social media policies where they want to control the message through a PR or corporate communications dept.

182 Votes

Would a mailman get fired if he or she delivered mail to the wrong house and someones identy was stolen?

Asked by Jimmy about 5 years ago

I have never heard of that happening, though one resident on my postal route was concerned about the possibility of stolen identity. She was receiving misdelivered mail and was worried that maybe her mail was also being misdelivered and that the errant recipient could steal her identity. Mail is constantly delivered to the wrong house. While I like to think I make few errors, I’m not infallible. Furthermore, some coworkers care so little about delivery accuracy that they deliver wrong mail often. They are just careless and don’t verify the address on each piece of mail. It is rare in my office that we even get told about delivering the mail accurately. A customer would probably have to escalate an issue so frequently for the letter carrier to even get spoken to about it. I’ve never heard of anyone being disciplined for errant mail delivery. I’m not saying that they can’t be, but I haven’t seen it in the PO where I work Thank you for your question.

182 Votes

THE TV METROLOGIST HAS GONE AWAY WITH OUT WARRING WHERE HAS HE GONE AND WHY?!

Asked by Red alert ???? about 5 years ago

I doubt the q is relevant to this website subject.

181 Votes

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Do you have radios in your truck? I am talking about both two ways and AM/FM

Asked by Funky Kong about 5 years ago

In the vehicle I drive, which is called an LLV (Long life vehicle), there is no radio or any kind installed. No AM/FM and no 2-way radio with the base post office or any dispatch. We use cell phones to either call or text our supervisors if necessary. Our hand held scanning devices also have the ability to text message the supervisors but I don’t think those messages are checked too frequently by the management. The phone is our best means of communication IMO.

180 Votes

Do your trucks have radios, air ride seats, heating, air conditioning, fans, cup holders, etc?

Asked by Ellis about 5 years ago

I can only speak for the vehicle I drive which is called an LLV (Long Life Vehicle) built around 1992. When we get the LLV fleet replacement vehicles they will have much more modernized amenities. Our LLV has no radio, air ride seat, AC, cup holders. Of the items you asked about, we only have heating and fans. Some carriers drive a Dodge ProMaster for their routes. I believe they have all of the items you listed above except for the air ride seats. They also have rear view cameras which are helpful when backing up the vehicle.

180 Votes

Has a dog ever bit you!

Asked by Eeeeeeeeeek about 5 years ago

Fortunately, no. I’ve had some close calls where they’ve nipped at my heels or pants but I can’t say I’ve ever had a real bite where I made a report or needed any medical attention. I am no dog lover so I try and steer clear of them as much as possible. We are mandated to carry dog spray/repellent with us in case we think we are about to be bitten or if we are attacked. I’d say most dog owners in the areas where I deliver are quite responsible in containing and controlling their pets.

179 Votes