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

Do you check the intended addressee before delivery? If I sent a letter to someone's previous address using first class mail, will the letter be sent back to me? Also, how does a carrier keep track of an address's forwarding requests?

Asked by Old Address almost 12 years ago

I do but not all carriers do, especially if they aren't familiar with the valid names at a particular address or is a substitute letter carrier. The route I deliver doesn't have many forwarding requests that I can't remember them all. But we also have "flags" at our sorting case to help us with knowing the forwarding requests. They stay active in the Computerized Forwarding System for 18 months. After that time, mail will be returned to sender with the endorsement "Unable to Forward"  or UTF.

How long does an RTS for a package take?

Asked by CH about 12 years ago

I am not sure. It sometimes depends how quickly the office that you give it to dispatches it to be returned. I would think it should be promptly, but I can't say for sure. Sorry I can't be more specific. 

I want to tip my mailman in cash at Christmas. I realize this is against USPS regs. What will happen if I do so?

Asked by Kate almost 11 years ago

Kate, I first want to say thanks for using this Q and A board on jobstr. It is fun interacting and trying to help others with postal-related questions. I am no expert and the views are my own. I'd probably get some type of communication from management (and not in a good way) if they found out I was doing this. So far, so good. Anyhow, to answer your question after my long-winded introduction, yes, most of us will certainly accept tips during the holidays even though it is against USPS regulations. Please don't fell any pressure to do so as I fell that is completely unethical and plenty of people that I deliver mail to don't tip me at all which is fine. We are all paid a fair salary with benefits and a have a retirement plan. If you do tip your mailman at Christmas in cash, the only thing that I hope happens is that you get a thank you acknowledgement. I think that is very thoughtful of you. Merry Christmas to you.

I am currently a CCA. Is it uncommon to be completely overwhelmed on Monday and Tuesdays? Suggestions? Also foot pain suggestions?

Asked by Ron about 12 years ago

Regarding Monday and Tuesday, it is normal to feel overwhelmed, especially Monday where I work. My suggestion is to just work carefully and don't goof off or take extra breaks. You can't be disciplined for doing your job correctly even if it takes too long. As for foot pain, I wear cushioned socks which can be purchased with the uniform allowance and comfortable shoes. No magic formula. 

After 13 years of doing the job does your body hurt? Do you have any job related injury due to the constant strain of your job such as casing mail or carrying your mail. If so does your work cover this if its not a specific event?

Asked by Dustin almost 12 years ago

Dustin, Fortunately my body doesn't hurt due to the strain on the body and the repetitive motions on the job. There are quite a few co-workers who have hip, back, and foot pain. A couple of carriers have had joint replacement and returned to full duty, maybe a bit slower, but back at work. I don't think there is coverage for long-term illnesses if it is not specific. If the injury got to be so bad that you couldn't perform the job for more than 1-year you could apply for a disability retirement. Work, doesn't cover any short term disability. That is one reason you get 13 days of sick leaver per year. 

Hi Dave,
It states on USPS website that Express Mail items are available for hold at a local office. In other words, just hold at the office and don't try to deliver the item. I haven't found that to be true, PO delivers every item. Is this possible?

Asked by Jeff about 12 years ago

The sender can request that the Express Mail item be held for pickup at the destination PO. I don't know how often it is used. You are correct that most Express Mail items are delivered as addressed. Keep in mind that I'm a letter carrier so I probably wouldn't see the hold for pickup items. Good question!

i have been waiting on a check that was mailed out over ten buisness days ago it was not sent certified and i have not got it what can i do ?

Asked by melissa about 12 years ago

I don't have any good advice as to what to do re: the check. On occasion mail isn't delivered as quickly as it should be. Sometimes it could be diverted by accident to a different PO and then take time to get to the correct PO. ultimately, after waiting a few more days, you may contact the sender and see if they can issue a replacement check.