Ask a Mailman (City Letter Carrier) anything

1237 Questions

Last Answer on February 18, 2022

I've heard that ccas that don't make it through their probation are fired,and they have no future,because no company (private sector) will hire them. I'm only speaking for those law abiding citizens,who tried to do the right thing,but weren't fast

Asked by 90 day probation pressure about 12 years ago

I can't imagine that not making it through probation as a CCA means that their future in the private sector is ruined. How would a future employer even know that you were a probationary CCA for the USPS unless told by the applicant? I understand how it can be somewhat of a conflicting situation to want to do the job properly (i.e. deliver the mail accurately and safely) and be under a time pressure from management to get a route (or part of a route) done in a certain amount of time. For some, it isn't easy to do both without resorting to some type of illegal tactic. This job isn't for everybody as it does take a fair amount of organization, literacy, and knowledge of an area to do correctly. I hope you do make through probation and thank you for your question.

1137 Votes

If a package is sent 1 day express paid for and dose not arrive on time, what are my options for refund and what about the insurance?
Thanks

Asked by Ron almost 13 years ago

I don't think the insurance covers express 1-day if it is delivered late and not damaged. You would be eligible for a refund of the 1-day Express Mailing cost if the item is not delivered on-time as guaranteed on at the time of purchase.

1137 Votes

Customers are used to getting mail at the same time everyday. Today there was more mail to sort/deliver, so you are later than usual in making deliveries. A customer is angry because he has been waiting for a cheque, how do you address the situation?

Asked by zoom over 11 years ago

I don't come across that situation very often. It is true that on many routes the mail is delivered at approximately the same time daily. There is no actual "on time" for mail to be delivered during the day. We just have an end of day deadline to meet for finishing out route and a prescribed order to deliver the mail. Like you said, some days the mail volume is higher (or our staffing levels are lower) which may result in a later delivery time. I would address the situation by explaining the above to the customer. I never get angry back and always remain calm. Nowadays so many financial transactions can be done electronically that I don't believe I deliver too many checks and trend will only likely continue. I appreciate the question.

1136 Votes

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 13 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.

1136 Votes

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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 almost 13 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!

1136 Votes

I have rebates that needed to be postmarked 1/18/14. Will the post office ever back date postage?

Asked by kks over 12 years ago

Not to my knowledge, they will not back date postage for items that were supposed to be postmarked previous days. I don't think it would be legal to be done but I can't say that a worker would never back date postage. I've never been in this situation but I would likely refuse any request for me to to do that since that may put my job at risk for falsifying a postmark date and that is usually not worth the risk.

1135 Votes

If you get a job as a CCA, what is the likelihood that they will hire you permanently if they like you?

Asked by MK almost 13 years ago

I don't know if it is a matter if they like you or not. As long as you are a good worker and safe worker and don't make too many mistakes that is usually enough reason to keep you. Attendance is also important. Once a permanent position opens then I think it is a matter of your hiring date as to when you will become permanent. I haven't had any experience working with CCAs so I don't know if everything I said is correct. Good luck!

1135 Votes

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Mailman (City Letter Carrier)

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I've heard that ccas that don't make it through their probation are fired,and they have no future,because no company (private sector) will hire them. I'm only speaking for those law abiding citizens,who tried to do the right thing,but weren't fast

If a package is sent 1 day express paid for and dose not arrive on time, what are my options for refund and what about the insurance?
Thanks

Customers are used to getting mail at the same time everyday. Today there was more mail to sort/deliver, so you are later than usual in making deliveries. A customer is angry because he has been waiting for a cheque, how do you address the situation?

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?

Also on Jobstr...

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?

I have rebates that needed to be postmarked 1/18/14. Will the post office ever back date postage?

If you get a job as a CCA, what is the likelihood that they will hire you permanently if they like you?

Mailman (City Letter Carrier)

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I've heard that ccas that don't make it through their probation are fired,and they have no future,because no company (private sector) will hire them. I'm only speaking for those law abiding citizens,who tried to do the right thing,but weren't fast

If a package is sent 1 day express paid for and dose not arrive on time, what are my options for refund and what about the insurance?Thanks

Customers are used to getting mail at the same time everyday. Today there was more mail to sort/deliver, so you are later than usual in making deliveries. A customer is angry because he has been waiting for a cheque, how do you address the situation?

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?

Also on Jobstr...

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?

I have rebates that needed to be postmarked 1/18/14. Will the post office ever back date postage?

If you get a job as a CCA, what is the likelihood that they will hire you permanently if they like you?

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If a package is sent 1 day express paid for and dose not arrive on time, what are my options for refund and what about the insurance?
Thanks

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?