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

I have two questions. Do RCA's get an increase pay after being there a certain length of time? As far as the uniforms what all do they supply? (ex shoes, winter coats, # of uniforms)

Asked by Keegan almost 12 years ago

Keegan, I don't know how the pay schedule works for RCA (Rural Carrier Associate) positins. I can direct you to check the website for the NRLCA (National Rural Letter Carriers' Association) at www.nrlca.org where they have some sections that may help you. It seems like you may have to log in to access some of their site. As far as uniforms go, I don't believe you get any allowance for uniforms. There is a minimal dress code to follow for working for the USPS, but I am pretty sure it is comprised of civilian clothes. I haven't seen a rural carrier or RCA where a postal uniform like a City Carrier would. The RCA which delivers mail from the PO that I work at gets to go home when she has completed her route as opposed to City Carriers who are "on the clock". I believe they are paid a set amount for the day no matter how long or short it takes them to deliver the route.

Hi:) my mother in law has her mail delvered to my house due to she was in a car wreck and was in a rehab nursing center. Now she is out amd wants to live here. We say no. Dose she have a rightto enter my house? Thank you for your time :)

Asked by april about 13 years ago

I can't answer that question because it isnt a subject that I have any expertise on allowing someone in your house. I would think that you don't have to let anybody in you don't want to, even if its your MIL. She does have a right to her mail, so there is some way you should find to get it to her and then a forward should be submitted by her to her new (or previous) address. 

Can a mailman accept an expensive gift from someone on his route?

Asked by Linda over 12 years ago

No, a lettter carrier isn't supposed to accept any gift of substantial value from someone on his route. It doesn't mean that it isn't done, just that it's not supposed to be done. I don't know of anybody losing a job due to this but they aren't supposed to appear to be accepting gifts from customers.

My friend shipped a package from Alberta Canada to my house in Iowa, the regular post just got delivered, does USPS deliver packages separately from regular mail?

Asked by Brian over 11 years ago

I can't say for sure but we often are the same person that delivers packages and regular post. During this time of year, it is common for some offices to have another person deliver packages separately from the post because the package volume can be so overwhelming. Some offices have full-time parcel post routes so the package would possibly be delivered by a different letter carrier. Thanks for writing and Happy Holidays!

Hi Dave,
Just completed the phase 2 process for a CCA position in NY. I want to know are we given choices of which station to work at or is it randomly assigned to us? Can we choose if we want to deliver mail on foot or by postal vehicle?

Asked by CCA almost 13 years ago

I don't know how assignments are made for CCA. In NY City, most deliveries are made on foot, but not exclusively. It is common to see carriers using a cart with several mail satchels attached and then using relay boxes to pick up future deliveries on route. I would suggest that most routes delivered by postal vehicle are by more senior employees, but it's not always a hard and fast rule. Good luck in your employment!

I recently became a new CCA in Denver. I've always thought it would be great to live in NY, but I'm wondering how you make ends meet given the salary for Carriers is the same nationwide. Do you have a two income household, etc?

Asked by Salty almost 13 years ago

It would probably be hard to live in NY on a CCA salary starting at $15/hr. I know some regular carriers work second jobs or work as much OT as available. My situation is a bit different as I am single, have low overhead (I own a co-op apt), and am very conservative with my spending. The NY metro area can be very expensive with regards to rental apts/houses and property taxes. 

My address has always been my mom address. Her boyfriend moved in and he keep giving important mail back to the mail carrier. For months I have not receive important mail can I take legal action.

Asked by William Legion over 12 years ago

I am sorry that I can't advise you on any legal action to be taken with regards to your situation. I find it quite unconscionable that your mother's boyfriend would return your important mail to the letter carrier if he knows that you receive your mail at your mother's address. One option would be to contact the post office that delivers your mail and mention to the delivery supervisor to mention to the letter carrier that mail addressed to you should be delivered to your mother's address and not be accepted by the letter carrier as "refused" mail. Also, I am sure you've already mentioned to your mother about what is happening and asked her to tell her boyfriend to stop doing that. I don't know the circumstances as to why her would return the mail, but it is disgusting to do that if it is just to be malicious. Thank you for writing.