Ask a Mailman (City Letter Carrier) anything

1237 Questions

Last Answer on February 18, 2022

Many of the questions submitted to you seem to be customer service related that anybody could and should just call 1-800-ASK-USPS directly. Does this bother you? Also, what was it like when your first applied for the job? It's all on-line now.

Asked by FF over 11 years ago

When I first applied to the USPS, it was paper applications (1998). I rcvd notices where to appear for the exams and interview and physical exam. Regarding the qs I rcv here, you make a great point. I am no expert in most of the nuances of shipping, tracking, and regulations. They can call the 800# and hopefully get a satisfactory answer. It doesnt bother me to rcv those q's but as you can tell, I don't always know the answer.

822 Votes

Does the USPS do random drug testing?

Asked by Molly over 11 years ago

Yes, before one is hired they are often given a drug test. I have not been tested since but imagine it is is possible that I could be given one at anytime.

822 Votes

I enjoy officework and paperwork, and in particular "tracking things down" (detective work). The dead letter department for instance, might be really interesting. How does one find a PO office job, especially such as the above?

Asked by KaneKat over 11 years ago

I don't know how one would get the job in the dead letter office tracking things down. That would likely be a clerk position which may become internally available after working for awhile at another position.

821 Votes

If someone is blocking the mailbox and you skip that house, does the mail from that day get delivered the next day?

Asked by DV about 11 years ago

Yes, the mail should be delivered the next day. I don't personally remember ever skipping a house due another vehicle blocking access to the mailbox, but I'm sure it is a common occurrence for carriers who have routes where they deliver directly to a curbside mailbox (also known as a mounted route or rural mailbox). If it were to happen several days in a row, I don't know the time frame where the mail would eventually be returned to the sender as undeliverable due to blocked mailbox access. The same goes for if we are unable to get to a mailbox or street due to severe weather. In that case we also would attempt to deliver ALL the mail on the following delivery day.

820 Votes

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I ordered something online and they accidentally put my delivery street address but the billing city and zip code as my shipping address. So I have the right street address but wrong city and zip code. What can I do??

Asked by Andrew almost 11 years ago

Andrew, it is likely that the item will be returned to the shipper saying "invalid address" or "no such street or number". I'd recommend emailing or calling the company you ordered the item from (customer service department) and advising them of your error. Maybe they could put a note on your order that if the item is returned to the shipper that it should be reshipped to your correct city and ZIP code which you will have advised them of. Thanks for writing.

820 Votes

Can you listen to music or CDs in the postal truck. How about while you are walking. Can you listen to music or CDs while you are walking? Also what is the driving test lke? What is the best way to drive on ice or heavy rain?

Asked by TDC almost 12 years ago

I sometimes listen to an iPod while walking but not driving. While walking I usually only cover one ear for safety reasons. You aren't permitted to listen with earphones while driving, but maybe a portable radio or CD player is allowed when driving. Your local post office should advise you of any rules regarding this. Safety is very very important. I don't remember the driving test too well. Keep to the speed limit, buckle up, both hands on steering wheel, use turn signals,and use your mirrors as necessary. On Ice, just go very slowly. Same with rain and use the windshield wipers and headlights. Ice and Snow are the most difficult conditions for the LLVs. Rain isn't too bad as long as you drive cautiously.

819 Votes

Is it legal for management to require the letter carrier to return your mail to the PO because s/he did not finish the route in time to return to the PO by 7pm?

Asked by squareruth over 11 years ago

I don't know the answer to this question. I do know that there are times we are required to finish delivery and return to the PO by a certain time and to call if we aren't going to make it back by a certain time. That is usually due to inclmement weather or high volume of mail delivery. I am not sure if 7PM is the actualy curfew for this.

818 Votes

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Mailman (City Letter Carrier)

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Many of the questions submitted to you seem to be customer service related that anybody could and should just call 1-800-ASK-USPS directly. Does this bother you? Also, what was it like when your first applied for the job? It's all on-line now.

Does the USPS do random drug testing?

I enjoy officework and paperwork, and in particular "tracking things down" (detective work). The dead letter department for instance, might be really interesting. How does one find a PO office job, especially such as the above?

If someone is blocking the mailbox and you skip that house, does the mail from that day get delivered the next day?

Also on Jobstr...

I ordered something online and they accidentally put my delivery street address but the billing city and zip code as my shipping address. So I have the right street address but wrong city and zip code. What can I do??

Can you listen to music or CDs in the postal truck. How about while you are walking. Can you listen to music or CDs while you are walking? Also what is the driving test lke? What is the best way to drive on ice or heavy rain?

Is it legal for management to require the letter carrier to return your mail to the PO because s/he did not finish the route in time to return to the PO by 7pm?

Mailman (City Letter Carrier)

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Many of the questions submitted to you seem to be customer service related that anybody could and should just call 1-800-ASK-USPS directly. Does this bother you? Also, what was it like when your first applied for the job? It's all on-line now.

Does the USPS do random drug testing?

I enjoy officework and paperwork, and in particular "tracking things down" (detective work). The dead letter department for instance, might be really interesting. How does one find a PO office job, especially such as the above?

If someone is blocking the mailbox and you skip that house, does the mail from that day get delivered the next day?

Also on Jobstr...

I ordered something online and they accidentally put my delivery street address but the billing city and zip code as my shipping address. So I have the right street address but wrong city and zip code. What can I do??

Can you listen to music or CDs in the postal truck. How about while you are walking. Can you listen to music or CDs while you are walking? Also what is the driving test lke? What is the best way to drive on ice or heavy rain?

Is it legal for management to require the letter carrier to return your mail to the PO because s/he did not finish the route in time to return to the PO by 7pm?

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