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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1236 Questions

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Last Answer on February 18, 2022

Best Rated

Is it considered bad practice for mailmen to enter liquor stores in uniform?

Asked by Tom over 11 years ago

Not if they are delivering mail to the liquor store! But seriously, I don't think it looks good if they do, but I don't know of any rules that forbid it. We definitely shouldn't be drinking any alcohol on the job, but a reporter in the Phila. Area did an exposé that showed a few carriers spending a long time at a bar drinking when they should have been delivering mail.

If mailman loses a package with insurance and signature required, does he get in a lot of trouble?

Asked by ButterBean over 11 years ago

I am not sure about this. I have never seen it happen where a carrier lost his job or was disciplined. I suspect they may get in trouble if it can be proven that they were negligent In being careless with the item. Domestic Registered mail is probably the worst thing to lose. Custody of the item must be signed for with each transfer. It is a good question though As there can be VERY valuable items in the mail worth many 1000s of $$. 

How do you pass the drivers test for the CCA?

Asked by JTDN about 11 years ago

Having never taken the CCA driving test I can only offer tips.

1. Pay close attention to the driving instructor/examiner

2. obey all traffic signals and speed limits

3. 2 hands on the steering wheel while driving

4. Curb your wheels when parking

5 anytime you leave the driver's seat, the ignition must be off and take the key with you.

6 use your mirrors especially when changing lanes or pulling away from a curb

7 Try to avoid going into reverse unless it is necessary.

If I moved out of my apartment & havent notified the post office for change of address and am expecting mail to go there. Can I just show the mailman my ID and get the mail from him instead of him putting it in the box and landlord writing no longer

Asked by AA about 11 years ago

I am not sure about this one.The mailman might have to put the mail in the box and not be allowed to hand it to anyone even if they had id. It is in your best interest to put in a change of address to your new residence or a PO Box.

I have my first shadow day this week and then start training next week as a carrier assistant. If you dont get a uniform allowance for the first 90 days, what am I supposed to wear while on the job?

Asked by Meghann over 11 years ago

when you call the office you are going to, please ask them what to wear. If you won't be contacting them by voice before you report to that office, here is what I'd recommend. Pants (jeans) or shorts. A t-shirt, or single colored collared shirt with a couple of buttons. comfortable walking shoes. We generally wear black uniform-allowance approved shoes with an anti-slip endorsement.  SR/USA is what the label says. A baseball cap if it is sunny where you deliver. Bring a jacket or sweatshirt as well in case it is cold. Sunglasses. A pen. The office should provide you with a mail satchel and dog spray. Good luck and I hope it goes well for you! Bring your USPS ID card if you have already been issues one. 

I am 57, in good shape, and would be interested in being a mail carrier. I love walking. I took a sample postal exam and scored all questions correctly. Would the USPS hire a 57 year old?

Asked by Rob over 11 years ago

Thanks for your question. I believe the USPS would hire a 57 y/o as long as you can physically do the job. There can be a lot of walking depending on the type of route you have. Some neighborhoods have mailboxes at the curb and you deliver directly from a postal vehicle.

I had an old roommate drop off last months rent and (like a genius) they just put $400 cash in loose twenties in the mailbox. Didn't realize until after the USPS closed. Is it illegal to have anything in a mailbox except mail? What should I do now??

Asked by $400-poorer | none-the-smarter over 11 years ago

Your roommate put the money in a sealed envelope into a blue collection box or a box inside the Post Office? if it happened today, you could possibly go to the Post Office that services that mailbox ASAP (early tomorrow AM) to see if they could retrieve it for you. Time is of the essence because mail from city collection boxare or POs are often sent directly to a mail sorting plant which would have no idea where the envelope came from. I don't think it is illegal to have anything else in a mailbox excerpt that it may never get to where it's going if its not a piece of mail. I hope this helps somewhat.