Big Joe
Bronx, NY
Male, 31
I work in NYC for the USPS. I drive a 2 ton box truck and deliver packages that are too large for the regular letter carrier to take. I've been on my assignment for 5 years and a postal worker for almost 10. I spend most of my day running up and down stairs with heavy packages. I have to be on constant alert for dogs. Especially in apartment buildings with narrow hallways. I have lots of great customers and I love my job. All of my opinions are my own and I DO NOT speak for my employer.
Once or twice probably wouldn't spark disciplinary action against a carrier, but if a pattern emerges they most likely would launch an investigation to find out exactly what's happening. If you scroll up a bit, you can read the answer I wrote to Nick from Red Hook. It's along the same lines as this. I don't leave parcels by people's doors. It's too iffy. Anything can happen to it, and if something does happen...I'm gonna get called into the office the next morning to be chewed out, which I don't want. Thanks for the question :)
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GOOD QUESTION! A few years ago, I slipped on some ice as I was walking out of a Dunkin Donuts store. I didn't hit the ground, but I twisted the muscle along my ribs. It hurt pretty bad and I was out of work for 45 days which is standard protocol for an on the job injury. After that, I wore a back brace that a co-worker gave me when I made my return to work. That was the only time I can think of. The postal service gives us a uniform allowance every year to buy the things we need to do our job. As far as insurance goes, there isn't any that I'm aware of.
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Hahaha I gotta answer no on that one. I sometimes get trapped in my truck with bad odors all day (rotting fruit, salted fish, etc.) But never that. I've seen on tv that they use coffee to cover the smell, but I don't think it would work. Somebody would probably catch it at some point and tell a supervisor about it. I know I would. Sorry if I killed your hopes lol.
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I think it seems that way because of email. People used to mail letters and other things on a regular basis. Now it's all electronic. Those other companies don't have the expenses that the USPS does as far as dealing with mail is concerned. If they did, I'm sure they'd be in the same boat. All I know is that I have a truck full of work on a daily basis, and I'm thankful for it.
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Thankfully, I've never been bitten. However, there have been many close calls that I can think of. I was walking out of a building one day with a fairly large box in my arms because the people weren't home. As I was passing a group of people, a huge brown dog lunged at me and snapped it's jaws about a foot from my face. The owner had it on a leash and pulled back at just the right moment to stop it. The area that I work in is mostly made up of apartment buildings and the tenants have a habit of leaving their doors propped open for ventilation. This is the most dangerous scenario. Dogs hear my keys jingle and they come running. The best thing you can do is to put something between you and them (a large parcel you just happen to be holding works good) and try to get the owner's attention. Most dogs are friendly and I usually don't have a problem. I love animals and I belive they can sense it. However, I won't be making any overtime if I'm sitting at home with stitches in my leg, so I try to stay aware. As for carrying treats, I personally don't. I've heard stories about guys doing so, but I think that smelling like beef jerky will only further my chances of becoming a chew toy ;)
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My regularly scheduled work day is from 8am-4:30 pm. But depending on the mail volume and time of year (holidays are insanely busy) I will stay out until I'm finished. I also deliver regular mail when the supervisor asks me to, which adds time as well.
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Good question. I get this all the time. Once I'm out and delivering stuff, It's like going to the gym. I've gotten into the habit of taking steps 2-3 at a time. I also try not to eat heavily during the day because it slows me down drastically. Occasionally, I'll get a 200 pound exercise bike to deliver, but it's mostly standard size packages. I've always been a big dude and when I had the choice between walking and delivering letters, or driving and delivering parcels...I took this. I still work out whenever possible at home and I'm on a vitamin regimen to stay healthy. I drink tons of water and avoid sugar whenever possible. Some days are better than others though. I definitely think that it keeps me fit and strong. It's gotten to the point now that when I work out, the machine gets stronger ;)
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