Postal Service Mail Carriers
What is a Postal Service Mail Carrier?
A Postal Service Mail Carrier is a vital member of the United States Postal Service (USPS) responsible for the delivery of mail and packages to homes and businesses along designated routes. These individuals work to ensure that letters, documents, and parcels reach their destinations safely and punctually, maintaining the flow of communication within communities. Mail carriers typically rise early to collect their load of mail and packages from local post offices, often sorting and organizing items before starting their route. They may transport mail on foot, by bicycle, or using postal vehicles, depending on the geography of their delivery areas. In addition to delivering mail, they might also collect outgoing mail from mailboxes, provide customer service by answering questions or addressing concerns, and ensure that all mail is delivered according to established procedures and safety standards. Mail carriers must be familiar with their delivery zones, including the best paths to take for efficiency and knowledge of shortcuts. Due to the physical nature of the job, carriers often walk great distances and are required to handle various packages of differing weights and sizes. Overall, postal service mail carriers play a crucial role in connecting individuals and businesses, contributing to the daily operation of one of the world's largest postal services.
Tasks
- Scan labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt.
- Obtain signed receipts for registered, certified, and insured mail, collect associated charges, and complete any necessary paperwork.
- Return to the post office with mail collected from homes, businesses, and public mailboxes.
- Sort mail for delivery, arranging it in delivery sequence.
- Deliver mail to residences and business establishments along specified routes by walking or driving, using a combination of satchels, carts, cars, and small trucks.
Technology Skills
- Office suite software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Operating system software
- Word processing software
Tools Used
- Storage racks or shelves
- Portable data input terminals
- Mail box
- Time card machines
- Carts
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Detailed Work Activities
- Enter information into databases or software programs.
- Collect deposits, payments or fees.
- Obtain written authorization to perform activities.
- Route mail to correct destinations.
- Sort mail.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$41480.0 - $75920.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.