How to Be Postal Delivery Driver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 5, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Postal delivery drivers play a vital role in ensuring that our mail gets to us in a timely manner. They are responsible for collecting, sorting, and delivering packages and letters to their correct destinations. By doing this, they are able to keep the communication between people running smoothly.

Furthermore, they provide an essential service to businesses and individuals, as they guarantee that important documents and items reach their intended recipients. As a result of the work of postal delivery drivers, businesses are able to conduct their operations efficiently and individuals can remain connected with one another. In addition, postal delivery drivers help to contribute to the economy by providing employment opportunities to those who may not have the qualifications for other types of jobs.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most postal service delivery driver jobs require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain a valid driver's license. Most postal service delivery driver jobs require applicants to possess a valid driver's license.
Apply for a job with the United States Postal Service (USPS). To apply for a job with the USPS, applicants should visit the USPS website and submit an application.
Complete the USPS application process. The application process for a USPS job may include an online application, an assessment test, an in-person interview, and a background check.
Pass any necessary assessments. Assessments may include a written exam, physical fitness assessment, or drug screening test.
Complete any necessary training. The USPS provides extensive training for new delivery drivers. Training includes safety protocols, route planning, and proper mail handling procedures.
Start working as a postal service delivery driver. After completing all necessary assessments and training, applicants may begin work as a postal service delivery driver.

Postal delivery drivers are responsible for ensuring that mail is delivered in a timely and safe manner. They are the ones who ensure that packages, letters, and other items are delivered to the right people, on time. To be an ideal and capable postal delivery driver, one needs to possess certain qualities.

Firstly, they must have a good sense of direction and an ability to read maps and navigate unfamiliar areas. Secondly, they must be reliable and punctual, as delivering mail on time is essential. Thirdly, they must be physically fit and able to lift and carry items of varying weight.

Fourthly, they must be detail-oriented in order to properly identify the correct address and deliver the package. Lastly, they need to have good communication skills to effectively interact with customers and answer any questions they may have. By having these qualities, postal delivery drivers can be ideal for the job and ensure that mail is delivered safely and on time.

You may want to check Postal Automation Technician, Postal Service Examination Clerk, and Postal Counter Clerk for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure the safe, efficient and timely delivery of mail to customers
Load and unload mail onto or from trucks, vans, or other company vehicles
Sort mail for delivery on a daily basis
Maintain accurate records of all mail or packages delivered
Assist customers in tracking and locating lost or delayed mail
Prepare and submit required documentation for each delivery
Adhere to safety procedures when operating a motor vehicle
Conduct vehicle maintenance checks to ensure safety and reliability
Deliver packages to residences and businesses in a timely manner
Maintain cleanliness of vehicle and adhere to company guidelines

Skills and Competencies to Have

Good customer service skills
Ability to accurately follow instructions
Excellent organizational skills
Good time management skills
Ability to drive a vehicle safely
Familiarity with route maps and navigation
Ability to lift and carry mail bags and parcels
Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Postal delivery drivers play an important role in providing efficient delivery services. One of the most important skills a postal delivery driver must possess is the ability to quickly and accurately deliver packages to the correct addresses. This requires a great deal of knowledge of the route they are taking and a good understanding of directions.

they must also be able to work well under pressure, as they must often make large numbers of deliveries in a single day. In addition, they must have good customer service skills, as they are often the face of the post office and must be able to handle any complaints or inquiries efficiently. Finally, a postal delivery driver must also have good organizational skills so they can accurately sort and deliver packages in an organized manner.

All of these skills, when combined, make a successful postal delivery driver.

Postal Receptionist, Postal Manager, and Postal Operations Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with operating a mail delivery vehicle?
Are you familiar with the USPS mailing regulations and procedures?
How would you handle a customer complaint regarding late mail delivery?
What safety protocols do you follow when driving a mail truck?
What do you do to ensure accuracy in package delivery?
What strategies do you use to remain organized while delivering mail?
How do you stay productive while on the job?
Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation on the job.
What steps do you take to ensure customer satisfaction?
How do you ensure that all packages are delivered in a timely manner?

Common Tools in Industry

Handheld Scanner. A device used to scan and track postal packages. (eg: Zebra DS457)
Delivery Van. A vehicle used to transport packages from the post office to homes and businesses. (eg: Ford Transit Connect)
Waybill Forms. A document used to document information about deliveries. (eg: Canada Post Waybill)
Route Planner Software. A computer program used to calculate the most efficient delivery route. (eg: Road Warrior Route Planner)
GPS Navigation System. A device used to navigate from one location to another. (eg: Garmin Nuvi)
Delivery App. A mobile application used to track and manage deliveries. (eg: DeliveryDock App)
Delivery Bag. A bag used to securely transport packages. (eg: Postmates Delivery Bag)
Safety Gear. Protective items such as vests, reflective clothing, and hard hats used while delivering packages. (eg: OccuNomix Class 2 Safety Vest)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA)
National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)
United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA)
National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS)
National Association of Postal Officials (NAPO)
Mail Carriers' Brotherhood of America (MCBA)
International Brotherhood of Postal Clerks (IBPC)
National League of Postmasters (NLPM)

We also have Postal Counter Clerk Supervisor, Postal Delivery Supervisor, and Postal Processing Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Postal Route. A designated route for postal delivery drivers to follow when delivering mail.
Mail Sorting. The process of organizing mail into categories and preparing it for delivery.
Vehicle Maintenance. Regular maintenance of vehicles used for postal delivery, such as checking oil levels, tire pressure and general upkeep.
Package Delivery. The process of delivering packages to their intended destinations.
Route Optimization. The process of determining the most efficient path for a postal delivery driver to take when delivering mail.
Delivery Vehicle. The vehicle used by a postal delivery driver to deliver mail, such as a van, truck or bicycle.
Mailbox. A receptacle used for receiving mail from a postal delivery driver.
Delivery Schedule. The arrangement of mail delivery routes and times for postal delivery drivers.
Postal Regulations. Laws and regulations governing the operation of postal services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary job of a Postal Delivery Driver?

The primary job of a Postal Delivery Driver is to deliver mail and packages to residences, businesses, and post office boxes in a timely and efficient manner.

What qualifications are required to become a Postal Delivery Driver?

To become a Postal Delivery Driver, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid drivers license, have a clean driving record, and pass a background check.

How many hours do Postal Delivery Drivers typically work?

Postal Delivery Drivers typically work 8-hour shifts, 5 days a week, with some weekend coverage.

How much does a Postal Delivery Driver typically make?

The average salary for a Postal Delivery Driver is $18.70 per hour.

What are the physical requirements of being a Postal Delivery Driver?

Postal Delivery Drivers must be physically fit as they are required to lift packages weighing up to 70 pounds, operate a vehicle for extended periods of time, and walk or stand for long periods.

Web Resources

Postal & Delivery Services - California State University, Northridge www.csun.edu
About University Postal Services | Delivery & Receiving delivery.arizona.edu
Postal Services Change of Hours and Access - Carnegie Mellon www.cmu.edu