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

Postal delivery technicians are responsible for ensuring that the mail is delivered promptly and accurately. They are an integral part of the postal service, as they are responsible for sorting, delivering, and collecting mail. The job of a postal delivery technician requires physical stamina and dedication, as they often have to walk long distances and in all weather conditions.

Their duties also include loading and unloading mail trucks, handling customer inquiries, and maintaining records of all mail delivered. This job is highly important, as it provides a vital link between businesses, organizations, and individuals. The efficiency of the postal service depends on the dedication and hard work of postal delivery technicians, as timely delivery of mail can be critical for many.

Poor performance can result in delayed deliveries, or worse, lost or undelivered mail, causing frustration and financial losses.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. All applicants for Postal Delivery Technician positions must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Find openings for Postal Delivery Technicians. The U. S. Postal Service has an online job search tool to help applicants locate open positions in their area.
3. Apply online. Candidates should complete an online application and provide any additional information or documents requested by the USPS.
4. Take the Postal Exam 473. This exam is used to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of applicants for Postal Delivery Technician positions.
5. Pass a background check and drug test. All candidates must pass a background check and drug test prior to being hired as a Postal Delivery Technician.
6. Attend training. The USPS provides a comprehensive training program for new hires to ensure they have the necessary skills to perform the job.
7. Begin delivery route. Once training is complete, Postal Delivery Technicians can begin their delivery routes and start earning a paycheck.

Postal delivery technicians must be skilled and capable in order to effectively deliver mail on time and according to regulations. They need to have knowledge of postal regulations, the ability to read maps, and the physical strength to lift heavy mail sacks. They must also be able to drive a delivery vehicle safely and efficiently.

they must understand the process of sorting mail, be comfortable interacting with customers, and have good customer service skills. All of these skills are necessary for postal delivery technicians to be successful in their job and ensure that mail is delivered on time with accuracy.

You may want to check Postal Receptionist, Postal Counter Clerk Supervisor, and Postal Automation Technician for alternative.

Job Description

1. Collect mail from designated post offices and delivery points.
2. Sort mail according to geographic area and delivery route.
3. Load mail onto delivery vehicle and transport it to designated delivery areas.
4. Deliver mail to residential and commercial addresses in accordance with established delivery schedules.
5. Collect cash payments, money orders, and checks for postage due mail.
6. Issue change and receipts for cash payments and record transactions.
7. Use handheld computers to record delivery information and maintain records of undeliverable mail.
8. Respond to customer inquiries related to mail delivery and other postal services.
9. Return undeliverable mail to the post office of origin and file appropriate paperwork.
10. Report issues with delivery vehicles, road conditions, equipment malfunctions, etc. to supervisors.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures
2. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
3. Ability to lift and carry heavy mail bags
4. Ability to operate mail sorting equipment
5. Ability to communicate effectively with customers
6. Good organizational skills
7. Attention to detail
8. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
9. Good problem solving skills
10. Knowledge of basic computer applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets

Good problem-solving skills are essential for Postal Delivery Technicians to be successful. Being able to think critically and quickly assess the situation is necessary to ensure efficient delivery of mail and packages. it is important to have good organizational skills to keep track of delivery records and stay on time.

Attention to detail is important to ensure accuracy when delivering packages and mail. In addition, being physically fit and having good stamina is beneficial as Postal Delivery Technicians are often required to load packages and mail into their vehicles and carry them to different delivery locations. By having these qualities, Postal Delivery Technicians can ensure that mail and packages are delivered on time and without errors.

Postal Sorter, Postal Security Officer, and Postal Delivery Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have with sorting and delivery of mail?
• How familiar are you with the postal regulations and procedures?
• What techniques do you use to ensure accurate and timely delivery?
• Are you comfortable lifting heavy packages and mail sacks up to 50 lbs?
• How do you handle difficult customers or situations?
• How quickly can you adapt to new technologies or changes in the delivery process?
• What safety practices and procedures do you follow when delivering mail?
• Are you comfortable using GPS and other navigation devices?
• How do you handle competing priorities and tight deadlines?
• What strategies do you use to stay organized and on schedule?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Postal Scales. Used to weigh and measure packages before they are shipped. (eg: Digital Postal Scale)
2. Delivery Vans. Used to transport mail and packages to their destinations. (eg: Ford Transit Van)
3. Postage Meters. Used to print and affix postage on packages and letters. (eg: Neopost IS-280)
4. Computerized Address Verification Software. Used to verify the accuracy of a recipient's address. (eg: CASS-certified SmartAddresser)
5. Barcode Scanner. Used to scan barcodes on labels to track packages and record delivery information. (eg: Datalogic Gryphon GD4400)
6. Package Wrapping Machine. Used to quickly and securely wrap packages for shipping. (eg: Sealed Air iBundle System)
7. Handheld Delivery Device. Used to track and record delivery information, such as signatures and package details. (eg: Xplore XSlate R12 Rugged Tablet)
8. Lockbox. Used to securely store mail and packages for pickup. (eg: Mailbank Parcel Locker)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. National Association of Postal Supervisors
2. National Association of Letter Carriers
3. United Postal Workers
4. American Postal Workers Union
5. National Postal Mail Handlers Union
6. Mail Equipment Technicians Association
7. Postal Technology International
8. National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
9. National Association of Postal Inspectors
10. National Postal Forum

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

Common Important Terms

1. Postal Service. An organization responsible for providing postal services such as mail delivery, collection, sorting, and forwarding.
2. Letter Carrier. A postal worker responsible for delivering mail to residential and business addresses.
3. Postal Clerk. A postal worker responsible for providing customer service in a post office or other location.
4. Mail Sorting. The process of organizing incoming mail into categories such as destination, date, size, and type of material.
5. Mail Forwarding. The process of sending mail from one address to another.
6. Postal Regulations. Rules and regulations governing the operation of the postal service.
7. Barcoding System. A system used to track and organize mail using bar codes.
8. Delivery Route. A set route for mail carriers to follow when delivering mail.
9. Bulk Mailing. The process of mailing large quantities of mail at once.
10. Postage Meter. A device used to weigh, measure, and compute postage for letters and packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to be a Postal Delivery Technician?

Postal Delivery Technicians must have a valid driver's license, a high school diploma or GED, and must pass a background check and drug test.

What duties does a Postal Delivery Technician perform?

Postal Delivery Technicians are responsible for sorting, delivering, and collecting mail and packages. They must also deliver parcels, money orders, and other merchandise.

How many hours do Postal Delivery Technicians typically work?

Postal Delivery Technicians typically work 40 hours per week, though overtime may be required in some cases.

What type of vehicle do Postal Delivery Technicians use?

Postal Delivery Technicians typically use a postal truck or van to make deliveries.

What safety precautions must Postal Delivery Technicians take when making deliveries?

Postal Delivery Technicians must take care when navigating roads, drive safely, and be aware of their surroundings at all times. They should also wear appropriate safety gear such as helmets and reflective clothing.

What are jobs related with Postal Delivery Technician?

• Postal Operations Manager
• Postal Mail Carrier
• Postal Station Manager
• Postal Service Examination Clerk
• Postal Mail Processor
• Postal Manager
• Postal Counter Clerk

Web Resources

• 5024 Postal Technician I - Job Descriptions - Missouri State www.missouristate.edu
• Postal & Delivery Services - California State University, Northridge www.csun.edu
• 5025 Postal Technician II - Job Descriptions - Human Resources ... www.missouristate.edu