How to Be Postal Mail Carrier - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 9, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Postal Mail Carriers are responsible for delivering mail to residential, commercial and post office customers. They have to walk or drive a vehicle to deliver and collect mail on a specified route. This job requires physical endurance, good communication skills and knowledge of the local area.

Due to the nature of the job, Postal Mail Carriers need to be physically fit and have good organizational skills in order to keep up with the routes. They must be able to operate motor vehicles safely and securely. They must also be able to lift heavy packages and be able to work in all kinds of weather conditions.

Being customer service oriented is important, as Postal Mail Carriers must be friendly, courteous and patient when dealing with customers. The Postal Service has stringent security regulations, so Postal Mail Carriers must be familiar with them. They must also take extra precautions when handling mail that contains sensitive information.

Postal Mail Carriers must adhere to safety and security protocols designed to protect the mail from theft or tampering. The job of a Postal Mail Carrier can be physically demanding, but it can also be very rewarding. Knowing that you are helping people receive their mail on time is a nice feeling.

It's also a great job for those who like to stay active and outdoors.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most Postal Mail Carrier positions require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.
Submit an Application. Applicants must first submit an application for the position of Postal Mail Carrier with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Applications are available online or in person at a local USPS office.
Pass a Written Exam. The USPS requires applicants to take and pass a written exam prior to becoming eligible for the position of Postal Mail Carrier. The exam covers topics such as customer service, math, problem solving, and memory.
Take a Pre-Employment Physical Exam. Candidates must pass a physical exam to ensure they are able to perform the duties of a Postal Mail Carrier.
Attend a Training Program. Once hired, Postal Mail Carriers must attend a training program, which lasts approximately two weeks. During the program, they will learn about the various aspects of the job, such as sorting mail, delivering packages, and handling customer complaints.
Obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Many Postal Mail Carriers are required to obtain a CDL in order to drive USPS vehicles. Applicants must pass both written and driving tests in order to obtain a CDL.

Postal Mail Carriers need to stay updated and competent in order to provide efficient service to their customers. Keeping up with advancements in technology is essential to streamlining communication and delivery processes. Carriers should also stay informed on postal regulations, safety protocols, and customer service expectations.

Regular training and workshops, as well as attending industry conferences, can help carriers stay knowledgeable about their job requirements. Regularly speaking with more experienced colleagues and supervisors can also be beneficial in staying abreast of the latest trends. carriers should be familiar with their individual postal routes and the communities they serve in order to develop an understanding of the needs of their customers.

By staying current and knowledgeable, Postal Mail Carriers can provide the best possible service to their customers.

You may want to check Postal Processing Manager, Postal Delivery Driver, and Postal Counter Clerk Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Sort and deliver mail and packages in a timely fashion.
Collect postal payments and fees and document transactions.
Provide customer service to the public in regards to postal services.
Maintain knowledge of postal regulations and procedures.
Load mail onto delivery vehicles and transport it to designated delivery areas.
Utilize GPS and other electronic devices when delivering mail.
Record and update data regarding deliveries, pickups, and missed deliveries.
Handle customer complaints in a professional manner.
Load and unload mail processing equipment.
Inspect outgoing mail for proper postage, address, and labeling.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills
Ability to lift, bend and stand for long periods of time
Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures
Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely
Excellent organizational skills
Attention to detail
Good problem solving skills
Ability to work independently
Knowledge of local geography
Basic computer skills

The most important skill for a Postal Mail Carrier is the ability to effectively communicate. As Postal Mail Carriers are responsible for delivering mail to people in a timely manner, they must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with customers, colleagues, and supervisors. This includes being able to communicate with customers who may not speak the same language as the Postal Mail Carrier.

strong communication skills are needed in order to properly follow instructions from supervisors and to complete tasks in a timely manner. Without good communication skills, Postal Mail Carriers may struggle to deliver mail in a timely and efficient manner, resulting in dissatisfied customers and potentially leading to disciplinary action from their employer. Communication skills are also essential in order to maintain safety and security, as Postal Mail Carriers are responsible for ensuring the mail is delivered without any incidents.

All of these elements come together to make communication the most important skill for a Postal Mail Carrier.

Postal Automation Technician, Postal Delivery Supervisor, and Postal Delivery Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in mail carrier work?
What do you believe are the most important attributes of a successful mail carrier?
What steps would you take to ensure accurate mail delivery?
How do you handle customer complaints related to mail delivery?
How do you prioritize your time when making deliveries?
What safety measures do you take when making deliveries?
Have you ever had any issues with delivering mail in difficult weather conditions?
How do you adhere to postal regulations and policies?
Are you comfortable operating postal machinery such as sorting machines?
How would you handle a situation where a customer refuses to sign for a package delivery?

Common Tools in Industry

Mail Sorting Machine. A machine used to sort mail by size, weight, and destination. (e. g. Neopost IS-280)
Postal Scales. A device used to measure the weight of mail pieces. (e. g. Dymo Digital Postal Scale)
Delivery Vehicle. A vehicle used for transporting mail from one location to another. (e. g. USPS Delivery Truck)
Postal Uniforms. Clothing worn by Postal Carriers to identify them as employees of the USPS. (e. g. USPS Polo Shirt)
Handheld Scanner. A device used to scan packages and other items for tracking purposes. (e. g. Zebra DS4308)
GPS Navigation System. A device used to help Postal Carriers find their way from one delivery location to another. (e. g. Garmin Nuvi 2597LMT)
Rubberized Mailbags. Bags designed to protect mail from dirt, water, and other elements while in transport. (e. g. USPS Standard Mailbag)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA)
United States Postal Service (USPS)
National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)
American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
National Postal Professional Nurses (NPPN)
National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS)
National Association of Postal Transportation Personnel (NAPTP)
National Postal Mail Managers Association (NPMA)
International Association of Postal and Parcel Services (IAPPS)

We also have Postal Service Examination Clerk, Postal Supervisor, and Postal Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Postal Service. An independent government agency responsible for providing postal services to citizens and businesses in the United States.
Mail Sorting. The process of sorting mail into categories and organizing it for delivery.
Delivery Route. A designated path of travel that is established by a postal carrier to deliver mail.
Postal Regulations. Rules and regulations that govern the delivery of mail, including the speed of delivery, the handling of hazardous materials, and the processing of packages.
Mailbox. A receptacle that is used to receive mail from the Postal Service.
Zip Code. A five-digit code used to identify a specific geographic location for the purpose of delivering mail.
Post Office. A facility equipped to process and store mail and other postal items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who delivers postal mail?

Postal mail is typically delivered by a letter carrier employed by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

How many days per week do Postal Mail Carriers typically work?

Postal Mail Carriers typically work five days a week, Monday through Friday.

What are the hours of operation for Postal Mail Carriers?

Postal Mail Carriers typically begin their routes between 8:00am and 9:00am in the morning and finish their routes between 4:00pm and 5:00pm in the afternoon.