Average Entry-Level Postal Service Mail Carrier Hourly Pay at U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

Job Description for Postal Service Mail Carrier

Postal service mail carriers are employed to deliver and collect mail on an assigned route with a daily schedule. Postal Service routes may be delivered by vehicle or on foot, depending on the area assigned. Mail delivery must be done in all types of weather. Carriers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and efficient manner. A basic familiarity with local geography is a necessity. Knowledge of basic postal laws, regulations, and products is also required.

More specifically, duties include preparing mail for delivery along the assigned route and efficiently processing collected mail to send it out within required postal service timelines. Undeliverable mail must be returned for proper handling. This is a physical job that involves sorting and carrying the mail to its destination. Mail can come in sizes, from letters to parcels. Carriers spend much of their shift standing or walking if they have a walking route. A driving route often requires prolonged sitting during shifts. As part of their work routine, carriers may be loading and unloading crates of deliverable and collected mail of up to 70 pounds. Duties also include collecting signatures, C.O.D. fees, or postage dues. Customers may need package pickup, stamps, or other postal services. In many areas, it is the postal carrier's duty to meet those needs.

To work for the U.S. Postal Service, a person must be 18 years of age or have graduated high school. They must be a U.S. citizen or be a lawful permanent resident alien. Education and training requirements include passing a postal service test, which will demonstrate an ability to properly process mail, including completing necessary forms and checking addresses. In the case of driving routes, a driver's license is required. Depending on the area, a carrier may need to use their own vehicle. (Copyright 2019 PayScale.com)

• Deliver mail to business and residencies along an assigned route.
• Hand-deliver mail and obtain signatures.
• Drive the postal service vehicle.

Postal Service Mail Carrier Job Listings