What Does a Mail Carrier Do?
Mail Carriers work for federal and private mail delivery services to reliably deliver parcels and letters from the sender to the recipient safely and in a timely manner. They plan out efficient mail routes and prepare mail bags by organizing letters based on where along the route they are going. Mail Carriers systematically load packages onto mail trucks and secure fragile packages to protect their contents. They identify which packages need a signature to confirm delivery and post notices if the recipient is not home instructing them on how to receive their package.
Mail Carrier Skills and Qualifications
There are many skills a Mail Carrier would benefit from, including:
- Interpersonal communication: Since they must interact with an array of employees, managers and patrons each day, Mail Carriers must be friendly and skills in written and verbal communication.
- Strength and stamina: Mail Carriers must deliver mail in all types of weather. They must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time, while also carriers heavy bags and packages.
- Ability to work alone: Although they do interact with many people throughout the day, Mail Carriers must be highly comfortable working alone.
- Ethics: Given that Mail Carriers are tasked with handling an array of valuables and sensitive information, they must be highly ethical.
- Reliability: The timely delivery of mail and packages is important for an array of reasons. Therefore, Mail Carriers must be highly reliable.
Mail Carrier Salary Expectations
The average Mail Carrier makes $19.06 an hour. This amount can depend on their level of experience, the area they have been assigned to and the hours they work. Additionally, since overtime is so common, the average postal worker makes $6,667 a year in overtime pay. The typical tenure for a Mail Carrier is one to three years.
Mail Carrier Education and Training Requirements
The position of postal carrier is limited to U.S. citizens, citizens of U.S. territories, as well as permanent resident aliens. While 16-year-old high school students are occasionally hired, the average Mail Carrier is 18 years of age with a diploma or G.E.D. Additionally, mail-carriers must past an exam that tests their general knowledge of Mail-Carrier procedures as well as assess their attention to detail. Once they have passed the exam and acquired the position, they must pass a drug test and physical exam. They must also pass a background check and have a safe driving record.
Mail Carrier Experience Requirements
In general, most Mail Carriers begin their careers as part-time employees. They then go on to become full-time employees and make bids for preferred routes, which are awarded based on the availability of positions, seniority as well as general skill level. They also have advancement programs that allow them to become eligible for supervisory positions in the future.
Job Description Samples for Similar Positions
If you aren’t looking for a Mail Carrier, consider these job descriptions for similar positions: