Mailman (City Letter Carrier)

Mailman (City Letter Carrier)

MailmanDave

17 Years Experience

Long Island, NY

Male, 43

I am a City Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service in NY. I've been a city letter carrier for over 17 years and it is the best job I've ever had. I mostly work 5 days per week (sometimes includes a Saturday) and often have the opportunity for overtime, which is usually voluntary. The route I deliver has about 350 homes and I walk to each of their doors to deliver the mail. Please keep in mind that I don't have authority to speak for the USPS, so all opinions are solely mine, not my employer.

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1237 Questions

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Last Answer on February 18, 2022

Best Rated

Can a mailman accept an expensive gift from someone on his route?

Asked by Linda over 12 years ago

No, a lettter carrier isn't supposed to accept any gift of substantial value from someone on his route. It doesn't mean that it isn't done, just that it's not supposed to be done. I don't know of anybody losing a job due to this but they aren't supposed to appear to be accepting gifts from customers.

The letter that fell from the envelope has no address, just my name. What can I do just in case the mail man or postal office found it.

Asked by shan over 12 years ago

I have no idea except to notify the PO or your mailman that you are looking for a letter without an envelope. With the volume of mail delivered each day, it is unlikely that the letter would be returned unless whoever finds it is familiar with your name and where you live. 

I received a handwritten note on my mail in these exact words and misspelling, "Not playin maze game with cars by box. 3 days no delivery 10-23, 10-24, 10-25". How should I address this impolite note from the mail carrier?

Asked by Ashlee over 12 years ago

I agree that the note is not very professional. At our office, a SUpv has official forms that would be filled out if delivery was going to be suspended due to a blocked box. I believe you understand the point of the note. Since I don't know what your street looks like, I don't know the parking situation, but normally clearance has to be provided so the letter carrier can approach the mailbox, deliver the mail, and then depart without having to leave the vehicle. I don't know the best way to approach this issue, but a call to the PO wouldn't hurt and have a discussion with the supervisor regarding the note and the regulations for suspending delivery due to a blocked mailbox.

My address has always been my mom address. Her boyfriend moved in and he keep giving important mail back to the mail carrier. For months I have not receive important mail can I take legal action.

Asked by William Legion almost 12 years ago

I am sorry that I can't advise you on any legal action to be taken with regards to your situation. I find it quite unconscionable that your mother's boyfriend would return your important mail to the letter carrier if he knows that you receive your mail at your mother's address. One option would be to contact the post office that delivers your mail and mention to the delivery supervisor to mention to the letter carrier that mail addressed to you should be delivered to your mother's address and not be accepted by the letter carrier as "refused" mail. Also, I am sure you've already mentioned to your mother about what is happening and asked her to tell her boyfriend to stop doing that. I don't know the circumstances as to why her would return the mail, but it is disgusting to do that if it is just to be malicious. Thank you for writing.

My friend shipped a package from Alberta Canada to my house in Iowa, the regular post just got delivered, does USPS deliver packages separately from regular mail?

Asked by Brian over 11 years ago

I can't say for sure but we often are the same person that delivers packages and regular post. During this time of year, it is common for some offices to have another person deliver packages separately from the post because the package volume can be so overwhelming. Some offices have full-time parcel post routes so the package would possibly be delivered by a different letter carrier. Thanks for writing and Happy Holidays!

Is it illegal for a mail man to leave a package hanging out of your mail box by about 6 - 12 inches?

Asked by Ed over 12 years ago

I have no idea about that rule. A package should be left in a place where the carrier deems it to be safe. I don't think it has fully go inside a mailbox to be delivered. If you have an issue with it, you may be able to ask the carrier about it next time you see them. it may result in you just getting notices to come pick up a package at the PO

Mr. Dave, is getting the "you have a package" slip in the mail something the post worker is supposed to do? Lately my missed packages have been getting brought back to the PO without leaving a note.

Asked by Julius almost 12 years ago

Yes it is Julius if a mailman attempts to deliver a package that requires a signature or there is nobody to receive it and the mailman doesn't feel it is safe to just leave by the recipients door. That judgment depends on the area of delivery and saftey with regards to theft. The management may also tell the delivery personnel to not just leave a package if nobody is there to receive it. I would say that a note should definitely be left if an attempt was made to deliver the package. Otherwise, how would the addressee know that there is package for them to request redelivery of or to pick up at their post office? Thank you for your question.