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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Last Answer on February 18, 2022

Best Rated

When sending a piece of mail to an address in the same town, is it ever acceptable to write "city" instead of the town name? Have you ever heard of this? My fiance swears this is ok. I have never heard of doing this.

Asked by Nat over 12 years ago

I think you both might have a point here.  The only time I have ever heard this before was on an episode of "The Brady Bunch". They were trying to figure out where a letter came from and it just said "city" on it so they knew it was mailed from that same city. If one were to Do that today without putting on the proper ZIP code, I doubt the letter would get to where its going because mail is generally processed at a regional sorting facility than at any local PO. If you write "city" and the correct ZIP, it is more than likely to be delivered. 

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

Does the regular Letter Carrier deliver Priority Express Letters and if so, do you have to be home to sign for them or will he/she leave in your mailbox ? Also,if i don't normally get mail until after noon, does10:30am time apply for Priority Express

Asked by Wolfie from Harlem over 11 years ago

Wolfie, I think that Priority Express Envelopes (not regular Priority Mail) has a guaranteed delivery time which is given to the sender when they mail the item. It is often next day by Noon but that certainly varies on destination and time of mailing. Most Priority Express labels nowadays are automatically signature waivered (nobody needs to be around to sign for it) unless the sender requests a signature. It used to be the opposite of that. The regular letter carrier will deliver the Priority Express letter if they can make the delivery by the guaranteed time and if they are given the item to deliver before they leave on their regular routes. I hope that answers your question.

Without any benefits, it kinda sounds scary, do they not have regular full time with benefits carrier positions anymore?

Asked by Sally749 over 12 years ago

Most carriers hired are CCAs as of now. I don't know if there are any benefits but if you look at www.usps.com there may be information in the careers/employment section. The good news is that if you are a CCA and a FT vacancy opens up, CCAs are promoted and will receive all the benefits of health insurance and paid leave. 

Is it illegal for me to write "not at this address" on my own mail. I don't want certain people knowing where I live

Asked by Patricia over 12 years ago

I can't say whether or not it is illegal to write "not at this address" even if you are actually living at that address. The only problem may come is if a letter carrier sees that you are regularly writing that on then mail, they may see that as you not wanting any mail with your name. That scenario isn't likely but just wanted to make you aware of that possibility. I would just ignore any piece of mail i dont want. There is no proof you ever got that mail unless you signed for it. 

I sent out a card to my boyfriend whos in jail, the address I wrote on it I spelled a word wrong and crossed it out, so my question is can I send out an envelope that has a word crossed out on it?

Asked by Lauren over 12 years ago

I don't see why you couldn't mail a letter with a word crossed out as long as the other parts of the address were correct and clear. I am not sure if a jail would have any different rules on this. I know that jails are sometimes very specific in how to send mail, but don't know the ruling on this.

I am in the hiring process for city carrier assistant for brooklyn, queens, and Staten Island and I did the drug test and criminal background check with them right after my interview. Do you know how long I will wait to be hired by them?

Asked by roym over 12 years ago

Good luck to you. I mean it, not sarcastic. I believe the starting pay is $15/hr. I don't know how long it will Take to be hired by them but I know I wish it was sooner than later. While I don't work in Triboro district which is where you have applied, we need good workers to be hired sooner than later especially with the summer vacation season starting. Once hired, the training process is just a few days and should include driver training.