A Mail Handler, handles and distributes mails. Being a postal handler has both pros and downsides, and recognizing them might help you determine if it is the appropriate job for you.
As a USPS (United States Postal Service) mail handler, you play an important part in ensuring the mail processing and delivery system runs smoothly and efficiently. Let’s take a look behind the scenes at a typical day in the life of a USPS mail handler:
- Arrival and Preparation: Your day usually begins with an early morning shift. When you arrive at the postal office, you will check in and put on the necessary work clothes, which may include a uniform and safety equipment like gloves or protective glasses. Then you’ll go to your designated work area.
- Sorting and Organizing: When you arrive at your workstation, you will be given containers containing mail, packages, and parcels.
Your job is to sort and organize them according to their final destination. This procedure includes reading addresses, confirming ZIP codes, and categorizing mail by location using sorting machinery and equipment.
- Machine Operation: To handle a vast amount of mail, the USPS employs modern equipment and automation. You may operate numerous machines as a mail handler, such as letter processing machines, barcode scanners, or conveyor belts.
Your job is to check that the machines are working properly, diagnose any problems that develop, and intervene as needed to prevent jams or mistakes.
- Manual processing: Despite automation, some objects may need manual processing. Handling unusually shaped parcels, delicate objects, or big envelopes that cannot be processed by sorting machines falls under this category. You may need to physically sort them, affix necessary labels, and guarantee adequate packaging for safe delivery.
- Lifting and Transportation: You may be required to lift and move big containers or items as part of your employment. To carry mail between different regions of the business, you may employ equipment such as pallet jacks or forklifts. To avoid accidents and safeguard the integrity of the mail, safety protocols are vital.
- Quality Control: You will be in charge of quality control throughout the sorting and processing phases. This includes checking for sorting correctness, validating addresses, and ensuring that each item is properly labelled. To avoid misrouted or misbelieved mail, pay close attention to detail.
- Time-sensitive Mail: Some mail, such as express mail or priority shipments, has strict delivery deadlines. As a mail handler, you will priorities these things and ensure that they are handled as soon as possible in order to fulfil the specified delivery timeframes.
- Collaboration and teamwork: USPS mail handling is a collaborative endeavor. You’ll collaborate closely with your coworkers and managers to ensure a seamless workflow. Communication and coordination are essential for effective mail processing and dealing with any concerns that may emerge during the day.
- Safety and Security: The USPS places a high priority on safety and security. Safety practices, such as correct lifting methods, hazardous material handling, and emergency procedures, will be taught to you. You will also be expected to follow strong security procedures to protect the mail and prevent unauthorized access.
- Shift End and Cleanup: At the end of your shift, you will clean and organize your workspace to ensure that everything is ready for the following shift. This may include storing equipment appropriately, disposing of garbage or recyclables, and doing any necessary maintenance activities.
The benefits and drawbacks of working as a mail handler
Consider the following benefits and drawbacks of working as a postal carrier:
Pros
Here are a few advantages of working as a postal carrier:
They can work outside.
Working as a postal carrier may be especially appealing to folks who dislike sitting at a desk all day. Mail handlers have the option to work while also obtaining some fresh air and exercise on a regular basis.
Depending on the size of the route, some postal carriers may be able to walk or bike their trips on warmer days.
They are capable of working alone.
Working as a postal carrier allows you to be self-sufficient. The majority of mail handlers operate alone, preparing and delivering mail along their route.
Mail handles may also often plan their own days, taking lunch breaks whenever they like as long as they finish their mail delivery.
They have stable employment.
Because the postal system is vital to the country, it provide high job security. The United States Postal Service always required postal carriers, and the postal jobs listing helps entry level postal job candidates increase the likelihood of getting hired, and in the shortest time possible.
Postal carriers have job prospects if they desire to move because the postal system works throughout the country. Working as a postal carrier is a government job that generally comes with substantial perks, such as health insurance or retirement income.
The disadvantages of working as a mail handler
It’s also critical to understand the possible problems of working as a postal carrier so you can determine if it’s the correct vocation for you. Here are some things to think about before becoming a postal carrier:
There is some danger involved.
There may be certain dangers associated with mail delivery, such as automobile or pedestrian accidents or dog attacks. Mail handler in major cities may be required to deliver mail on foot, which might constitute a slipping and falling risk.
The good news is that postal carriers frequently receive decent perks such as health insurance and paid time off for medical leave. Many letter carriers also undergo safety training to assist them in avoiding some of these dangers.
Summary- The intricacies of a mail handler’s day will vary based on the facility, workload, and individual duties. However, the primary purpose remains the same: to handle and deliver mail effectively while adhering to USPS’s commitment to accuracy, dependability, and timeliness.
