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.
When I was younger I wanted to be one, but then I went to college and tried pursuing other interests. When my other jobs didn't work out, my father recommended taking the Postal Exam. I didn't need to study too much. The exam was some memory items, following oral instructions, and some address verification. I am not sure what the test is like nowadays. I don't know what inspired me. My brother is a clerk at another Post Office on Long Island.
Share Answer: &caption=Jobstr.com&description=Did%20you%20always%20want%20to%20be%20a%20mailman%3F%20What%20inspired%20you%3F%20How%20much%20did%20you%20need%20to%20study%3F&redirect_uri=http://jobstr.com/threads/show/4154-mailman-city-letter-carrier-/question/7688)
I am not sure how to do this. One option would be to put your name on your mailbox and also tape a note to the communal box that says "please deliver mail for (your name) to the other mailbox" Also, using telling people your address please include the word "up" or "upstairs" after your street address. I don't know that Any of these options will work. You could also call or visit your local PO and speak with a delivery supervisor to see if this procedure is allowed. Thank you for your question.
Share Answer: &caption=Jobstr.com&description=I%20just%20moved%20in%20to%20a%202-family%20in%20Brooklyn%20with%20an%20upstairs%20%26%20downstairs%20apt.%20There%27s%20a%20flight%20of%20stairs%20up%20to%20my%20porch.%20There%20is%20currently%20a%20communal%20mailbox.%20I%20mounted%20my%20own%20box%20near%20my%20door.%20How%20can%20I%20tell%20the%20carrier%20I%27d%20like%20my%20mail%20to%20my%20box%3F&redirect_uri=http://jobstr.com/threads/show/4154-mailman-city-letter-carrier-/question/7954)
that's a great question. I don't come across that problem in my community. The main problem here would be "ln" vs. "st" or "ave" and we don't have too many repeat street names (I.e. Cedar St, Cedar Ln). I am sure what you've described does occur in some places. In that case, maybe the PO would somehow request one of the parties to get their house # or street name changed, though that is unlikely. I would think that "first" an "1st" are synonymous but maybe you know of a situation where they meant 2 physically different streets. The key is to make sure whomever you give out or type in your address anywhere that it is exactly correct with the correct ZIP code.
Share Answer: &caption=Jobstr.com&description=how%20do%20you%20know%20the%20difference%20between%20first%20st%20and%201st%20st%2C%20both%20could%20be%20the%20same%20street%20or%20two%20totally%20different%20streets&redirect_uri=http://jobstr.com/threads/show/4154-mailman-city-letter-carrier-/question/7727)
Great idea. That should work out fine. That's actually how I give a tip to my letter carrier. I live in an apt. Building so we have a bank of mailboxes in the hallway.
Share Answer: &caption=Jobstr.com&description=If%20I%20add%20a%20envelope%20in%20my%20PO%20box%20with%20a%20popped%20up%20sticky%20note%20for%20the%20postman%2C%20would%20he%20get%20it%20next%20time%20mail%20went%20in%20the%20slot%3F%20For%20leaving%20him%20a%20tip.&redirect_uri=http://jobstr.com/threads/show/4154-mailman-city-letter-carrier-/question/7541)
Bartender
Which customers are the worst tippers?
Professional Blogger
How long did it take you before you could quit your day-job?
Social Worker
What do you think that New York does better or worse than other States?
Great question. There are times when I wish people were around, but more often than not,I am okay with the solitude. I listen to podcasts about different subjects so I feel I am being paid to exercise and learn. The route I deliver is comprised of many residents who work during the day so I really don't see many. Then there are some senior citizens who seem To always be around. Fortunately, they aren't too long winded as they don't really give you extra time to chat for long.
Share Answer: &caption=Jobstr.com&description=Do%20you%20ever%20feel%20lonely%20when%20on%20your%20route%2C%20or%20do%20you%20enjoy%20the%20alone%20time%3F&redirect_uri=http://jobstr.com/threads/show/4154-mailman-city-letter-carrier-/question/8174)
I am not sure about that. I would think as long as the building/house has Been in existence, it has rcvd mail service. Records obtained through your municipality can sometimes indicate when a structure was erected.
Share Answer: &caption=Jobstr.com&description=Is%20there%20a%20way%20to%20find%20out%20how%20long%20an%20address%20has%20been%20in%20service%20or%20receiving%20mail%3F&redirect_uri=http://jobstr.com/threads/show/4154-mailman-city-letter-carrier-/question/8480)
There is a claims process to be followed when item is missing. I am not sure of the details of this process. There may be some questions asked, but if our tracking system shows as "out for delivery" and no scan afterwards that is a good indication that something went wrong and you'd probably be entitled to a refund.
Share Answer: &caption=Jobstr.com&description=How%20does%20insurance%20work%20if%20the%20package%20gets%20lost%20along%20the%20way%3F%20My%20tracking%20has%20said%20out%20for%20delivery%20for%20two%20weeks%20now.%20Do%20I%20get%20payment%20for%20the%20amount%20of%20insurance%20I%20paid%20for%20no%20questions%20asked%3F&redirect_uri=http://jobstr.com/threads/show/4154-mailman-city-letter-carrier-/question/7833)
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
