29 years & 11 months in and just retired on 28 Feb '24. I'm glad i've done all of the above, also I also have 8 years in the U.S. Army & 11 1/2 in the U.S. Army National Guard. All I can say is be Professional at all time, show Common Courtesy, interact with your Customers and just do your job. When you bid on a Route it will pay off during Christmas. Good Luck & Don't Quit.
You did a great job with your commentary! I was am RCA for 14 months back in 2019 and resigned because I just couldnt handle the perpetual on- call lifestyle. I found everything you said to be spot on. Thanks!
Went to orientation this week as well as completed DDC/LLV training. Had yesterday off. Have my shadow day today, off tomorrow...then fly out to Florida on Sunday for a week vacation. Then come back for 4 days of academy. Gave up a 75k Operations Manager position for a $19.33/hr CCA position because I. Never. Want. To. Manage (babysit). People. Again. EVER!
That’s cool, congratulations. Hopefully you are in a good office. I wasn’t in a good office and management was terrible. We had a narcissistic post master too. Gave us nothing but headaches.
A couple things 1. You don't get as many breaks as you want. It's a 30min lunch and 2 10mins or 2 15min. 2. There is no tracking device on the truck....it's the scanner itself. At least on the llvs the newer vehicles may have tracking on them. 2. Depending on were you live and weather you will not be sent back out because of weather. I have been called back in by management because of weather, I also live in a place that gets -40 plus a wind chill. If anyone becomes a carrier, rca, CCA or even clerk know your union contract . That's what it's there for.
@@gmar7836casing is when you have to put every flats or letter into an slot than pull it down into a tray, Im a usps cca and I enjoy every moment of it.
Sounds like you are in a good office. It’s possible if you have more openings. My office was fully staffed, so it took us longer to make regular (2 years) because we had to wait for the older mail carriers to retire, and a lot of those guys were dragging their feet.
@@Ra-reid That’s awesome. Congrats. The ones in my office, didn’t want to retire. I just didn’t want to spend years waiting for people to retire so I could get a route. Not to mention, my postmaster was a jerk to everyone, and I didn’t want to be under his thumb either, so I transferred to another office. What’s messed up is the fact that, you will lose seniority when you transfer and my old post master knew that. He actually said that to me and another guy on our way out the door.
Pros- u get money because they gona work you. Cons- u get alot of overtime. Regular carriers call out alot so u get to come in and pick up after them. You get the walking routes. You get routes and swings. You get no benefits compared to career. You work holidays. You work Sundays. You get days off but but not when u choose. You could get little hours in a day. If you learn this job it's a cake walk. Make an 8 hr day. Don't do more then what ur supposed to because these people don't appreciate
Yeah, maybe I should do an update video, but I’m sure the Cons in my old office are still the same. Bad management, favoritism, and regular people employees abusing sick time to take extra days off. I think I forgot to highlight that.
@resarfjomes1807 this job is easy once u learn it but most can barely carry a route on there own daily. I have done real labor intensive work so this became easy money once I knew how to work postmaster was talking about giving me an award soon because im a really good carrier and I had a small vehicle accident recently. I'm just doing my job don't really care for an award
Sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you are feeling better. Yeah, the carrier position can be very easy once you have your own route, but being a CCA is miserable. I could honestly go back to the office if I wanted to, but if I did I would do something else. Sounds like your postmaster is cool? Mine was a narcissist. He would power trip a lot.
My office had aux routes with evaluations over 40 hrs and no vehicles so you had to use your pov and make multiple trips then where your done with the route and back at the office they send you out to help others finish there route so your usually working 8 am to 7-8 pm 7 days a week Sundays were Amazon until 4 pm usually
Right, I know that. But when mail carriers are on the streets doing their routes, they all take breaks when necessary. Like for food and restroom breaks. Trust me, if you have to do a #2 and you have to drive around the city to find a public bathroom, you are not going to put a time limit on that. And regular mail carriers basically do whatever they want. I saw a group of carriers have a lunch at a Zaxby’s restaurant one day and they were in there way past 30 minutes. I know what I’m talking about.
Here in Brooklyn NY we have the worst post office in the country. Long lines, surly employees who can't find packages, and carriers delivering mail to the wrong addresses...
I understand. Are you a mail carrier, CCA? I guess it depends on your position, but I think mail carriers struggle the most, because it’s very physical.
Wish me luck. I start 9/30/23 on a Saturday go figure. I applied for the CCA position hoping too get my foot in the door and move into a TTO or MVO when a position opens up.
That’s a good idea. Congratulations. Yeah, the CCA position is a good way to get your foot in the door. You can always apply and transfer to something else later.
@@davidba7418 I know an MVO is a Motor Vehicle Operator, basically you need a CDL and it's for driving the larger Commercial trucks. TTO I have no idea. lol
Been a cca for 8 months and just had my LLV window shattered on me the other day trying to crank it up scary af and in the midst of a 17 day stretch if I didn’t say something to get it brought down to 14. Can definitely get rough even after Christmas
Run packages upstairs? USPS never brings my packages up to the second floor, they always leave a slip. But FedEx,ups, and Amazon always bring packages up.
I applied but I want 2 jobs and I’m want to continue school. I’m trying to pay off my credit card and pay of my car faster. Apparently there’s no flexibility with the USPS.
That’s true, because I tried to do the same when I was there. Depending on the position, they will not give you a set schedule to work around, especially if you are a mail carrier. What position did you apply for?
Couple of things...2 Supreme Court cases sided with the carrier against the PO for not making accommodations for Sunday religious service. My PO works with me and they allow me to attend services. If I don't finish before leaving, i come back and finish after the service......As far as dogs are concerned, I am more worried about getting shot by the owner for kicking the dog if it attacks. I have zero tolerance for them, and I have an unorthodox way of scarin 0:03 g them away (its a secret 😅).
@@yungtori7745 Just get into a level for maintenance custodian. Then move up from there. It helps if you are handy. Even if you're not learn as you go. 😁 Trust me I carried for 13 years. Wish I would have made the switch sooner. Or better yet started in maintenance.
I just changed from carrier to BEM building equipment maintenance after passing 955 exam and 973 interviews it’s Heaven so far compared to carrying. I loved the job as a carrier but management and supervisors are crazy. The maintenance side is a lot better. Still some nonsensical USPS stuff but leaps and bounds better. I love my job now. My dad retired from maintenance after 25 years himself, and he had a great career, great retirement
Great video but two things wrong. Did you not get unlimited breaks. Two 10 min and 30 min lunch if take . And the tracking device is not in the vehicle the scanner has GPS
Yeah, I know it’s the scanners they track, but with the newer vehicles I know they track them in case they are stolen. And with breaks, once you’re on the street, you can break when necessary to get food and use the restroom. As long as you complete the route, you’re free to do whatever. It’s not like mail carriers report every little thing they do on the street, because they don’t.
Carbondale Il. We get 2, 15 min. breaks and a 30 min. lunch if you take it. We are to limit bathroom breaks to 2 a shift @ 5 min. each. Buy if you gotta go, you gotta go. And just like carrying mail, it takes as long as it takes. The 15 min breaks are in our local.
What city and state are you referring to? I’m in Atlanta Georgia and most of the apartment complexes here do not have those centralized mailrooms. Only the ones in the city do or the neighborhoods that are more expensive, have those mail rooms, plus those computerized lockers for packages. Not in the hood or low income areas, you have to run all packages and you can’t leave them at the leasing offices either.
I have pictures, I’m not talking about those mailboxes/mail centers that are outside in apartment complexes. I was talking about the ones that are inside the building. They have a mailbox room, plus a room for packages. My neighborhood does not have that, and we have no lockers for packages.
Lol 😂 Yeah, but that’s something that management would do in my old office. One of my coworkers said they got his ass a few times too, so when it happened to him, he would just call out the following day to get his time off. Lol 😆
When applying. Noone told me or did i see any information that being a cca was going to be more of a parttime/on call/ random work days. I want to work fulltime. But can barely pay for anything with the little money i get. I have already asked for more hours or to be sent to another office that can actually use my help. I expected delivering mail to be much better. I have been trying to see if any other positions might be better for me but they all have something odd to work with.
Thank you for bringing this up, along with the video up top. Hearing the management complaint and struggle before becoming a veteran is kind a putting me off.
Question- 1.Do you guys have rate. 2. Do you have job security. Level 1-10 . 3.how did the boss and employees treat you . 4. What’s the turnover rate for the job .
You mean the pay rate? I started around $19-20 an hour, but that was back in 2020. Most of my coworkers were cool, we got along well. The only people I had issues with was some members of management. A few supervisors and my post master was just a asshole. He’s the reason I transferred to another office before I resigned in 2022. The turnover rate has always been high and that’s the reason they hire some many people at a time for the CCA, RCA, ARC positions. New Mail carriers come and go every week, but mail clerks and processors usually stay a lot longer.
@@HesTooOpinionated How long does it usually take (estimated) to make "regular". Nevermind. I saw some of the other comments now. Thanks for all the info
for my area, which is cleveland, aslong as your first 3 numbers of the zip code match you wont lose senority. for example i work at the 44143 zip code, but if i want to go to 44139 or 44106 or any 441xx zip i can go and keep my time. but if i want to transfer to maybe 44040 ill lose my senority
Job is tough. I wake up at 6AM. get to the office around 7:30 and work non stop sometimes past 4. Casing is hard, organizing packages is hard, delivering accurately and not missing a scan is hard. The trucks break down a lot (mine broke down three times last week). The full timers I cover for worked six days a week until I showed up and couldn't use their vacation time. It's one of those jobs that will demand a lot of your time. Not a good place for work life balance...at least not in my office.
Facts. No work/ life balance at all until you turn regular and in my old office that could take 2-3 years. The money was good, but I could never plan anything or see my kids that much. They have other positions, so it’s different in every office.
Do assistants work after 5? What would there the cca hours be or between what hours? if anyone knows the answer I would appreciate it. I have a part time start after 6pm and I just have these query before applying for the city carrer assistant position.
@@ivelisesantiago7936 I'm an RCA and I've worked past 5 on a snow day. Usually the other carrier comes out and helps me finish my route if I'm behind. I've seen city carriers in my area out past dark, especially during the holidays. Also, it depends on if your town has Amazon. There's an office near mine that is collapsing with some old time carriers that have the job down and are out working late every night delivering packages. I'm only posting this for new people so they understand it is a tough job. I signed up for it thinking it would be a walk in the park and I was wrong.
Mail carriers do not work a set schedule, but generally speaking when I was still at the office we (CCAs) would get off late like after 8 pm - 9 pm. And during the holidays when the volume was higher, 9- 10 pm. I remember my first year we stayed out until after 11 pm at night, but that was before Christmas.
i was on vacation & brought my 1-yr old son with me to pick-up my paycheck. as i was walking out, i heard my supervisor call me back. she said she needed me to work that day. i said im on vacation & have my baby with me. she seriously said 'i'll take care of him, get clocked on' i knew she was serious so i just turned & walked out she followed me out loudly threatening my job.
Oh yeah absolutely. Once you’re hired, and you make it to the office you could always speak to management about it and see what they say. My postmaster was just a dick to everyone, so in my old office you would basically have to call out sick to get Sunday off.
Bro i accepted a CCA position in manhattan and went to orientatjon there. but there is a position in queens, NYC that i applied for after accepting the manhattan CCA position, because the queens office is closer to my house. Now the queens position just sent me a job offer too, can i accept it? Whag happens if i accept it? Will it automatically transfer me to the queens position? I heard people say i can accept the queens position, but i have to resign from the manhattan position, even thought i really didn't work there yet, only just finished orientation
Yeah, you can only accept one position at a time, so you have to pick one. Oh okay you did orientation already for the Manhattan office? You should contact HR. If you received the email for the queens position you can still accept the job, so you don’t lose that spot. I actually transferred from an office here in Georgia and once the post master from my new office contacted my current post master I was able to leave.
Well, since you will not have a permanent mail route in the beginning, you will be working 6 days a week. You only get one week day off, and 2 holidays off. (4th of July/Christmas Day) It’s going to be very rough your first 2 years with USPS, because you will be covering all of the city mail routes, and you won’t have a set work schedule.
No, I was saying in the beginning CCAs will not have a permanent route. You will be working 6 days a week to cover all routes. It usually takes 1-2 years before you become regular, but I know that every office is different, so you could possibly make it faster when veteran mail carriers retire.
Because that’s the system they use. Most organizations use the bidding system and people with seniority will have an advantage over new employees. That’s how it’s goes
You mean when I was working there? Hard to say, because CCAs do not have set mail routes. Management gave us one full mail route, plus half of another mail route. (Swing) so the swing could be 1 apartment complex, so that’s over 100 mailboxes, plus packages 📦 you might have to run to their front door. The full route could be mixed. So if you’re lucky you could have mostly houses in a suburb, so that’s just riding the whole time. That could be 200 + But from my experience it was always mixed, some subdivisions, apartment complexes, town houses and businesses, so yeah way over 300 mailboxes.
Applied for the cca position and sent my driving record. Do you know what offer phase EXT means on my application status? Haven’t heard anything since it changed to that a few days ago
Oh you mean they sent you an email saying offer extended? That means they are offering you the position and you have to respond back to them by email. On the email it should explain the amount of time you have to respond back. If you don’t make that deadline, they will assume you are no longer interested and you will have to reapply again.
@@HesTooOpinionated no I’m sorry, I meant on my E career candidate profile… my application status for one of my application says “offer phase ext” but haven’t received an official offer email yet…. My other applications still say “pre hire list”
Yes, you can give gifts to carriers. Most of the people on the routes do it all the time, and even after the holidays are over they will still leave stuff on the porch for mail carriers like drinks and snacks during the summer. When covid first hit I would see signs and stuff on porches all the time.
Nah, it wasn’t too hard. They actually deliver the trays to the office with the letters in order, but that additional mail we have to case. Casing is boring as hell. I learned that it’s easy to learn the addresses if you are from the city you work in or at least from the state. I moved to Georgia from Maryland, so it was hard in the beginning, so I would carry a notepad and take notes.
@@HesTooOpinionatedwhat part of Maryland? I’m going thru the hiring process. I live in the outskirts of Baltimore; the rural side so I shouldn’t be in the city at all.
I’m originally from Easton, MD. Are you familiar with the area? I have family in Baltimore too. Yeah, you shouldn’t be doing city routes, if you are a RCA. Did you start working yet?
When you are out doing your mail routes, you are supposed to get a 30 minute lunch break, but in the video I meant to say, you can take breaks when necessary.
The drivers in my office did it all the time. The regulars did whatever they wanted to do, plus they would abuse sick time on a regular basis. When I said take as many breaks as you want, I’m referring to your lunch break and bathroom breaks. Can’t control when you have to use the restroom, you just have to find one open to the public. Management will track your movements from your scanners, so you know how that goes.
@CoreySampson Yes sir comfort stops. You can take what you need however taking as many breaks as you want is not the same. I appreciate the fact that you have a page there that you're giving out information to hire ins. I think it's great but it's very important to give them accurate information. New hire ins don't understand what the scanners do and what forms are in this that and the other thing
Right. I was just speaking from what I could remember in that moment. We have the comment section to exchange information, but I shouldn’t be their only source. I don’t know everything about every position at USPS.
@CoreySampson Working there for 40 years. I don't know everything about the Post Office either., I do however thank you for the service you Provide to new People joining in the Post Office. If there's anything I might do to help ,please feel free to reach out. Best regards Corey., Richard
Depending on your location, it could take 1-2 years. Every office is different though. At my old office it was 2 years, because we were still waiting in line for people to retire, so we could bid on their routes.
You forgot once you become career employee. You can e-reasigne through the company system to anywhere in the U.S.A. Not re-apply to a different state. I also work for USPS. You might want to do more research
Not many knows, but first 4 weeks you CAN'T work more than 40 hours , and next 4 weeks CAN'T work more than 56....That's union deal....Nobody talks about that
You got that right, because we did not know that. Once we got to the office we got slammed with hours. Covid was bad the first 2 years (2020-2021) Things seem to be a lot calmer now.
They hired me as a PSE processing clerk 2 weeks ago. I haven't went to my orientation yet. Then today I got another email that they want me to be an RCA and do I accept the job? Can tjey offer you two positions at the same time?
Yes, actually you can. The only problem is you can only choose one position. Before I was hired, I applied for multiple positions because I thought maybe it would speed up the hiring process and get my interview faster. After a week or so, I received multiple emails (job offers) but they told me I could only choose one position. So I would say make sure it’s something you really want to do. Worst case scenario, you start one position and you hate it, you can always reapply for something else while you are working your current position and it will go faster since you are already in the system.
No problem. You can start applying for other positions anytime you want and don’t let the people at your current office lie to you and tell you otherwise. You can start applying now and if you receive another job offer and accept it, you just have to wait for things to go through with HR and stuff. You can also speak to your union representative about it too.
Not sure, I’ve never worked for Amazon. I spoke to a few people who have, and they told me about the volume of packages. I’m assuming it’s worst than working for USPS. I think being a mail carrier is easier since you have to deliver letters and other stuff too. Sunday when the office is closed, they only deliver packages 📦 on that day. I was there when Covid first hit in 2020-2022. Things might be different now.
I agree it’s probably better on that side. I know you guys didn’t have to constantly cover other mail routes or help on the street whenever someone would call out or just not come to work. The veteran mail carriers would abuse sick time all the time, just to take extra days off.
A lot. If you check the website they have positions at the office and at the mail plant. Just depends on what you want to do? Clerk, mail carrier, maintenance worker, mail processor, supervisor.
Yeah, I know some carriers who carry dog treats in a Fanny Pack just in case. I saw this news story about this female carrier in Florida who got attacked by 3 pit bulls. It’s a sad story, she didn’t survive.
Mail Carriers get paid bi-weekly, so every 2 weeks. Not sure what city you live in, but here in Atlanta starting pay is in the $18.00 - 20.00 per hour range.
Yeah bro I know. I meant to say you can break when necessary. Like, to use the bathroom if you can find a place with a public restroom. When Covid first hit in Atlanta, every business would not let you use their bathrooms. This should be obvious.
Being sent back out for bringing mail back is so not true. Obviously your going to be bringing mail back for vacant homes, no mailbox, deceased, missorts, insufficient addresses, and forwards. Shoot, most days im bringing back a half a tub of mail at least
Facts. Being a mail carrier is just rough. It gets easier after you reach regular status, because then you only have to do 1 mail route, 5 days a week.
I bring a fair amount of mail back almost every day. Certified letters that no one was home to sign for, mis-throws and mark-ups. UBBM as well. Depends upon the route. I work in a beach town, and a lot of beach houses either don't have mailboxes and get marked NMR, or they're rentals. I also usually wind up with a lot of Insufficient Address, because I do a lot of apartments.
Anyone trying to get mail while boxes are open without their key is ANNOYING AF. I close the boxes and make them use the key. No, i won't hand you mail if I dont know you.
I agree and I hated when people did that to me. I would just stand there and watch them open an empty box with their key. Lol 😂 Yeah, you did the right thing. That’s how they trained me too.
Yup, CCAs work 6 days a week, until you reach regular status and that could take 2-3 years, but it depends on your office staff. If you have more job openings, then you could make it faster.
Yeah, that’s how it goes when you don’t have a route. Those first 2 years will be rough. You will have 1 weekday off. And 2 holidays off. 4th of July and Christmas Day. That’s it.
Yeah, if you take a CCA position you will be working 6 days a week, because you don’t have a permanent mail route, so you will be covering them all until you reach regular status. Now that usually takes a few years for you to make regular, but every office is different.
The money is good, but I don’t want to work 90 hours a week to get it. Lol 😂 A CCA has no life for 2-3 years when you first start. I like to travel and spend time with my family too.
29 years & 11 months in and just retired on 28 Feb '24. I'm glad i've done all of the above, also I also have 8 years in the U.S. Army & 11 1/2 in the U.S. Army National Guard. All I can say is be Professional at all time, show Common Courtesy, interact with your Customers and just do your job. When you bid on a Route it will pay off during Christmas. Good Luck & Don't Quit.
You did a great job with your commentary! I was am RCA for 14 months back in 2019 and resigned because I just couldnt handle the perpetual on- call lifestyle. I found everything you said to be spot on. Thanks!
Went to orientation this week as well as completed DDC/LLV training. Had yesterday off. Have my shadow day today, off tomorrow...then fly out to Florida on Sunday for a week vacation. Then come back for 4 days of academy. Gave up a 75k Operations Manager position for a $19.33/hr CCA position because I. Never. Want. To. Manage (babysit). People. Again. EVER!
You could've just gotten a job with WalMart as a driver.
That’s cool, congratulations. Hopefully you are in a good office. I wasn’t in a good office and management was terrible. We had a narcissistic post master too. Gave us nothing but headaches.
I wanted to be self employed, so I’m doing my own thing now.
How's it going now?
@@ericj8136 I don’t know, I resigned from USPS.
Great video... good to know. I hear the first 2-3 years is the hardest but after all that it gets WAY better.
A couple things
1. You don't get as many breaks as you want. It's a 30min lunch and 2 10mins or 2 15min.
2. There is no tracking device on the truck....it's the scanner itself. At least on the llvs the newer vehicles may have tracking on them.
2. Depending on were you live and weather you will not be sent back out because of weather. I have been called back in by management because of weather, I also live in a place that gets -40 plus a wind chill.
If anyone becomes a carrier, rca, CCA or even clerk know your union contract . That's what it's there for.
Hardest part of the job is casing. As you learn the route, casing becomes a lot easier.
That’s true. I always hated casing, it’s very boring, and when you are a CCA you have to do different routes every day, so it’s hard in the beginning.
@@HesTooOpinionatedwhat is casing?
@@gmar7836casing is when you have to put every flats or letter into an slot than pull it down into a tray, Im a usps cca and I enjoy every moment of it.
Just put it in the wrong cells just to make the office time. And put a whole swing in the first deliveries box. Management don’t care!
And marking packages
I don't mind just running packages. It's actually a lot more chill than having to deliver DPS.
I just got converted into a regular. I’ve only been working for the post office for 3 months
Sounds like you are in a good office. It’s possible if you have more openings. My office was fully staffed, so it took us longer to make regular (2 years) because we had to wait for the older mail carriers to retire, and a lot of those guys were dragging their feet.
@@HesTooOpinionated After a my first 2 months two carriers retired and I think a couple more are retiring later this year
@@Ra-reid That’s awesome. Congrats. The ones in my office, didn’t want to retire. I just didn’t want to spend years waiting for people to retire so I could get a route. Not to mention, my postmaster was a jerk to everyone, and I didn’t want to be under his thumb either, so I transferred to another office. What’s messed up is the fact that, you will lose seniority when you transfer and my old post master knew that. He actually said that to me and another guy on our way out the door.
@@Ra-reidGood for you! In what City/State?
I just applied for that position in Arkansas.
Pros- u get money because they gona work you.
Cons- u get alot of overtime.
Regular carriers call out alot so u get to come in and pick up after them.
You get the walking routes.
You get routes and swings.
You get no benefits compared to career.
You work holidays.
You work Sundays.
You get days off but but not when u choose.
You could get little hours in a day.
If you learn this job it's a cake walk. Make an 8 hr day. Don't do more then what ur supposed to because these people don't appreciate
Yeah, maybe I should do an update video, but I’m sure the Cons in my old office are still the same. Bad management, favoritism, and regular people employees abusing sick time to take extra days off. I think I forgot to highlight that.
Honestly after working in restaurants this sounds piss easy.
@resarfjomes1807 this job is easy once u learn it but most can barely carry a route on there own daily. I have done real labor intensive work so this became easy money once I knew how to work postmaster was talking about giving me an award soon because im a really good carrier and I had a small vehicle accident recently. I'm just doing my job don't really care for an award
Yeah, it can be. You should apply to see if it’s a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
Sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you are feeling better. Yeah, the carrier position can be very easy once you have your own route, but being a CCA is miserable. I could honestly go back to the office if I wanted to, but if I did I would do something else. Sounds like your postmaster is cool? Mine was a narcissist. He would power trip a lot.
Great video man
Thanks a lot
Thank you 🎉
Your welcome
Talked to a mail carrier yesterday, really got interested
I confirm This was real info. 👍
Cool.
This is all true. It's a great career and worth it. :)
My office had aux routes with evaluations over 40 hrs and no vehicles so you had to use your pov and make multiple trips then where your done with the route and back at the office they send you out to help others finish there route so your usually working 8 am to 7-8 pm 7 days a week Sundays were Amazon until 4 pm usually
That’s right.
@@HesTooOpinionatedare you allowed to carry a gun when you’re delivering mail
A 30 minute break is what you get. The 2 10 minute breaks is a state law not federal. US Postal Service is federal, so just the 30 minute break
Right, I know that. But when mail carriers are on the streets doing their routes, they all take breaks when necessary. Like for food and restroom breaks. Trust me, if you have to do a #2 and you have to drive around the city to find a public bathroom, you are not going to put a time limit on that.
And regular mail carriers basically do whatever they want. I saw a group of carriers have a lunch at a Zaxby’s restaurant one day and they were in there way past 30 minutes. I know what I’m talking about.
Here in Brooklyn NY we have the worst post office in the country. Long lines, surly employees who can't find packages, and carriers delivering mail to the wrong addresses...
Yeah, it’s hard to find good help at most post offices. Some employees change after they get hired.
Thanks for the good honest info. What is an RCA and CCA?
Rural carrier assistant and city carrier assistant.
Pros is the benefits. Cons is management 😂
Lol 😂 Facts… The benefits are great. Poor management, favoritism, and regulars abusing sick time was the reason I walked away.
@@HesTooOpinionated Honestly I’d love to walk away. But the insurance is so important for me right now with 3 kids!
I understand. Are you a mail carrier, CCA? I guess it depends on your position, but I think mail carriers struggle the most, because it’s very physical.
Wish me luck. I start 9/30/23 on a Saturday go figure. I applied for the CCA position hoping too get my foot in the door and move into a TTO or MVO when a position opens up.
That’s a good idea. Congratulations. Yeah, the CCA position is a good way to get your foot in the door. You can always apply and transfer to something else later.
What is TTO and MVO? Better pay?
@@davidba7418 I know an MVO is a Motor Vehicle Operator, basically you need a CDL and it's for driving the larger Commercial trucks. TTO I have no idea. lol
Been a cca for 8 months and just had my LLV window shattered on me the other day trying to crank it up scary af and in the midst of a 17 day stretch if I didn’t say something to get it brought down to 14. Can definitely get rough even after Christmas
Run packages upstairs? USPS never brings my packages up to the second floor, they always leave a slip.
But FedEx,ups, and Amazon always bring packages up.
I applied but I want 2 jobs and I’m want to continue school. I’m trying to pay off my credit card and pay of my car faster. Apparently there’s no flexibility with the USPS.
That’s true, because I tried to do the same when I was there. Depending on the position, they will not give you a set schedule to work around, especially if you are a mail carrier. What position did you apply for?
Couple of things...2 Supreme Court cases sided with the carrier against the PO for not making accommodations for Sunday religious service. My PO works with me and they allow me to attend services. If I don't finish before leaving, i come back and finish after the service......As far as dogs are concerned, I am more worried about getting shot by the owner for kicking the dog if it attacks. I have zero tolerance for them, and I have an unorthodox way of scarin 0:03 g them away (its a secret 😅).
Yeah, I feel you. It’s a slippery slope at the office. You have to protect yourself too.
Maintenance is the way to go 👌👌
That sounds about right. Less stress
Do you need experience?
@@yungtori7745 Not really, they will train you. Just depends on the position you are interested in.
@@yungtori7745 Just get into a level for maintenance custodian. Then move up from there. It helps if you are handy. Even if you're not learn as you go. 😁 Trust me I carried for 13 years. Wish I would have made the switch sooner. Or better yet started in maintenance.
I just changed from carrier to BEM building equipment maintenance after passing 955 exam and 973 interviews it’s Heaven so far compared to carrying. I loved the job as a carrier but management and supervisors are crazy. The maintenance side is a lot better. Still some nonsensical USPS stuff but leaps and bounds better. I love my job now. My dad retired from maintenance after 25 years himself, and he had a great career, great retirement
Great video but two things wrong. Did you not get unlimited breaks. Two 10 min and 30 min lunch if take . And the tracking device is not in the vehicle the scanner has GPS
Actually he is correct! They have started to put tracking devices in the vehicle where I’m at.
@@mlm5752where you at
Yeah, I know it’s the scanners they track, but with the newer vehicles I know they track them in case they are stolen. And with breaks, once you’re on the street, you can break when necessary to get food and use the restroom. As long as you complete the route, you’re free to do whatever. It’s not like mail carriers report every little thing they do on the street, because they don’t.
Carbondale Il. We get 2, 15 min. breaks and a 30 min. lunch if you take it. We are to limit bathroom breaks to 2 a shift @ 5 min. each. Buy if you gotta go, you gotta go. And just like carrying mail, it takes as long as it takes. The 15 min breaks are in our local.
2:57 Apartments tend to have centralized mailrooms and mailboxes so you don't have to run up and down stairs.
Yes they do
What city and state are you referring to? I’m in Atlanta Georgia and most of the apartment complexes here do not have those centralized mailrooms. Only the ones in the city do or the neighborhoods that are more expensive, have those mail rooms, plus those computerized lockers for packages.
Not in the hood or low income areas, you have to run all packages and you can’t leave them at the leasing offices either.
I have pictures, I’m not talking about those mailboxes/mail centers that are outside in apartment complexes. I was talking about the ones that are inside the building. They have a mailbox room, plus a room for packages.
My neighborhood does not have that, and we have no lockers for packages.
@@HesTooOpinionatedyou're right. Not all apartments have centralized mailboxes.
"You already here now so you can do this route" that's some bs 😂lol its just funny how you explained it
Lol 😂 Yeah, but that’s something that management would do in my old office. One of my coworkers said they got his ass a few times too, so when it happened to him, he would just call out the following day to get his time off. Lol 😆
“And they sent me out on the street” 😂😂
Are drivers payed more than office workers. When you start, how many hours a week do you work? How long does the CCA or probationary period last?
When applying. Noone told me or did i see any information that being a cca was going to be more of a parttime/on call/ random work days. I want to work fulltime. But can barely pay for anything with the little money i get. I have already asked for more hours or to be sent to another office that can actually use my help. I expected delivering mail to be much better. I have been trying to see if any other positions might be better for me but they all have something odd to work with.
Thank you for bringing this up, along with the video up top. Hearing the management complaint and struggle before becoming a veteran is kind a putting me off.
Question-
1.Do you guys have rate.
2. Do you have job security. Level 1-10 .
3.how did the boss and employees treat you .
4. What’s the turnover rate for the job .
You mean the pay rate? I started around $19-20 an hour, but that was back in 2020. Most of my coworkers were cool, we got along well. The only people I had issues with was some members of management. A few supervisors and my post master was just a asshole. He’s the reason I transferred to another office before I resigned in 2022.
The turnover rate has always been high and that’s the reason they hire some many people at a time for the CCA, RCA, ARC positions. New Mail carriers come and go every week, but mail clerks and processors usually stay a lot longer.
@@HesTooOpinionated How long does it usually take (estimated) to make "regular".
Nevermind. I saw some of the other comments now. Thanks for all the info
Depends on the office, it varies. 1-2 years
@@HesTooOpinionated thank you sir
Great information and tips
Hey thanks a lot.
I believe when u transfer to a different office you only lose your seniority and start back at the bottom, but you do not lose your time of service.
Yes it’s called relative standing in the post office .
Correct. You don’t lose time in service, just seniority. That means it will take you longer to make regular.
for my area, which is cleveland, aslong as your first 3 numbers of the zip code match you wont lose senority. for example i work at the 44143 zip code, but if i want to go to 44139 or 44106 or any 441xx zip i can go and keep my time. but if i want to transfer to maybe 44040 ill lose my senority
You can never lose your time with the USPS by going to another craft. You only start a new seniority date..
Actually you do start over...for example if you did 120 ays, you have to do 120 days again
“Nicely said”.
Thanks a lot, I appreciate it. Do you work for USPS?
@@HesTooOpinionated Yes
How has your experience been so far? Are you a CCA?
@@HesTooOpinionated Hi , It’s been as expected. A lot of
“WORK HOURS” as a CCA.
Yeah, it’s very rough the first 2 years. I hope you do well and don’t let the job stress you out.
When you apply for relocation your attendance comes into play.. And you can't have an accident on your record for 5 years
Right.
Bro spit the realest shit
Job is tough. I wake up at 6AM. get to the office around 7:30 and work non stop sometimes past 4. Casing is hard, organizing packages is hard, delivering accurately and not missing a scan is hard. The trucks break down a lot (mine broke down three times last week). The full timers I cover for worked six days a week until I showed up and couldn't use their vacation time. It's one of those jobs that will demand a lot of your time. Not a good place for work life balance...at least not in my office.
Facts. No work/ life balance at all until you turn regular and in my old office that could take 2-3 years. The money was good, but I could never plan anything or see my kids that much. They have other positions, so it’s different in every office.
@@HesTooOpinionatedEven when you make regular there’s no work/life balance. I’m still forced to work 10-12 hrs daily as a regular.
Do assistants work after 5? What would there the cca hours be or between what hours? if anyone knows the answer I would appreciate it. I have a part time start after 6pm and I just have these query before applying for the city carrer assistant position.
@@ivelisesantiago7936 I'm an RCA and I've worked past 5 on a snow day. Usually the other carrier comes out and helps me finish my route if I'm behind. I've seen city carriers in my area out past dark, especially during the holidays. Also, it depends on if your town has Amazon. There's an office near mine that is collapsing with some old time carriers that have the job down and are out working late every night delivering packages. I'm only posting this for new people so they understand it is a tough job. I signed up for it thinking it would be a walk in the park and I was wrong.
That’s easy work
Hello, my friend what is the latest you clocked out on a saturday?
Mail carriers do not work a set schedule, but generally speaking when I was still at the office we (CCAs) would get off late like after 8 pm - 9 pm. And during the holidays when the volume was higher, 9- 10 pm. I remember my first year we stayed out until after 11 pm at night, but that was before Christmas.
i was on vacation & brought my 1-yr old son with me to pick-up my paycheck. as i was walking out, i heard my supervisor call me back. she said she needed me to work that day. i said im on vacation & have my baby with me. she seriously said 'i'll take care of him, get clocked on' i knew she was serious so i just turned & walked out she followed me out loudly threatening my job.
Holy shit
Do they really force you to work Sundays? I’m thinking of applying but I’m a Christian so if I’m forced to skip Church it’s a deal breaker…
Oh yeah absolutely. Once you’re hired, and you make it to the office you could always speak to management about it and see what they say. My postmaster was just a dick to everyone, so in my old office you would basically have to call out sick to get Sunday off.
Bro i accepted a CCA position in manhattan and went to orientatjon there. but there is a position in queens, NYC that i applied for after accepting the manhattan CCA position, because the queens office is closer to my house. Now the queens position just sent me a job offer too, can i accept it? Whag happens if i accept it? Will it automatically transfer me to the queens position? I heard people say i can accept the queens position, but i have to resign from the manhattan position, even thought i really didn't work there yet, only just finished orientation
Yeah, you can only accept one position at a time, so you have to pick one. Oh okay you did orientation already for the Manhattan office? You should contact HR. If you received the email for the queens position you can still accept the job, so you don’t lose that spot.
I actually transferred from an office here in Georgia and once the post master from my new office contacted my current post master I was able to leave.
Yea I start next week as cca. Just nervous about my age. I’m 53. I am in reasonable good condition. I usually walk 7-8 miles a day. What you think
Well, since you will not have a permanent mail route in the beginning, you will be working 6 days a week. You only get one week day off, and 2 holidays off. (4th of July/Christmas Day) It’s going to be very rough your first 2 years with USPS, because you will be covering all of the city mail routes, and you won’t have a set work schedule.
Keep us posted I got the CJO today
How's it going so far??
@@HesTooOpinionatedso are you saying that a new CCA doesn't get a permanent route? Even in a small town?
No, I was saying in the beginning CCAs will not have a permanent route. You will be working 6 days a week to cover all routes. It usually takes 1-2 years before you become regular, but I know that every office is different, so you could possibly make it faster when veteran mail carriers retire.
Why is it called bidding since it will alsways go to the individual who has been there longer?
Because that’s the system they use. Most organizations use the bidding system and people with seniority will have an advantage over new employees. That’s how it’s goes
Ballpark how many mailboxes get mail and how many streets you drive down?
You mean when I was working there? Hard to say, because CCAs do not have set mail routes. Management gave us one full mail route, plus half of another mail route. (Swing) so the swing could be 1 apartment complex, so that’s over 100 mailboxes, plus packages 📦 you might have to run to their front door. The full route could be mixed. So if you’re lucky you could have mostly houses in a suburb, so that’s just riding the whole time. That could be 200 +
But from my experience it was always mixed, some subdivisions, apartment complexes, town houses and businesses, so yeah way over 300 mailboxes.
Applied for the cca position and sent my driving record. Do you know what offer phase EXT means on my application status? Haven’t heard anything since it changed to that a few days ago
Oh you mean they sent you an email saying offer extended? That means they are offering you the position and you have to respond back to them by email. On the email it should explain the amount of time you have to respond back. If you don’t make that deadline, they will assume you are no longer interested and you will have to reapply again.
@@HesTooOpinionated no I’m sorry, I meant on my E career candidate profile… my application status for one of my application says “offer phase ext” but haven’t received an official offer email yet…. My other applications still say “pre hire list”
@@HesTooOpinionated wandering if it’s normal to not get the email right away
Yeah, it might take a few days but you can always reach out to them too.
How long did it take you to get off the Pre-Hire List?
I think it was like a week. The process went by really fast for me.
I really appreciate my mail carrier Is it ok to give him something for Christmas? I’ve heard contradicting answers about this. Any suggestions?
yes you can gift carriers
Yes, you can give gifts to carriers. Most of the people on the routes do it all the time, and even after the holidays are over they will still leave stuff on the porch for mail carriers like drinks and snacks during the summer. When covid first hit I would see signs and stuff on porches all the time.
What does CCA and RCA stand for?
City carrier assistant and rural carrier assistant. Both mail carriers, except one does city routes and the other does rural routes.
what about salary pay for rca if they work more than 40 hrs
They should get time and a half.
For walking up to 15 miles a day some of them seem very unhealthy. 🤷♀️
They are, because they don’t take care of themselves.
Was it hard to get accustom too like organizing the mail and finding the address
Nah, it wasn’t too hard. They actually deliver the trays to the office with the letters in order, but that additional mail we have to case. Casing is boring as hell. I learned that it’s easy to learn the addresses if you are from the city you work in or at least from the state. I moved to Georgia from Maryland, so it was hard in the beginning, so I would carry a notepad and take notes.
@@HesTooOpinionatedwhat part of Maryland? I’m going thru the hiring process. I live in the outskirts of Baltimore; the rural side so I shouldn’t be in the city at all.
I’m originally from Easton, MD. Are you familiar with the area? I have family in Baltimore too. Yeah, you shouldn’t be doing city routes, if you are a RCA. Did you start working yet?
I'm just curious how bathroom breaks work 🤔
When you are out doing your mail routes, you are supposed to get a 30 minute lunch break, but in the video I meant to say, you can take breaks when necessary.
Take has many breaks has you want??? I have been in the Post Office 40 years ,I don't think so, bad information sir,
The drivers in my office did it all the time. The regulars did whatever they wanted to do, plus they would abuse sick time on a regular basis. When I said take as many breaks as you want, I’m referring to your lunch break and bathroom breaks. Can’t control when you have to use the restroom, you just have to find one open to the public. Management will track your movements from your scanners, so you know how that goes.
@CoreySampson Yes sir comfort stops. You can take what you need however taking as many breaks as you want is not the same. I appreciate the fact that you have a page there that you're giving out information to hire ins. I think it's great but it's very important to give them accurate information. New hire ins don't understand what the scanners do and what forms are in this that and the other thing
Right. I was just speaking from what I could remember in that moment. We have the comment section to exchange information, but I shouldn’t be their only source. I don’t know everything about every position at USPS.
@CoreySampson Working there for 40 years. I don't know everything about the Post Office either., I do however thank you for the service you Provide to new People joining in the Post Office. If there's anything I might do to help ,please feel free to reach out. Best regards Corey., Richard
@@HesTooOpinionated not what you implied.
Thanks for the video! How long does it take to become a regular?
Depending on your location, it could take 1-2 years. Every office is different though. At my old office it was 2 years, because we were still waiting in line for people to retire, so we could bid on their routes.
You absolutely cannot take as many breaks as you want. Carriers are being tracked liked the FBI.
I’m aware. Guess you missed the other comments huh? What I meant to say was you can break when necessary, like to use the bathroom or get food, etc.
@@HesTooOpinionated if mail is not delivered that day, it will be done the next day
@@HesTooOpinionated what work phone...more like your personal phone
You forgot once you become career employee. You can e-reasigne through the company system to anywhere in the U.S.A. Not re-apply to a different state. I also work for USPS. You might want to do more research
That’s cool. I have friends who still work there. I resigned. Wanted to be self employed, so I’m good.
Not many knows, but first 4 weeks you CAN'T work more than 40 hours , and next 4 weeks CAN'T work more than 56....That's union deal....Nobody talks about that
You got that right, because we did not know that. Once we got to the office we got slammed with hours. Covid was bad the first 2 years (2020-2021) Things seem to be a lot calmer now.
They hired me as a PSE processing clerk 2 weeks ago. I haven't went to my orientation yet. Then today I got another email that they want me to be an RCA and do I accept the job? Can tjey offer you two positions at the same time?
Yes, actually you can. The only problem is you can only choose one position. Before I was hired, I applied for multiple positions because I thought maybe it would speed up the hiring process and get my interview faster. After a week or so, I received multiple emails (job offers) but they told me I could only choose one position. So I would say make sure it’s something you really want to do. Worst case scenario, you start one position and you hate it, you can always reapply for something else while you are working your current position and it will go faster since you are already in the system.
@@HesTooOpinionated thank you so much for responding. How long before you can reapply to another position once you start your new position?
No problem. You can start applying for other positions anytime you want and don’t let the people at your current office lie to you and tell you otherwise. You can start applying now and if you receive another job offer and accept it, you just have to wait for things to go through with HR and stuff. You can also speak to your union representative about it too.
@@HesTooOpinionated good to know! Hopefully I will have honest coworkers and not haters lol
I hope so too. Good luck 🍀
Hella good money.
That’s true.
How much?
So RCA get weekends off?
No, they don’t. From what I remember they get a weekday off and Sunday off, but some are required to work some Sundays too.
Whoever did Amazon delivery do you think this is easier than that cuz Amazon fuckin me up
Not sure, I’ve never worked for Amazon. I spoke to a few people who have, and they told me about the volume of packages. I’m assuming it’s worst than working for USPS. I think being a mail carrier is easier since you have to deliver letters and other stuff too. Sunday when the office is closed, they only deliver packages 📦 on that day. I was there when Covid first hit in 2020-2022. Things might be different now.
Amazon is easier.
PROS…You’re lucky to have a job with benefits and retirements(PO&TSP)and job security.CONS…Just gotta put up with the B.S.!
Correct. I’ve considered going back to USPS, I just wouldn’t be a carrier (CCA/RCA) ever again. I was looking at other positions.
@@HesTooOpinionated Mailhandler for 25 years/now retired..probably the best job in PO..a lot of ex-carriers came over to our craft.Good Luck to you 👍
I agree it’s probably better on that side. I know you guys didn’t have to constantly cover other mail routes or help on the street whenever someone would call out or just not come to work. The veteran mail carriers would abuse sick time all the time, just to take extra days off.
Do you like your job? Like, to a certain extent?
Well, I don’t work for USPS anymore. I’ve considered going back, but I would rather be self employed. Are you considering working for them?
@@HesTooOpinionated yes, I am planning to apply in two weeks
Oh okay, that’s cool. Have you decided on the position you want to apply for?
@@HesTooOpinionated no, how many different positions are there?
A lot. If you check the website they have positions at the office and at the mail plant. Just depends on what you want to do? Clerk, mail carrier, maintenance worker, mail processor, supervisor.
I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to force someone to work over 8 hours after 8 it’s up to u
I agree, but they made everyone work overtime especially during the holidays. I think things are different now, that the pandemic is over.
It's not illegal.
Nope not here.
Awww I love dogs. Carry dog biscuits. You’ll be ok
A woman carrier I know was attacked by a rottweiler. She didn't have time to even reach for a biscuit.
Yeah, I know some carriers who carry dog treats in a Fanny Pack just in case. I saw this news story about this female carrier in Florida who got attacked by 3 pit bulls. It’s a sad story, she didn’t survive.
In most cases that’s a good idea, but you should still have your guards up.
Are you allowed to carry pepper/ bear spray? Or even a stick?
Yes. They usually keep pepper spray in the mail trucks and I knew mail carriers that would also carry dog treats just in case.
How many checks daily do you receive to deliver
Mail Carriers get paid bi-weekly, so every 2 weeks. Not sure what city you live in, but here in Atlanta starting pay is in the $18.00 - 20.00 per hour range.
False: You cannot take as many breaks as you want. Thats just an invitation for explaining your stationary events.
Yeah bro I know. I meant to say you can break when necessary. Like, to use the bathroom if you can find a place with a public restroom. When Covid first hit in Atlanta, every business would not let you use their bathrooms. This should be obvious.
Being sent back out for bringing mail back is so not true. Obviously your going to be bringing mail back for vacant homes, no mailbox, deceased, missorts, insufficient addresses, and forwards. Shoot, most days im bringing back a half a tub of mail at least
Facts. Being a mail carrier is just rough. It gets easier after you reach regular status, because then you only have to do 1 mail route, 5 days a week.
I bring a fair amount of mail back almost every day. Certified letters that no one was home to sign for, mis-throws and mark-ups. UBBM as well. Depends upon the route. I work in a beach town, and a lot of beach houses either don't have mailboxes and get marked NMR, or they're rentals. I also usually wind up with a lot of Insufficient Address, because I do a lot of apartments.
Anyone trying to get mail while boxes are open without their key is ANNOYING AF. I close the boxes and make them use the key. No, i won't hand you mail if I dont know you.
I agree and I hated when people did that to me. I would just stand there and watch them open an empty box with their key. Lol 😂 Yeah, you did the right thing. That’s how they trained me too.
Do they drug test?
Yup. You have to take a physical exam and once you are hired management can randomly drug test you anytime they want.
6 days a week
Yup, CCAs work 6 days a week, until you reach regular status and that could take 2-3 years, but it depends on your office staff. If you have more job openings, then you could make it faster.
1 day off a week?! No fkn way
Yeah, that’s how it goes when you don’t have a route. Those first 2 years will be rough. You will have 1 weekday off. And 2 holidays off. 4th of July and Christmas Day. That’s it.
I like to work 7days a week😆
So i don’t have to work 2job .. 😁
I understand that. I guess it depends on the position, but I feel the same way.
That’s cool.
You lost me at 6 days per week….
Yeah, if you take a CCA position you will be working 6 days a week, because you don’t have a permanent mail route, so you will be covering them all until you reach regular status. Now that usually takes a few years for you to make regular, but every office is different.
They started Mail Handlers Assistance off with mandatory 6 days a week and 10 hours a day.
Yeah that sounds about right. That was my schedule.
HATED IT
work you 7 DAYS A WEEK he left out
6 days a week in my office. 7 days when it gets closer to Christmas.
All those hours = $$$$$
How bad do you want money?
The money is good, but I don’t want to work 90 hours a week to get it. Lol 😂
A CCA has no life for 2-3 years when you first start. I like to travel and spend time with my family too.
@@HesTooOpinionateddepends on the office. My area is slow so the ccas here barely get 40 hrs
True. It’s does depend on your area. I don’t think it would be too extreme in a small town.