Mail carrier definition
A mail carrier, also known as a postal carrier or letter carrier, is an employee of a postal service who is responsible for delivering mail and packages to customers. Their primary duties include:
- Sorting and organizing mail: Mail carriers sort and organize mail and packages by address, zip code, and other criteria to ensure efficient delivery.
- Delivering mail: Mail carriers deliver mail and packages to customers' homes, businesses, and post office boxes.
- Collecting mail: Mail carriers collect mail and packages from customers' mailboxes and post office boxes.
- Handling customer inquiries: Mail carriers may answer customers' questions about mail delivery, packages, and other postal services.
- Maintaining records: Mail carriers keep accurate records of mail delivery, including signatures, delivery times, and any issues with delivery.
Mail carriers typically work for a postal service, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS) in the United States, and may work on a daily or weekly schedule, depending on the volume of mail and packages they need to deliver.
Some common types of mail carriers include:
- City carrier: A mail carrier who delivers mail in a urban or city area.
- Rural carrier: A mail carrier who delivers mail in a rural or countryside area.
- Highway contract carrier: A mail carrier who delivers mail on a specific route or highway.
- Station carrier: A mail carrier who works at a post office or mail processing facility, handling mail and packages for delivery.
Mail carriers may also be responsible for other tasks, such as:
- Handling special deliveries, such as packages that require a signature upon delivery.
- Delivering mail to customers who are unable to receive mail at their home, such as the elderly or disabled.
- Providing customer service and resolving issues with mail delivery.
- Participating in mail collection and delivery during inclement weather or other emergency situations.
Overall, mail carriers play a critical role in ensuring that mail and packages are delivered efficiently and effectively to customers across the country.