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:

  1. Sorting and organizing mail: Mail carriers sort and organize mail and packages by address, zip code, and other criteria to ensure efficient delivery.
  2. Delivering mail: Mail carriers deliver mail and packages to customers' homes, businesses, and post office boxes.
  3. Collecting mail: Mail carriers collect mail and packages from customers' mailboxes and post office boxes.
  4. Handling customer inquiries: Mail carriers may answer customers' questions about mail delivery, packages, and other postal services.
  5. 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:

  1. City carrier: A mail carrier who delivers mail in a urban or city area.
  2. Rural carrier: A mail carrier who delivers mail in a rural or countryside area.
  3. Highway contract carrier: A mail carrier who delivers mail on a specific route or highway.
  4. 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:

  1. Handling special deliveries, such as packages that require a signature upon delivery.
  2. Delivering mail to customers who are unable to receive mail at their home, such as the elderly or disabled.
  3. Providing customer service and resolving issues with mail delivery.
  4. 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.