Mail carrier vs mail handler

Mail carriers and mail handlers are both essential roles in the United States Postal Service (USPS), but they have distinct responsibilities and duties. Here's a breakdown of the main differences:

Mail Carrier (City Carrier):

• Responsible for delivering mail and packages to customers' homes and businesses
• Typically works outdoors, walking or driving a vehicle to deliver mail
• May work in various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, and snow
• Must be able to lift and carry mailbags weighing up to 70 pounds
• May be required to work in a fast-paced environment, meeting tight deadlines to deliver mail on time
• Interacts with customers, answering questions and resolving issues related to mail delivery
• May be responsible for collecting mail from customers, such as packages and certified mail

Mail Handler (Distribution Center Employee):

• Works in a postal facility, sorting and processing mail and packages
• Typically works indoors, in a warehouse or distribution center environment
• May be responsible for sorting mail by zip code, street, or other criteria
• May operate machinery, such as automated sorting machines, to process mail
• May be required to lift and move heavy mailbags or packages
• May work in a team environment, collaborating with other mail handlers to meet processing goals
• May be responsible for inspecting mail for damage or irregularities, and reporting issues to supervisors

Key differences:

• Location: Mail carriers work outdoors, delivering mail to customers, while mail handlers work indoors, processing mail in a distribution center.
• Responsibilities: Mail carriers focus on delivering mail and interacting with customers, while mail handlers focus on sorting and processing mail.
• Physical demands: Both roles require physical labor, but mail carriers may need to lift and carry heavier mailbags, while mail handlers may need to lift and move packages and mailbags in a warehouse environment.

In summary, mail carriers are responsible for delivering mail to customers, while mail handlers are responsible for processing and sorting mail in a distribution center. Both roles are essential to the functioning of the USPS and require different skills and physical demands.