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What does a Letter Carrier do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A letter carrier is someone who delivers letters and packages to people's homes and businesses.

Letter Carrier job duties include:

  • Delivering mail and packages to residences and businesses
  • Sorting mail and packages before delivery
  • Loading mail and packages into a delivery vehicle
  • Driving a delivery vehicle to the assigned route
  • Collecting payment for COD items and postage due items
  • Answering questions about postal services
  • Selling stamps and shipping supplies
  • Processing incoming and outgoing mail
  • Handling customer complaints

Letter Carrier Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for letter carriers, although most have at least a high school diploma. On-the-job training is typically provided by the Postal Service. Some letter carriers may choose to pursue certification from the National Association of Letter Carriers. Experience is not typically required, but may be helpful.

Letter Carrier Skills

  • Punctual
  • Reliable
  • Physical fitness
  • Good vision
  • Customer service skills
  • Basic math skills
  • Ability to lift heavy objects
  • Walking and standing for long periods of time
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Valid driver’s license

Related: Top Letter Carrier Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Letter Carrier

There are a few steps that one must take in order to become a Letter Carrier. The first is to have a high school diploma or equivalent. The second is to pass a postal exam. The third is to complete on-the-job training.

The first step towards becoming a Letter Carrier is to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Individuals who do not have a high school diploma may still be able to take the postal exam, but they will need to complete additional training before being hired.

The second step is to pass a postal exam. The United States Postal Service offers several different exams, but the most common one for Letter Carriers is the 473 Exam. This exam tests an individual's knowledge of postal laws, regulations, and procedures.

The third step is to complete on-the-job training. Once an individual has been hired, they will need to complete a period of on-the-job training before they can begin working independently. On-the-job training typically lasts for several weeks and covers topics such as safety procedures, mail sorting, and route delivery.

Related: Letter Carrier Resume Example

Related: Letter Carrier Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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