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What does a Mail Carrier do?

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

Published 3 min read

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

Mail Carrier job duties include:

  • Delivering mail and packages to residences and businesses
  • Sorting mail and packages before delivery
  • Collecting outgoing mail and packages from customers
  • Answering customer questions about postal services
  • Maintaining records of daily deliveries and collections
  • Reporting any undeliverable mail or packages to the sender
  • Maintaining a supply of stamps, envelopes, and other postal materials
  • Keeping the delivery vehicle clean and in good working order
  • Adhering to safety regulations while driving

Mail Carrier Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for mail carriers, although some positions may prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typically provided, and candidates must pass a postal exam to be eligible for certain positions. Some experience in customer service or the postal system may be beneficial.

Mail Carrier Skills

  • Punctual
  • Reliable
  • Good Physical Condition
  • Able to Lift Heavy Objects
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Clean Driving Record
  • Knowledge of Area
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Ability to Work Alone
  • Organized
  • Detail-Oriented

Related: Top Mail Carrier Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Mail Carrier

There are a few steps that one must take in order to become a mail carrier. The first is to obtain a job with the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS employs over 600,000 people in a variety of positions, including mail carriers. To be eligible for most positions with the USPS, applicants must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status. Applicants must also pass a written exam and drug test.

Once hired, new postal workers will undergo several weeks of paid training. This training will cover topics such as safety procedures, mail sorting, and proper delivery methods. After successfully completing training, mail carriers will be assigned a route and will begin delivering mail to homes and businesses in their community.

Mail carriers need to be physically fit as their job requires them to walk long distances and lift heavy bags of mail. They must also be detail-oriented as they need to accurately sort and deliver mail to each customer on their route. Good customer service skills are also important as carriers often interact with customers while delivering mail.

Becoming a mail carrier is a great way to get started in a career with the USPS. With hard work and dedication, carriers can advance to other positions within the organization such as postal inspectors or postal managers.

Related: Mail Carrier Resume Example

Related: Mail Carrier Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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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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