What does a Mail Sorter do?
Published 3 min read
A mail sorter is a person who works at a postal service sorting facility. They are responsible for sorting mail by destination and delivering it to the correct location.
Mail Sorter job duties include:
- Reads outgoing mail to determine addressee and class of mail.
- Sorts mail according to established procedures.
- Examines mail for correct postage.
- Cancels stamps on mail with postage meters.
- Stamps or labels mail by hand to indicate proper postage.
- Wraps, ties, or bundles mail for dispatch to other offices.
- May feed letter-size papers into automatic sorting machines.
- May operate canceling machines.
- May sort incoming mail and perform other duties in postal stations and branches.
Mail Sorter Job Requirements
There is no formal education required to become a mail sorter, but most employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification is not required, but completing a postal service training program may give applicants a competitive edge. Previous experience working in a warehouse or distribution center is helpful, but not required. Mail sorters must be able to lift heavy packages and stand for long periods of time.
Mail Sorter Skills
- Able to read and identify numbers and letters quickly
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Good stamina for standing for long periods of time
- Able to work independently
- Able to follow instructions
- Detail oriented
- Able to work quickly and efficiently
- Able to lift heavy objects
- Able to work well under pressure
- Team player
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How to become a Mail Sorter
There are a few steps that one must take in order to become a mail sorter. The first step is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Once this has been accomplished, the next step is to complete on-the-job training, which is typically provided by the employer. After the training has been completed, the individual will then be able to take and pass a postal exam. Once these steps have been completed, the individual will be able to work as a mail sorter.
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