New Hire

[Brian Kelly]

Brian, you might want to change your "identifier" on here. You never know who is looking at the posts on here. By nature, I am not paranoid, but you probably want to be annoynmous.

Good Luck

That seems to be easier said than done, but it's not my actual name.

 

[C$$]

Thank you everyone for the replies, very informative. I heard about this group through a Google search that intitialy took me to Federal Soup then a response that mention Ruralmailtalk. I'm hoping my PO is looking for the 1-2 day per week person as I own a bar that is fairly self sufficient. If they need more than 4 days, I have some serious thinking to do.

Brian,

It's probably worth your time to call the Post Office or stop in and ask some questions:
1) How many rural routes?
2) How many subs currently?
3) Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) or LLV route?
4) Is the office an Amazon drop?

RCA can be a pretty good gig, but it depends on a lot of factors. For instance, providing their own vehicle (POV) can be a deal breaker for many potential hires.

Good Luck!

 

[BigGreenie]

I am not sure if things have changed since the newest contract, but as a new RCA, it has been you get paid for actual time for the first 10 weeks (5 pay periods following your start date. If that is still in play, don't let them force you to work faster than you feel comfortable...learn your route(s) and do them right, otherwise you will hear about it.

 

[Postal-xam@58]

Thank you everyone for the replies, very informative. I heard about this group through a Google search that intitialy took me to Federal Soup then a response that mention Ruralmailtalk. I'm hoping my PO is looking for the 1-2 day per week person as I own a bar that is fairly self sufficient. If they need more than 4 days, I have some serious thinking to do.

Your office may be the exception, but each of us were told they could only guarantee us one day a week. That covers them in case that is all they can offer you. But in reality most of us might’ve started out with a few days and find ourselves working lots of days. That’s fine if that’s what you want, when I started I was quickly working 6 days. Don’t expect they will let you work 1 or 2 days if they need you for more. I am not trying to dissuade you. Just letting you know what to expect. If you’re in a small office, it might work for you. GOOD LUCK ??

 

[Voglio-il mio]

It's called hurry up and wait...and wait...and wait.

He's been in the military so that common and he is used to that!

 

[Voglio-il mio]

Nope...and by fast track they mean 6 weeks instead of 7. Woooo

That sounds fast to me, When I was hired it was 9 months!

 

[Voglio-il mio]

Thank you everyone for the replies, very informative. I heard about this group through a Google search that intitialy took me to Federal Soup then a response that mention Ruralmailtalk. I'm hoping my PO is looking for the 1-2 day per week person as I own a bar that is fairly self sufficient. If they need more than 4 days, I have some serious thinking to do.

I am not sure if things have changed since the newest contract, but as a new RCA, it has been you get paid for actual time for the first 10 weeks (5 pay periods following your start date. If that is still in play, don't let them force you to work faster than you feel comfortable...learn your route(s) and do them right, otherwise you will hear about it.

Brian Kelly keep in mind that the most important part of learning the job is to be efficient! keep your eyes open to all handling methods of all the Regular Carriers around you! Find one that works for you or combine parts of several to call your own! In any event practice and improve your in office and street handling habits. This is the key to being successful as a Rural Mail Carrier! As far as learning the Case that will come with time and repetition don't let that consume you. Once you have mastered the handling and delivery process the rest is just a thing and you will be able to deliver any route with limited Case knowledge!

 

[Tank]

Brian Kelly keep in mind that the most important part of learning the job is to be efficient! keep your eyes open to all handling methods of all the Regular Carriers around you! Find one that works for you or combine parts of several to call your own! In any event practice and improve your in office and street handling habits. This is the key to being successful as a Rural Mail Carrier! As far as learning the Case that will come with time and repetition don't let that consume you. Once you have mastered the handling and delivery process the rest is just a thing and you will be able to deliver any route with limited Case knowledge!

Additionally, after having learned how to learn a case and route, every subsequent route will be easier to learn.

 

[Itstillfun]

A very enjoyable time.

 

[muttleycrue]

That sounds fast to me, When I was hired it was 9 months!

When I was hired - original posting was in February. My actual hire date was mid-June.

2-3 days of general USPS orientation and driver training (POV, I have never trained on LLV even now).

I rode with carrier for 2 days, did a couple of half-route days, then I was on my own. Filled in for reg's 4th of July 8 or 10 day vacation.

Went to Rural Academy in August.

This was almost 8 years ago. I guess (hope!) things are a little different now.

 

[BigGreenie]

Additionally, after having learned how to learn a case and route, every subsequent route will be easier to learn.

It is good to get efficient time-wise, but that definitely comes with time, learning how to handle the route the way it works for you, and much repetition. I have seen management and many of the regulars offer help, but they also push the new hires to move faster and faster right off the bat. Believe me, it is extremely frustrating to see this make-or-break them behavior. Just saying, you want them to stay, don't expect to see speed right out of the gate.