Btdtret,The training is going well. My regular is working portions of his route while another regular is training me.The 1st day we cased and delivered the neighborhood portion of my route. We went over the protocol of accountable mail, certified mail, scanning and delivery of packages-and pieces requiring signatures i.e... 2nd we day cased and delivered the middle portion of the rural route. Tomorrow we'll do the final third rural/portion. My trainer showed me a way of casing and pulling down the mail that makes sense. She explained that the methods vary from carrier to carrier and route to route. I can imagine. I am grateful they are breaking me in slowly. Mondays are going to be wild. I am doubly grateful I am not starting during Christmas. Hat's off to all carriers who had to do that!It's a lot to learn. So far, I've been lucky. My supervisors seem to genuinely want the subs to be successful. I just want to get comfortable enough to work the route without having to put extra work on other RCAs in my post office. So far so good! The regular who is training me has patience and is willing to answer any and all questions. It will be nice to get familiar with a few of the routes and not be so green.Thanks for taking the time to answer all of my questions.
New RCA with questions about speed and 2080-2240 clarification
- Thread starter T2015
- Start date
lbpd16
Well-known member
T2015,I'm a retired police officer after 24 years on the job. Been doing nothing the last 8 months and was getting a little bored. My local post office is always looking for RCA's so I decided to give it a try. I'm just about the same spot as you. Had my 3 days of OJT this week. This morning they told me I would do half the route myself today. Wasn't bad. Casing is getting easier as I'm starting to remember where things are on the case. I got with my regular and made him give me a step by step of what to do from the moment I show up in the morning until the time I load up my vehicle. I found that helped out alot this morning. I had a few questions before I left and then headed out. I never practiced driving from the right side so it was a bit awkward today at the start. I missed a couple mailboxes and also missed 3 parcel deliveries. I wasn't told what the procedure is but when I finished my route I went ahead and backtracked and delivered those 3 packages after figuring out where they went. I also had 2 certified letters and a signature required package but nobody was home so I got to do a couple 3849s too. I never had any practice on the scanner so I had my regular give me a quick rundown before I left. It seemed to work out ok. I had to manually punch in one scan after the scan kept telling me it was invalid. But manually it was accepted. When I got back I had one of the clerks help me figure out what to do with the stuff I picked up along the way, outgoing letters and one pre-paid acceptance. None of the supervisors were around so I left the office before discussing my day with any of them. Tomorrow I have the entire route on my own but I think I got it down enough to get it done with little trouble. A couple things I learned today Holding mail in my lap while making deliveries is not gonna work for me. While reaching for a box a few letters fell to the floor and I had to rearrange them. I also found that when I stopped to deliver a parcel I had to find a place to put the letters. I think tomorrow I will use the trays and keep them in the driver seat and pull them from the tray when I get to each box. I need to find a way to organize my parcels. I tried to place them in my minivan in some type of order but I found myself constantly checking over and over again. Lucky I didn't have alot. If I did I would be out there til midnight. I am thinking tomorrow of using a bunch of tubs for the smaller parcels and placing certain streets and neighborhoods in its own tub. I'll see how these adjustments go tomorrow
Sandygirl
Well-known member
Ibpd16, I have been an RCA for 6 years. I find this helpful for arranging packages when on a new route. Name each of the 6 rows in the case 1-6 then each wing A,B,C .If a package is marked on the second row and in the middle wing, mark 2B, sixth row, right wing 6C. I even mark the small ones that fits in trays this way. then when organizing them you can put all the 6"s together and put A in front of B and B in front of C and on and on. IIt is very easy to put them in a very close order very quickly when you are ready to load. I made a tray out of a half tray to put letters in my lap. I cut the end of a half tray about 4 inches wide at the top but left the bottom about 8 inches wide , then take the left over END piece and make it only 2 inches wide . Slide the end pieces together and tape it. The two holes for the handle will be useful as well . One hole will face your stomach and the LONG 8 inch section with the other Hole in the handle will face away from your lap and the 8 inches will stabilize it so it will not fall over when you dps sits in it at a slant. It works great. I don't know how to put a pic on here but I hope you try it. My son in law is a police officer with 8 years to go and plans on being RCA. Good Luck to you
Lpbd16,I can so relate with your post!Thank you for your service! Being a police officer in today's environment had to be...a challenge. I appreciate you. Sandygirl, Eomr, thank you for commenting and your great suggestions.Everything you said is spot on. I dropped letters off my lap and had to back track a few times as well. I am going to try Sandygirl and Eomr's suggestions. Everyone does it differently, it's really kind of cool. Thanks Eomr-- The suggestion of a beer box LOL then dish pan? I'm buying one today. As far as the packages? I really think it takes trial and error to find what works for each carrier. Size of the route, types and number of boxes. It's really crazy. Everyone does it so differently.I'm sticking to what the majority have said that they do:I used yellow markers to case small parcels. I cased the small parcels and pulled them down with the mail. Then I put small parcels in trays in order of delivery just like the mail. I case red markers in the addresses that had big packages. I pulled down the markers with the mail to identify and remind myself that I had a big parcel to deliver at that address.Loaded parcels in the LLV by order of deliver. I even marked the address number--with a black sharpie on each package (not the smalls-they are on the left next to the mail in a tray-same size as the mail-in order of delivery.) Remember you have a yellow marker to give you a head's up that the address has a small parcel or a big parcel. The back of the LLV --if you use one---has numbers or zones 1-6 on the inside. Load the last parcels you will deliver closet to your back in the LLV. Load the parcels you will deliver first where you can see/reach them--toward the front of the LLV or POV. You will have to re-arrange your parcels half way through the route. (Load the ones you will deliver next so when you open the back of the vehicle you can reach them.)I believe it will all come with repetition and attention-to-detail. Then, as they all say, "It will be like riding a bike." The packages are something that the regulars may or may not have had to deal with when they started/were trained. It's challenging. This-in my humble opinion-may be why we are being trained longer.More than 100 packages in LLV or even a POV is an overwhelming prospect. Being a veteran, I am quickly learning that I need to keep my focus in the moment, mailbox to mailbox; delivery to delivery.I am a strategic thinker. I have a hard time living in the moment. I believe caring the mail takes an innate ability to stay focused in the moment.Getting the casing accurate, knowing where the forwarding/vacant mailboxes are located seems really important--so far.For example, delivering to a vacant address, not checking the address on your mail? Can result in dozens of mis-delivered mailbox if you don't know what addresses are vacant or being forwarded.The occupants maybe out-of-town or 6 months residency elsewhere (just an example.) All good info to know. I asked my regular to put a yellow vacant notice in those mailboxes. If he is too busy, I will make a list until I get to know those addresses. I believe learning/identifying the mail pieces/types and where they go will take time and practice. I've been paying close attention to my trainer. If I am not sure? I will ask. Lots of decisions about the mail that I never would have imagined. If I am not half way through my route, once I am assigned the entire route, by 3pm? I am going to call my supervisor so he knows what is going on with my timing. There is a truck at your Post Office that has leave to take the mail back to the CPU. I believe this is the Central Processing Unit? Anyone? If you are not going to make it back? Don't let your pride get in the way. This will make supervision angry as they will have to drive the mail to the location. The scanner will tell you if you need signature for parcels or certifieds. I am finding it best to take a second glance at that scanner before I buzz away from an address. It saves going back for signatures. You were a police officer. This sort of work is right in your wheel house. When you first started as a Police Officer; it was probably really over whelming. This job has given me a new respect for Postal Workers. It' much more difficult than it looks. We should all respect each other's professions of choice. None of us have any idea what the other is going through.Good luck to you! Congratulations on your new job. Thank you for serving our country. You will rock it out! Just give it a bit of time and patience. At least, that what I am telling myself.
Lbpd16,What type of vehicle are you driving? The mini-vans here are left hand drive. I bet you have air conditioning! You are lucky if you do. The LLVs don't have it. If you are driving a mini-van I am not sure how you would arrange the parcels? It would be a matter of preference. You will get it down.
lbpd16
Well-known member
I found a 2000 Toyota Sienna with almost 200000 miles on it locally for only $1500. I gave it a good cleaning inside and out, replaced the front 2 tires and had the AC recharged. It works great and those Siennas are based on the 90's Camry which is indestructible. I use the AC during the start of my route because its all CBU. The second half its windows down and right hand drive because its curb side the rest of the way. I arrange my big parcels by neighborhood and just put them on the floor. My small parcels I use the blue tubs and have one for each neighborhood or long section of road. I also use one color parcel marker for big parcels and another for the small parcels. I find that works well for me. I don't waste time constantly going through parcels looking for the right one.
lbpd16
Well-known member
Yes, being a police officer is steadily getting worse. The last few years I had an office job and was off the road. It was nice to have bankers hours and no more holidays, weekends and night shifts to work. I also got off the road before tasers and body cameras. A metal flashlight makes a great baton and its usually already in your hand. Friday I worked half the route myself. Today I had the entire route. I had to be rescued a little after 3. 2 coworkers showed up and split the remainder of my route while I handled the last CBU. I missed a CBU early in the route and had to backtrack after discovering I had left over mail. I also had mail fly out of another CBU due to it being a windy day, so I had to chase down some mail. And then one of my neighborhoods had about 40% of the mail boxes blocked by on street parking so I got out and delivered to each one. All 3 of those things caused my huge delays. I also came in 15 minutes later than I had been in the mornings and didn't leave to load up another 30 minutes later than I had been. So that also added to my time.The problem I find with the case is that the space between the rows is not tall enough so when I case flats I have to fold them over at the top to fit. If there are alot then that jams up the slot next to it and on and on and on. I find myself stopping what i'm doing and having to use 2 hands to jam mail in the slots. My case also has alot of 2-address slots. That also causes time delays. I tried the taco method today and although it cased easy it made for some issues when pulling it and when trying to deliver. Most of the addresses are near the middle of the flat so when its bent in half you can't really see the address. Another waste of time.I did find the my parcel organization was much better and it paid off on my deliveries. No searching everything to find one item. I had separate bins for each section/neighborhood of my route.Another big time waster today was that I had to make alot of porch deliveries because many of the parcels were too big for the parcel lockers at the CBU's.I remembered my hardship deliveries but I forgot all about my forwards and my holds. I'm sure several boxes got mail that were not supposed to. And I don't have a list of vacants. I will have to try to find those out.Overall it wasn't a bad day. Learned a few more things by making mistakes. I'm sure the next time will be even easier......and then I will learn a new route and be right back at square one. I fondly remember my first day alone as a police officer and my very first call. A 911 hang-up at the pay phone of a Save A Center grocery. I felt like the world was watching me. But all they noticed was just another police officer on a call. It was very overwhelming even after the academy and field training time. Without that safety next sitting next to you its a whole different world. I always told my trainees that I learned the most my first 2 weeks I was on my own. That background really helps because I have a habit of knowing what street i'm on and how the numbers run and what side is odd and what side is even. Thats helpful for making deliveries. Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'm gonna tweak things and see how it goes.
Hi lbpd16,I like that you care. This is a really great forum. There are no CBUs on my route. That sounds challenging. You are learning more things at once than I. Driving a POV puts another spoke in the wheel. It sounds like you are doing great. I worked Amazon Sunday today again with another RCA.Does anyone have opinions about the USPS gps system used on Amazon Sunday? That program likes to have you do a lot of U-turns.The RCA I worked with was solid. (An ARC with two years.) Very calm demeanor and very efficient. Sounds like you were a great cop. I am sure you will be just as good at being a mail carrier. I believe it takes a unique individual to be a mail carrier. Just as it does to be law enforcement or a soldier. To do this job, I don't believe one can be a quitter or thin-skinned. I am glad you have co-workers who are willing to help out.Will your regular put markers in the address slots of the vacant/hold addresses? My regular has different markers in the slots for those. One suggestion I was given was to tape that marker down to the slot so it doesn't come out when you pull down the mail. Forwards? Is it rude to assume the regular would know more about these or handling these? Would someone mind explaining how to set up that GPS on the scanner on an Amazon Sundays? The RCA was already loading the vehicle when I arrived.I don't know how to DL the USPS GPS system. Or is it different everywhere? I just don't want to be slow next Sunday. The idea of bins in the POV is a good one. The minivan we used today--USPS van- was totally packed. 120+ packages and 80+ stops. How many parcels did you have?I deliver the neighborhood portion of the route Tuesday and am casing the route tomorrow. You were put on your route way faster than I. Good, bad or indifferent, you are a trooper! No pun intended.Thanks for sharing your time savers and wasters. When I do the route on my own, I'll post how it went.Good luck this week!
lbpd16
Well-known member
So I came in today and thought I would be running the route with a super. Its an Aux route thats got an eval of a little over 4 hours for the day. Its listed as a "Non L" and "A" route whatever that means. However, they told me I was gonna do it myself. I just moved to this town 8 months ago and I only go to places I need to go so I have no idea about the majority of the town. They gave me the turn by turn and a map with the route traced out. But when you have no idea where the streets even are its a challenge. It was also a challenge trying to figure out where CBU's and curbside boxes are on the route. Some are not on the actual streets its addressed to. And the CBU organization is just horrible. It seems like there is no rhyme or reason to the numbering of the boxes in the CBU. That wastes alot of time. Anyway, I took off and several times I had to pull over and figure where I was, where I was going, how to get there, and where the turn offs and turn arounds are. This took alot of time but I figured it out on my own.....by using my cell phone map app. I found it very frustrating to just be thrown out there without even driving the route at least once to know where things are. From many other posts on this board that seems to be the norm. Lucky for me I can think on my feet under pressure and figure things out for myself. I'm sure many others would have just folded and gone home. I guess thats why there are ALWAYS vacancies for RCA's and they rarely stick around long. They seemed glad when I made it back that I did the route on my own. They asked me to come in and do it again tomorrow.Since its an Aux, Non L route, what does that mean as far as pay and EMA?Its listed as 9.25 miles. Do I get the minimum EMA of $28.40?
Dang! That's rough. I bet I'll be singing that song soon! Don't let it get you down. Just wear it like a badge and think of it as a challenge. You should be getting paid regular time if you are still within the 10 weeks of your hire date. Anyone with more brains than me? I am not sure when that clock starts ticking. My regular trainer told me it starts ticking when you start training at the PO. I have a suspicion it starts ticking the day of your hire date. I am sure one of these smart RCAs will have that answer.Good job lbpd16! I know the 16 doesn't reflect your age. Although after today, I bet you don't feel 16. More like 61? LOLTake it in stride, don't be hard on yourself. Heck, don't race against the clock too much. I suspect they will use you up if you are TOO good. Do the best you can and smile.I bet you rocked it out in comparison to many others! Go have a cold beer!
Lbpd16,I left my regular a note asking him if he would please place yellow vacant papers in the mail boxes that were vacant. His slots have markers annotating what boxes are on hold and a place for the mail to go.Sounds like your not getting a lot of guidance/direction. Sorry to hear that.
lbpd16
Well-known member
Yeah, I really haven't had any official training other than orientation, driver training, and academy. I don't fault my regular. He's a real nice guy and does a great job. He's usually the first to leave and the first to get back by far. Training is just not his thing and its not in his personality. As far as I know my PO does not have an actual "trainer". They stuck me with my regular to learn that route. He has some vacation coming up soon. I think I have it down ok. A few more times and I should be able to make it by eval time. The route they put me on today is vacant, its an aux route. I have the feeling they may want me to do that route kinda regular and then do the other route on saturdays, but I haven't been told anything other than they want me back tomorrow to do the same aux route I did today. Basically I'm just doing what I think is best and asking questions when I get back to the PO. From what i've seen so far my office is so short they just want anyone to come in and do a route and just get the mail and packages out. A few things came up I wasn't sure about with some extra services packages. So i just scanned them as nobody at home and went about my way. I explained that when I got back to the PO and nobody had a problem with it. But nobody told me what I should have done as far as the extra service. Frustrating but again it seems they just have to get the mail out no matter what, even if a couple things get put off. For now my plan is to come in and do exactly what they want me to do and keep my mouth shut. I'm glad to be working alot even though I really don't need to or need the money. That will also get me to my 90 days quicker as well. And I am eventually gonna learn what mail goes where in the afternoons. I still find the morning and evening duties confusing....mostly the afternoon stuff.
lbpd16,I'm a sub for a K route that is 46 miles long, 600 box ( no CBUs.) I have been trained. I took half of the route today. The training was okay. I think casing time is the most important. I was trained to stack the mail--very quickly- and I stacked it--address facing-- backwards in the bins. OMG talk about a HUGE mistake. I got out on the route and had to turn everything around. What a waste of time!The lesson I learned? The time and energy spent casing the pulling down the mail? Priceless. My regular was awesome. I was in the middle of the circular neighborhood; tough to navigate when the mail is on point, and I was panicking. None of the addresses were in front of me in the stack.A voice to my right said, " You doing okay?" My regular had stopped to see how I was doing. He literally saved me today. Being thrown in or trained? The process is the same. Casing the mail, failing and learning what works and what doesn't seems to be the learning curve. I wasted so much time turning around for missed addresses on 'This Street Court'. No Outlets seem like they are not in the same order as they are in my case. I was thinking about what you said in your post about your co-workers rescuing you. Had it not been for my regular, I would have been out there way past the allotted time.I feel for you. Having to learn to drive your own POV and deliver the mail from a left drive ride? You must be thinking, "This one thinks the indoctrination is tough?" I didn't let it get me down. If you can do it, so can I. Hang in there. I am I've been to war and done a lot of stressful things. This is different. It's chaos and panic if your preparation is not on point. Tomorrow I am going into to case my regular's route. I am going to pay close attention to every darn detail.I can't believe what I did today. It totally blew me away. It can only make me better. Thanks for sharing your challenges. It really helped me get through today. HUMBLING EXPERIENC.
lbpd16 -- A "Non-L" route has less than 12 mailboxes per mile.
-- As far as the "A" -- I guess Auxiliary route would suffice.
-- Among other things, each Route Book should have a 4003 ( turn by turn line of travel of the route ) and a Route Map. Page 41 of the PO-603 lists what items should be in the book. During my RCA time, I made my own route map of the route because some route maps were basically a "stick figures" of the route. I made sure each street was labeled and used small arrows to mark the line of travel. CBU's were marked as an asterisk on the map. "BC" marked Blue Mail Boxes. Tried to put business numbers where applicable. One of the RCA's showed one of my new route maps to the Post Master who requested I redo all the routes in the post office -- 30+ rural and 30+ city routes! That helped keep me employed most of the summer! Who knew early grade school skills of cutting and pasting would pay off? Something else I did on new routes would be put the address number inside the mail box using a Sharpie "Meanstreak" white marking stick. Might take 3 or 4 times running the route to complete the numbering. Regulars would ask "what took you so long?" but other RCA's later thanked me. Of course this was in the late 1990's -- before GPS, etc.
-- As far as the "A" -- I guess Auxiliary route would suffice.
-- Among other things, each Route Book should have a 4003 ( turn by turn line of travel of the route ) and a Route Map. Page 41 of the PO-603 lists what items should be in the book. During my RCA time, I made my own route map of the route because some route maps were basically a "stick figures" of the route. I made sure each street was labeled and used small arrows to mark the line of travel. CBU's were marked as an asterisk on the map. "BC" marked Blue Mail Boxes. Tried to put business numbers where applicable. One of the RCA's showed one of my new route maps to the Post Master who requested I redo all the routes in the post office -- 30+ rural and 30+ city routes! That helped keep me employed most of the summer! Who knew early grade school skills of cutting and pasting would pay off? Something else I did on new routes would be put the address number inside the mail box using a Sharpie "Meanstreak" white marking stick. Might take 3 or 4 times running the route to complete the numbering. Regulars would ask "what took you so long?" but other RCA's later thanked me. Of course this was in the late 1990's -- before GPS, etc.
