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New RCA with questions about speed and 2080-2240 clarification

T2015

New member
Thank you for posting on the topic of 2080/2240. I am learning quickly, the USPS is going to be an experience. Does 2080-2240 translate as "Management's bonus system stands or fails based off these end-of-the-year reports?No judgement, it's just better to know what's what. That being said, I am unfamiliar with the USPS jargon. Where can I find the October issue of the national magazine or the Question Box section, "Monitoring Your Work Hours?"Seems like an awful lot for a new carrier to digest given the abundance of packages and all of the protocol.  I get that regular RCAs have to be frustrated by new carriers who are not catching on quickly. I served for many years in the Army.Man, this job is not for the faint of heart!My first day was an eye-opening and challenging experience. I was shocked by how much there is to do and juggle. Controlled chaos. It's not for every one. The RCAs were fantastic. They stepped up and helped me. I don't know if I would have been so gracious given it was 94 degrees and the humidity was atrocious. Everything that could go wrong did. It was a good way to get indoctrinated; I will never make those same mistakes again. The whole hurry up-you are too slow--is a bit counter-intuitive to the safety program as trained at the academy. I guess that is to be expected.To clarify, management wasn't saying that to me. I am sure if I don't get fast; they will. Do you have any suggestions/advice to improve your speed on a rural route with 600 stops? I work Mondays, I know its going to be tough in the beginning.Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.T2018 <div class="wpf-post-button-actions"> </div>
 
Keep a positive attitude. When you get beat up, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and carry on. Speed comes over time. It's repetition. Some carriers pick it up quicker than others. Good luck to you.
 
T2015 -- "I am learning quickly, the USPS is going to be an experience."

-- Not only that, but the learning never stops throughout your entire career. The USPS is always trying some new program to "improve" service, but usually it does not work as advertised.

"Does 2080-2240 translate as "Management's bonus system stands or fails based off these end-of-the-year reports?"

-- Unknown for sure, but more likely those two problems, especially 2240, gets lots manglement lots unwanted attention from District.

-- 2080 and 2240 are problems for regular carriers, not RCA's -- UNLESS an RCA is filling in for a long-term absence of a regular carrier.

"That being said, I am unfamiliar with the USPS jargon."

-- Google "usps publication 32". It is the Glossary of Postal Terms, but like the contract, not every term is in it.

"Where can I find the October issue of the national magazine or the Question Box section, "Monitoring Your Work Hours?"

-- If no one in the office kept a copy, that issue can be found at the NRLCA web site under the Archive section of Magazine. Have to be a member of the NRLCA to get past the home page.

"Seems like an awful lot for a new carrier to digest given the abundance of packages and all of the protocol. I get that regular RCAs have to be frustrated by new carriers who are not catching on quickly. I served for many years in the Army."

-- Your time in the army ( thank you for your service ) will help you cope with the USPS.

"Man, this job is not for the faint of heart!"

-- See above !

"My first day was an eye-opening and challenging experience. I was shocked by how much there is to do and juggle. Controlled chaos. It's not for every one."

-- Customers only see the mail carrier put their mail into their mail box. They have no idea what it takes to get the mail from the loading dock to the mail box. The "chaos" is not all that controlled! RCA's have been in your situation at one time or another. They want you to succeed -- mainly because you will be able to take some of the current load off of them in a sub-short office.

-- Official summer has yet to arrive ( 21 June ). Just wait until 100+ days arrive and the "feel-like" temperatures are in the 110's! HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE. Start taking in water in the office because if you get thirsty out on the route -- you are behind the hydration curve.

"Do you have any suggestions/advice to improve your speed on a rural route with 600 stops? I work Mondays, I know its going to be tough in the beginning."

-- Repetition, repetition, and more repetition is the key to getting faster. Cutting corners is not a way to get faster. Making mistakes -- only once. A 600-delivery route is a tough one to break in on. Apartments or curb side or a mix?

-- It takes time to catch on to the RCA position. Give it an honest effort.

-- When manglement begins to question your speed, that's when you ask them to point out ways to improve your performance. Most members of manglement have no problem telling you what great city carriers they were in the past.

-- Cherish the good days and forget the bad days, except what you did to make it a bad day. That is the "learning" experience. Don't bother trying to match your regular's run times; you'll get there eventually. It's more of a marathon instead of the 100-meter dash.

-- The only "dumb" question is the one you don't ask.

-- Welcome aboard!
 
Thanks! Btdtret!The route is half subdivision that is a complete maze-which I have driven many times on my own. The rest of the route is rural. 45 miles long. The first day was amazon Sunday (at a hub) which I foolishly volunteered for thinking it would give me experience. LOL. It gave me the humbling experience to know I had absolutely no idea what I was getting my self into. Further, the As I said, thank God for the dedicated young RCAs who saved my a**.  Apparently the B204 was not told I was bran new and had not been trained by my home office. It's all good. It was a valuable on boarding.I am going to keep a positive attitude, never let them see me sweat and never let them know they are getting to me--if indeed I allow them to do so.Being a leader, I've always believed in taking responsibility so it's easy to spot when one is passing the buck. I have distain for that. However, I also recognize the inherent insecurity and weakness of those who are unable to be accountable for their actions. This early on... I do have one question. Would you jump ship to a mail handler or clerk? I am interested in buying back my military time, which is substantial. I like the idea of being a carrier. However, I am older and have some physical limitations. I have to be careful not to get broken too early on.I appreciate your response. I don't want to paint  myself into a corner too soon. Thank you for the response and the good-advice. Repetition does seem to be the key to success. Being a hard worker and not taking things to heart is key.If I were 20 years younger, being an RCA would be ideal. I appreciate you thanking me for my service. I thank you for your dedicated service with the USPS. That is dedication. My hats are off to USPS workers. Especially RCAs and CCAs. Much more to it than I ever thought it was. Amazing!   
 
T2015 -- "The route is half subdivision that is a complete maze-which I have driven many times on my own. The rest of the route is rural. 45 miles long."

-- For starters, double check the subdivision for left-hand turns ( a no-no ) and U-Turns. It probably would be safer do do a U-Turn on a side street rather than a street that is more heavily used.

-- There are two lists for Sunday Delivery, one for Volunteers and one for Non-Volunteers. The ones on the "Non-Volunteer" list could be used when manglement at the hub runs out of names on the Volunteer list. Both lists should be alphabetized. On the plus side, working Sunday Parcels counts as a work day towards your probationary period of 90 work days or one calendar year, which ever comes first.

"never let them see me sweat".

-- Let manglement see you sweat, that way they know you are working hard!

"Being a leader, I've always believed in taking responsibility so it's easy to spot when one is passing the buck. I have disdain for that."

-- There will be times when it is better to bite ones tongue than point out to manglement what they are doing wrong in their "leadership" capabilities / responsibilities.

" Would you jump ship to a mail handler or clerk?"

-- Good question, if a little late in the process!. Never dealt with Mail Handlers ( the smallest of the 4 postal unions ), but will guess they primarily work at processing plants rather than your neighborhood post office. Anyone?? Clerks, on the other hand, are at the neighborhood offices where they work at the front counter, interacting face-to-face with customers. Clerks also unload incoming mail trucks, distribute letter mail, parcels, flats, etc. They also prepared mail collected during the day for shipment to the plant in the afternoons. One clerk ( or more, depending the number of routes ) take accountables around to carriers and log in accountables as the carriers return from routes. The clerk craft is a big umbrella that covers clerks, custodians, motor vehicle facility workers, etc. On the plus side, clerks work in side for the most part - as compared to rural carriers.

" I am interested in buying back my military time, which is substantial."

-- If you retired ( usually 20 years ) from the army and are drawing a retirement check, you would have to give up ( waive ) that monthly "retainer" check in order to buy back your military time.

-- Otherwise, buy back your military the sooner the better. Usually no interest is done withing 3 years. KEEP ALL paperwork involved with buying back military time -- for ever!!

-- Contact Shared Services at 1-877-477-3273 to determine your situation.

"However, I am older and have some physical limitations."

-- Any limitations documented on paper?

-- Is manglement aware of any limitations?

-- Carpal Tunnel syndrome ( problems with one's wrists ) comes from the repetitive motion of casing mail. Google it. Might be a reason to take a hard look at the clerk craft. Ask the clerks in your office. To convert, you'll most likely have to resign as an RCA, take the Clerk Test with no guarantee of getting hired at your present office.

-- Is your primary route assigned an LLV ( Long Life Vehicle ) or a POV ( Privately Owned Vehicle ) required?
 
There are a few left turns in the subdivisions. The 4003 is a bit confusing. There are U turns as well ( in the sub-division.) on the 4003. Management is not aware as I have not had the chance to sit with them. I have not trained with my post office trainer yet. Nor have I had my medical examination as mandated (from what I have read) during the on boarding process. When I said never let them see me sweat, I meant, not react. I am used to biting my tongue. LOL I will be beating feet. I have degenerative disc disease in my lower back and will have to be careful how I lift heavy packages. I assume I am not alone in this as a  vet. I will push through it. It is what it is. I will have to be careful and pay attention to how I pick up things--I have a hand truck for the heavy packages to assist with loading and unloading and hauling to the customers door. I'll make it work. All limitations are documented in the Fed File. 15 years service. I was surprised they didn't give me a medical exam and ask the questions as I identified as a vet with limitations. We will see how this goes. I meet with my supervisor tomorrow. 1st day of on the job training. Thank you for taking the time to answer questions. I appreciate it. I asked about the Clerk position due to mgmt stating that we only will get 2 days per week. I my office is short on subs. I don't believe hours will be a problem once I get used to the work load and the routes. I thank you for taking the time to give me advice and let me know what to look out for. How do I address the 4003 being jacked up without offending my regular. The box count on the route is wrong and there are left turns on the route in the subdivisions and on the main roads. Is this always wrong or are there exceptions? Thanks again
 
There are a few left turns in the subdivisions. The 4003 is a bit confusing. There are U turns as well ( in the sub-division.) on the 4003. Management is not aware as I have not had the chance to sit with them. I have not trained with my post office trainer yet. Nor have I had my medical examination as mandated (from what I have read) during the on boarding process. When I said never let them see me sweat, I meant, not react. I am used to biting my tongue. LOL I will be beating feet. I have degenerative disc disease in my lower back and will have to be careful how I lift heavy packages. I assume I am not alone in this as a  vet. I will push through it. It is what it is. I will have to be careful and pay attention to how I pick up things--I have a hand truck for the heavy packages to assist with loading and unloading and hauling to the customers door. I'll make it work. All limitations are documented in the Fed File. 15 years service. I was surprised they didn't give me a medical exam and ask the questions as I identified as a vet with limitations. We will see how this goes. I meet with my supervisor tomorrow. 1st day of on the job training. Thank you for taking the time to answer questions. I appreciate it. I asked about the Clerk position due to mgmt stating that we only will get 2 days per week. I my office is short on subs. I don't believe hours will be a problem once I get used to the work load and the routes. I thank you for taking the time to give me advice and let me know what to look out for. How do I address the 4003 being jacked up without offending my regular. The box count on the route is wrong and there are left turns on the route in the subdivisions and on the main roads. Is this always wrong or are there exceptions? Thanks again
 
Military buy back- I contacted HR and they said I had to be a regular before I could buy back my military time. I had heard two different things. I heard that you could as a sub and then I heard your had to wait to be a regular.  I am not sure if HR knows the particulars. Do you know any subs who have bought back their military time prior to making regular? Thanks
 
I am impressed you know what a 4003 is.....Good luck with your new chosen career.  Just stay positive and ask questions.  Speed comes with time on the job.  I have learned a nice steady pace is the way to go....one mailbox at a time.....don't over think the job.  Thank you for your service to our Country.P.S.  I would NOT address the jacked up 4003...just yet....your Regular will take offense....I would have a little time on the route first and that way you may see why there are some left turns and other areas that you think need improved; but in reality it is the safest most efficient way to run the route.
 
Ha....that's exactly what I thought. The only reason I  know about the 4003 a friend went out on a disability and she told me about the 4003 prior to starting. I asked for a copy on my shadow day. She has been so helpful. Callofthewild you don't have to thank me for my service. I thank all of your for yours! My gosh, the USPS RCA job is challenging work. I will just go in tomorrow, do the best I can and learn the job over time. I can tell the RCAs are a group of their own. I like that they seem to look out for each other. Thank you! 
 
T2015 -- First -- Medical issues.

-- All postal employees are required to lift a 70-pound item. So be extra careful when performing that exercise.

Looking ahead, some clerks will put "HEAVY" stickers on small parcels, which are heavier that expected. Other clerks don't, so treat any small parcels at the bottom of a parcel buggy / gurney as a heavy one.

-- Some obviously heavy or awkward parcels may have a "2 Person" logo on it somewhere. If need be, request manglement help you load such items if no rural or clerk craft personnel in the office.

-- Google "usps publication 181"

Among the Employment Requirements:

- Military Service: veterans must treat military service as prior employment and submit copy 4 of the DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

- Medical assessment: After receiving a job offer, applicants MUST consent to a medical assessment to determine their ability to perform in the position.

"15 years of service"

-- Yep, that would be a substantial amount to buy back, but worth it if you can swing it. Others have posted of taking out loans to cover the cost. Again contact Shared Services for particulars -- like if you can do it as an RCA. Anyone???

-- Back in the late 1990's ( I think ) the military services tried a 15-year retirement program for a while, but don't think is lasted very long.

"There are a few left turns in the subdivisions. The 4003 is a bit confusing. There are U turns as well ( in the sub-division.) on the 4003."

-- That IS a problem that both the regular and manglement should be aware of. Manglement is supposed to do a route inspection annually to check the line of travel for problem situations such as left-hand turns and U-turns that are made on busy streets or highways.

-- You can ask if manglement is planning on eliminating the left-hand turns and possibly the U-turns. If not, you can submit a Form 1767 ( Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition or Practice ( for left-hand turns and U-Turns )) even though it might require a change in the line of travel for the subdivision. Left-hand turns are a real problem for LLV's due to the mirrors.

-- Manglement may request you talk with the "Safety Ambassador" in the office in stead of filing an 1767. Say "thank you" but I'll go with the 1767. Because there is no "paper trail" when using the "Safety Ambassador".

"The box count on the route is wrong"

-- That is hard to believe as there was a mail count in 2018 unless your regular was able to opt out so manglement never inspected the route, comparing it to the Edit Book. I'd wait to get a few days training in actually running the route before tackling the box count.

Manglement and probably the regular will not be happy with the mentioning of the left-hand and U-turns.

"I asked about the Clerk position due to mgmt stating that we only will get 2 days per week."

-- Must be manglement is planning on using you each Sunday to run parcels and one day for your regular route. That is basically wrong as Sunday Parcels should be on a rotating basis. Anyone??

-- The USPS operates on a 2-week pay period (each week is Saturday to Friday).

"Primary Route is assigned LLV no POVs in our office."

-- Manglement could still ask you to use your POV to run the route. And you can politely say "NO". Step 4 ( L-101 ) says so!! BTW, Step 4's are previous grievances that have been won by the NRLCA that address past problems. ( But that does not keep manglement from violating the contract or previous Step 4's )!
 
T2015 -- "Military buy back- I contacted HR and they said I had to be a regular before I could buy back my military time. I had heard two different things. I heard that you could as a sub and then I heard your had to wait to be a regular."

-- Keep digging. Hopefully someone can shed some more light on it. But more than likely Shared Services is correct.

-- Google "usps military buy back".

-- It is not exactly clear as to when one start buying back military time.

-- Another web site indicates one can apply for up to two years once they are hired with no penalty. After that point, they will be paying an additional interest charge per year on what they may owe to to buy back their years.

-- The problem with the above is that RCA's rarely make regular within 2 years of their hire date. And it also could take 10 or more years to make regular.

-- If possible, set a little aside in a "Buy Back" fund to be used later on.

-- If and when you complete the military buy back, only then will your retirement date be recomputed and thus your annuity computation. It does not add to your seniority in the office.

-- On the plus side, as in you don't have to do anything: When you make regular, you should skip the 13 days of annual leave earning per year and jump to 20 days of leave per year.

-- And when you left the Army, you probably thought that would be the last of paper work, right?

-- You don't have to post here, but if you left the Army with a medical / disability, that may affect your buy back situation. Something to mention to Shared Services.
 
  Medical examination- Just googled USPS publication 181. I had read that.  I knew I was supposed to have a medical examination. I have been through all the academies. Tomorrow I start my training at my post office. I will talk to my supervisor in the morning about the examination and my limitations. Sundays- I was informed that I would be working Saturday on a rotational basis and Mondays. I hope that is not their intention to work me every Sunday.  I am single so I volunteered, to learn the routes. It will help me get better quicker. I will not, however, make it a habit. I will remember Step 4. I won't use my POV unless others are forced to. There is no one in our office using POVs. I identified as a vet with disabilities; my back being one of them. Will they provide reasonable, I do mean reasonable, accommodations?  Just help lifting a really heavy box?  I have a hand truck. I tried to talk to HR about the medical examination during training and it seemed that no one knew what I was referring to?Thanks for the information. 
 
The lady at HR said that the clock start ticking for the military buy back once you make regular. She said that once your make regular you have 3 years from that day to buy back your military service or you incur interest penalties.That made sense to me.I had heard a lot of other explanations. This one is logical. Meanwhile. I send my DD214 into the Defense Finance Accounting Service to have a Buy Back Estimation done to see how much I will owe the Feds for my 15 years of service. That way, if I ever make regular, I have the money saved. I hope this helps someone who is closer to making regular who hasn't looked into it.
 
Do you know how the medical disability affects the buy back situation? You sure seem to know a lot about the services. Thank you for your service! After looking into the Military Buy Back? I realized it was a mountain of paperwork! LOL Right?You are either prior military or just very smart. Dang! Thanks
 
T2015 -- "Do you know how the medical disability affects the buy back situation?"

-- Google "usps military buy back"

-- Click on "notice to all usps employees with military service"

-- Look under the heading "If you are in receipt of military retired pay, military service is not creditable unless:"

-- Any apply to you?

"You are either prior military or just very smart."

-- Prior military.

-- I've have, on occasion, posted some incorrect info, so that eliminates "very smart".

-- YW

-- You must be an improvement over the T-1000 from the TERMINATOR movies.
 
Btdtret, Bwahhh.... Thank you for your service! I object. We all get it wrong sometimes.Thanks for your time and patience. The information you have provided is terrific.I really appreciate it.I'll reach out and give you updates.T 1000?I am an out-dated model
 
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