What Happens If I Revert Back To RCA?

[Male.mailman]

I've mentioned in a few comments that my transition to career has been a bit disappointing. I was making good money as an RCA, working lots of overtime and financially stable. When I transitioned to my own route finally after 6 years of waiting, I was stepping into a 44K, with an LLV. So, I lost quite a bit of EMA pay, took a slight pay cut from my gross earnings, and of course, lost even a bit more because of all the deductions career carriers have that subs don't.
The first few months were incredible, only having to work 35-40 hours instead of my typical 55-60 felt like a vacation. But I got full-time in January and in March, dropped to 41K, partly because my PM didn't go over mapping or even suggest it with me when I started, but also due to Amazon abruptly taking back most of their parcels within weeks of the retiring carrier's departure.
Throughout the spring and summer, I tried to be consistent with delivery, got the mapping done to my standards, paced myself with loading/end of day duties, and hoped for the best. I had many light days, but I was hoping that I could gain a little time. Instead, I dropped to 43J in October.

So, my pay has gone all over the place and I have not seen any significant increase in parcel volume over the year. I don't have any reason to believe I'll be able to build the route up again unless I have more than my average 120 packages with at least 95 of those usually being SPR size. Last year I was putting extra on my mortgage, but this year I've been squeezing by, struggling to save money each month.

There is a potential I could transfer to a nearby office if their 48K POV route there gets posted to the district, and a possibility that I could swap with a carrier there too according to that PM who I know and trust.

But, getting to my question, IF all other options end up exhausted and I considered reverting to RCA again, can anyone tell me what the consequences are?
I know a couple. That I lose seniority and have to wait a year for bid eligibility again, but what else?
I don't want to give up career, I was truly starting to enjoy not working extra shifts every week, but I am trying to have enough money a month to be able to save a little, and I think that's only possible if I get the 48K route, or if I take a second job. My office is tiny with 3 routes so I have almost zero opportunity for any overtime hours.

Any info/advice is appreciated.

 

[MildlyInfuriated]

There is no reverting, you resign then reapply. Possibly at a different office, maybe no call for three months. You lose seniority, and your not vested so the money put into tsp by the post office goes away (I think). Get a second job. Starting over is not a great idea

 

[Old Fart]

I've mentioned in a few comments that my transition to career has been a bit disappointing. I was making good money as an RCA, working lots of overtime and financially stable. When I transitioned to my own route finally after 6 years of waiting, I was stepping into a 44K, with an LLV. So, I lost quite a bit of EMA pay, took a slight pay cut from my gross earnings, and of course, lost even a bit more because of all the deductions career carriers have that subs don't.
The first few months were incredible, only having to work 35-40 hours instead of my typical 55-60 felt like a vacation. But I got full-time in January and in March, dropped to 41K, partly because my PM didn't go over mapping or even suggest it with me when I started, but also due to Amazon abruptly taking back most of their parcels within weeks of the retiring carrier's departure.
Throughout the spring and summer, I tried to be consistent with delivery, got the mapping done to my standards, paced myself with loading/end of day duties, and hoped for the best. I had many light days, but I was hoping that I could gain a little time. Instead, I dropped to 43J in October.

So, my pay has gone all over the place and I have not seen any significant increase in parcel volume over the year. I don't have any reason to believe I'll be able to build the route up again unless I have more than my average 120 packages with at least 95 of those usually being SPR size. Last year I was putting extra on my mortgage, but this year I've been squeezing by, struggling to save money each month.

There is a potential I could transfer to a nearby office if their 48K POV route there gets posted to the district, and a possibility that I could swap with a carrier there too according to that PM who I know and trust.

But, getting to my question, IF all other options end up exhausted and I considered reverting to RCA again, can anyone tell me what the consequences are?
I know a couple. That I lose seniority and have to wait a year for bid eligibility again, but what else?
I don't want to give up career, I was truly starting to enjoy not working extra shifts every week, but I am trying to have enough money a month to be able to save a little, and I think that's only possible if I get the 48K route, or if I take a second job. My office is tiny with 3 routes so I have almost zero opportunity for any overtime hours.

Any info/advice is appreciated.

How were you getting the overtime in the same office as an RCA?

 

[Old Fart]

There is no reverting, you resign then reapply. Possibly at a different office, maybe no call for three months. You lose seniority, and your not vested so the money put into tsp by the post office goes away (I think). Get a second job. Starting over is not a great idea

agree on the second job, though you're working your route an extra day every pay period for about the same amount of money, though as a regular there are added charges to your stub, like higher union dues, pension. You could be ahead if you found a second job that offered you 16-20 hours a month (2-3 days) Not sure where you are located, but there's a huge variance across the country with starting wages for basic jobs in retail or service. CA is $20 or higher to start at most, though some states are $8.

Although I've been an LLV carrier most of my career, many look at EMA as income, though in reality the cost of ownership, insurance, maintenance, fuel, etc over time consume most of the EMA paid to you.

 

[jaymacgthree]

What happens is you have to resign, be off the rolls, forfeit some retirement contributions and give up regular income to wait until you can go through the lengthy hiring process all over again. Then you are guaranteed a minimum of 1 day week. Yes, hindsight is 20/20 but it seems unlikely you could roll the dice and wind up in the situation you were before and even if you did, you still have no control over whether or not Amazon starts dumping on your office again.

The MOU allowing regular carriers to work Sunday and assist other routes is currently in effect. Every office tends to need help so it seems like that would be a great way to pick up more income than a second job and you would not give up a secure position that allows you to still bid on routes that may be a better fit.

 

[Gotrope]

Don't think of the loss of ema as a bad thing. It means you never have to buy a vehicle or repair another vehicle to beat to cr@p on a route.

Second job or event thing works. Even if you revert to RCA, there is no guarantee you will have additional income. Tending bar can make money.

 

[Male.mailman]

There is no reverting, you resign then reapply. Possibly at a different office, maybe no call for three months. You lose seniority, and your not vested so the money put into tsp by the post office goes away (I think). Get a second job. Starting over is not a great idea

Ok, that sounds a bit more complex with reapplying and all. I don't want to go through the whole hiring process again.
I had a better chance at a second job when I at least was a K and could give Saturdays, but now I'm working every other, so finding a job that would allow me afternoons/evenings plus 2 Sats a month is a pretty narrow timeframe. I would prefer just working extra with the USPS because overtime pays better than 30 hours of straight time at a second job.

 

[Male.mailman]

How were you getting the overtime in the same office as an RCA?

I never got overtime in my office. We had 3 routes and for most of the time I was RCA, had 3 subs including me, so I typically worked 1-2 days there a week. With no demand upon me from my home station, I was free to travel and volunteer at other offices which I did up to 5 times a week, plus working Sundays when I was required.
The true overtime for me came when I would volunteer on top of the above mentioned schedule, to run to a second office in the same day and split/cover another route. It made for a lot of 10-13 hour days but I liked the pay and being able to serve. I worked in 15 different offices, about 10 of which would routinely request my help, so I was basically an independent contractor working out of my own POV. I had one week where I worked 6 different routes in 6 different offices. I loved the challenge and the job, but none of that time counted towards career unfortunately. It did get me a house though.

 

[Male.mailman]

What happens is you have to resign, be off the rolls, forfeit some retirement contributions and give up regular income to wait until you can go through the lengthy hiring process all over again. Then you are guaranteed a minimum of 1 day week. Yes, hindsight is 20/20 but it seems unlikely you could roll the dice and wind up in the situation you were before and even if you did, you still have no control over whether or not Amazon starts dumping on your office again.

The MOU allowing regular carriers to work Sunday and assist other routes is currently in effect. Every office tends to need help so it seems like that would be a great way to pick up more income than a second job and you would not give up a secure position that allows you to still bid on routes that may be a better fit.

I'm really hoping I can swap with a larger route that is very package heavy and likely to stay that way for some time. My office current office is being slowly swallowed by Amazon's coverage, but this other route is more remote and in an area with less cellphone coverage which is what is keeping Bezos from running packages there.
I appreciate your input as I'm trying to weigh my options and really trying not to multiply my hasty decisions.

 

[psd181]

I've mentioned in a few comments that my transition to career has been a bit disappointing. I was making good money as an RCA, working lots of overtime and financially stable. When I transitioned to my own route finally after 6 years of waiting, I was stepping into a 44K, with an LLV. So, I lost quite a bit of EMA pay, took a slight pay cut from my gross earnings, and of course, lost even a bit more because of all the deductions career carriers have that subs don't.
The first few months were incredible, only having to work 35-40 hours instead of my typical 55-60 felt like a vacation. But I got full-time in January and in March, dropped to 41K, partly because my PM didn't go over mapping or even suggest it with me when I started, but also due to Amazon abruptly taking back most of their parcels within weeks of the retiring carrier's departure.
Throughout the spring and summer, I tried to be consistent with delivery, got the mapping done to my standards, paced myself with loading/end of day duties, and hoped for the best. I had many light days, but I was hoping that I could gain a little time. Instead, I dropped to 43J in October.

So, my pay has gone all over the place and I have not seen any significant increase in parcel volume over the year. I don't have any reason to believe I'll be able to build the route up again unless I have more than my average 120 packages with at least 95 of those usually being SPR size. Last year I was putting extra on my mortgage, but this year I've been squeezing by, struggling to save money each month.

There is a potential I could transfer to a nearby office if their 48K POV route there gets posted to the district, and a possibility that I could swap with a carrier there too according to that PM who I know and trust.

But, getting to my question, IF all other options end up exhausted and I considered reverting to RCA again, can anyone tell me what the consequences are?
I know a couple. That I lose seniority and have to wait a year for bid eligibility again, but what else?
I don't want to give up career, I was truly starting to enjoy not working extra shifts every week, but I am trying to have enough money a month to be able to save a little, and I think that's only possible if I get the 48K route, or if I take a second job. My office is tiny with 3 routes so I have almost zero opportunity for any overtime hours.

Any info/advice is appreciated.

if you transfer, you don't transfer routes. Each office posts the "vacant" (route you and other are leaving) and you get the left over route, as does the other person. So if you are fustrated with salary swings, just think you might get a 40h that wasn't counted properly and work 57 hours a week and get paid for 40.

 

[psd181]

I'm really hoping I can swap with a larger route that is very package heavy and likely to stay that way for some time. My office current office is being slowly swallowed by Amazon's coverage, but this other route is more remote and in an area with less cellphone coverage which is what is keeping Bezos from running packages there.
I appreciate your input as I'm trying to weigh my options and really trying not to multiply my hasty decisions.

in case you miss my other post, you don't swap routes. the transfering people's routes are put up for bid. Then you and other are placed on the left over route.

 

[Worve]

Do you have any skills? Past work experience that lends you a way in for side gigs? Otherwise I make more working a cpl weekends a month as a doorman. The dancers always give me a share of tips, I also always walk them all out to vehicle. I am the first one they call if anything sketchy otw home. Just an idea, fyi hourly wage is 18$ I usually get 400-800$ a night from the dancers when I work.

 

[neciat]

You can always see if this will fly, MOU #10, and you WOULD NOT have to go through the hiring process again. I say "fly" because you are not relocating / moving.


MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
AND THE
NATIONAL RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
The parties agree that a regular rural carrier who wants to relocate because of a spouse’s relocation or a personal hardship
may be appointed as a rural carrier associate (RCA), provided there is a leave replacement vacancy in the office to which
the regular carrier seeks relocation and the regular carrier resigns his or her career position prior to appointment as an RCA.
The regular carrier must submit a written request for an appointment as an RCA to the installation head at the office where
the appointment is desired and must provide a copy of the request to the installation head at the office where currently
employed. Acceptance of the carrier’s request is at the discretion of the installation head of the gaining office, provided a
leave replacement vacancy exists in the office and all contractual provisions concerning the filling of such vacancies are
followed.
Upon receipt of the request at the gaining office, the installation head or designee will advise the regular carrier whether
the request is accepted and, if so, the effective date of the RCA appointment. The regular carrier must then resign from the
Postal Service at least six (6) days prior to the effective date of the RCA appointment. Following the six-day break in service,
the individual will be appointed as an RCA in the new installation. The individual’s seniority as an RCA will begin with the
effective date of the appointment. No new probationary period shall be required

 

[Male.mailman]

Don't think of the loss of ema as a bad thing. It means you never have to buy a vehicle or repair another vehicle to beat to cr@p on a route.

Second job or event thing works. Even if you revert to RCA, there is no guarantee you will have additional income. Tending bar can make money.

Well, last year I made over 9k in EMA, and it was pretty similar in prior years. I purchased a Subaru for 3K when I first started, had to sink money into it to get back in running order, but even by rough estimate that was about 20K total in the vehicle over 6 years, while I grossed close over 300K in the same time period. So, I came out ahead I think.
My thoughts now are to buy a newly imported RHD van some of which are going for about 8500, and have only 45K miles on them. So, I could use one hopefully for 10 years on the route I'm eyeing, which is about 68 miles long and would, at current rates pay about 15K in EMA over the year. So, if the van held up, I think I would come out pretty good with the extra cash on top of the route being top pay too.

 

[Worve]

Well, last year I made over 9k in EMA, and it was pretty similar in prior years. I purchased a Subaru for 3K when I first started, had to sink money into it to get back in running order, but even by rough estimate that was about 20K total in the vehicle over 6 years, while I grossed close over 300K in the same time period. So, I came out ahead I think.
My thoughts now are to buy a newly imported RHD van some of which are going for about 8500, and have only 45K miles on them. So, I could use one hopefully for 10 years on the route I'm eyeing, which is about 68 miles long and would, at current rates pay about 15K in EMA over the year. So, if the van held up, I think I would come out pretty good with the extra cash on top of the route being top pay too.

Factor in gas, insurance, tabs etc.. ema unless you do all the work yourself is not a money maker. Even then you are giving up your free time for free to make it worth it.

 

[PandaSharks]

I would look at this long term. Yeah, it stinks now and it's like getting punched in the mouth every pay period by not getting EMA and those sweet overtime hours but in the long run it will be worth it. TSP and FERS will be waiting for you when you're ready to retire. This is a marathon not sprint and while it stings that when you finally convert you take a hit financially it only stings for a short while. Ride it out if you can. You'll be glad you did.

 

[Male.mailman]

if you transfer, you don't transfer routes. Each office posts the "vacant" (route you and other are leaving) and you get the left over route, as does the other person. So if you are fustrated with salary swings, just think you might get a 40h that wasn't counted properly and work 57 hours a week and get paid for 40.

The office I'm looking at has no route under 45K, and Amazon is heavy there. I'm already connected with their PM and carriers, and know that if a swap took place, where everyone would move and what route would be left for me, which is a 48K one.
I'm not going to jump out there to the first route open, I am trying to gauge my moves this time because I asked far to few questions of my PM when I went career and truly didn't realize how locked in you can suddenly become on a route. Thank you for the info though!

 

[Male.mailman]

Do you have any skills? Past work experience that lends you a way in for side gigs? Otherwise I make more working a cpl weekends a month as a doorman. The dancers always give me a share of tips, I also always walk them all out to vehicle. I am the first one they call if anything sketchy otw home. Just an idea, fyi hourly wage is 18$ I usually get 400-800$ a night from the dancers when I work.

Factor in gas, insurance, tabs etc.. ema unless you do all the work yourself is not a money maker. Even then you are giving up your free time for free to make it worth it.

I a little prior work experience but I started with the USPS at 22, so more than half my work career is here. I have looked into jobs near me, but many are full-time hours or hours I can't be available. I live too rural to be able to do any sort of delivery in the evenings except maybe pizza.

Yeah, EMA does get siphoned off with all the little (or large) car related bills, but it was a helpful boost to my check for years that I'm sorely missing these days.

 

[Male.mailman]

You can always see if this will fly, MOU #10, and you WOULD NOT have to go through the hiring process again. I say "fly" because you are not relocating / moving.


MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
AND THE
NATIONAL RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION
The parties agree that a regular rural carrier who wants to relocate because of a spouse’s relocation or a personal hardship
may be appointed as a rural carrier associate (RCA), provided there is a leave replacement vacancy in the office to which
the regular carrier seeks relocation and the regular carrier resigns his or her career position prior to appointment as an RCA.
The regular carrier must submit a written request for an appointment as an RCA to the installation head at the office where
the appointment is desired and must provide a copy of the request to the installation head at the office where currently
employed. Acceptance of the carrier’s request is at the discretion of the installation head of the gaining office, provided a
leave replacement vacancy exists in the office and all contractual provisions concerning the filling of such vacancies are
followed.
Upon receipt of the request at the gaining office, the installation head or designee will advise the regular carrier whether
the request is accepted and, if so, the effective date of the RCA appointment. The regular carrier must then resign from the
Postal Service at least six (6) days prior to the effective date of the RCA appointment. Following the six-day break in service,
the individual will be appointed as an RCA in the new installation. The individual’s seniority as an RCA will begin with the
effective date of the appointment. No new probationary period shall be required

Thank you for this info, I might be able to try this if all other avenues are closed to me.

 

[Worve]

I a little prior work experience but I started with the USPS at 22, so more than half my work career is here. I have looked into jobs near me, but many are full-time hours or hours I can't be available. I live too rural to be able to do any sort of delivery in the evenings except maybe pizza.

I drive about an hour to reach the other place I work at. No clue what your body type is or how well you handle conflict and can you de escalate situations. Door man does not require beefy but it doesn’t hurt. Otherwise plenty of places always need a bartender and willing to train. Not sure how well you function on a cpl hrs of sleep a few days a week at work.