What are the benefits of working for a rural carrier?
After 90 days on the job, rural part-time carriers are eligible for vacation and sick leave; they also receive overtime pay for work weeks exceeding 40 hours. Additionally, after a year of service, rural carrier associates are eligible to buy group health insurance, as well as bid on full-time roles.
Do Rural carriers get overtime?
Rural carrier associates spend a good portion of their day driving, but they may get out of their vehicles to deliver packages. Due to the flexible nature of rural carrier associates, there may be times when you work additional hours. When you exceed 40 hours in a given week, you become eligible for overtime pay.
How much does a rural carrier associate make?
On average, hourly rural carrier associates earn a median pay rate of about $17 per hour. Those with experience and a proven track record will likely qualify for better shifts, routes and wages.
Do Rural mail carriers use their own vehicles for delivery?
While some rural carriers are assigned postal delivery vehicles, a majority of part-time rural mail carriers use their own vehicles for mail delivery, which can add to wear-and-tear and associated...
Are rural mail carriers federal employees?
Learn About the Salary, Required Skills, & More They are federal employees who must meet strict standards in order to be hired. USPS mail carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses in cities, towns, and rural areas.
Do rural mail carriers get a pension?
The Postal Service participates in the federal retirement program, which provides a defined benefit (pension), as well as disability coverage. Eligibility is determined by your age and number of years of creditable service.
Do rural carriers get retirement benefits?
For Non Career Rural Carriers Only: Good pay but if your hired as part time (non-career) they will work you full time, you will be used at your will, you only get health benefits until someone retires, then you get it all 401k, retirement, paid time off, etc but honestly you probably gonna have to wait years for that ...
Is being an RCA worth it?
Being an RCA is very stressful,you're basically a fill in for the regular carriers. You could be a RCA from 4-8 years depending on your office. Once you become regular its probably not so bad but my experience as a sub wasn't the best. The job itself is easy,sorting mail and delivering is not hard at all.
How many years do you have to work for USPS to retire?
If you leave with at least 5 years but less than 10 years of service, you're eligible to apply for retirement at age 62.
Do postal workers have good benefits?
Postal career employees enjoy excellent benefits, including annual and sick leave that can be accumulated, the opportunity to donate leave, basic life insurance paid for by the Postal Service with additional options at the employee's cost, pretax health benefits with most of the cost paid by the Postal Service, pretax ...
Can I buy back my RCA time?
H.R. 2478 will give RCAs who achieve career status the ability to have their years of non-career service credited towards retirement, allowing them to buy back time spent as an RCA.
How do regular rural carriers get paid?
The base rate of pay for these rural carriers equals the base annual rate of a 40 hour evaluated route plus overtime at one and one-half times the base hourly rate for all assigned hours (equivalent miles) in excess of 2080 hours (2184 miles) a year.
Do rural carriers get raises?
The contract is retroactive to May 2018 and will expire in May 2021. The rural letter carriers will receive a 1.3% pay raise retroactively and three additional increases over the life of the agreement. They will also receive cost-of-living adjustments on top of those wage increases.
Is it better to be a CCA or RCA?
As a CCA you don't have any permanent assignment any day of the week, but you do have the right to opt on routes that are posted for vacation or for other long term absences of regular carriers. One distinct advantage of being an RCA over a CCA, for some, is that you won't be doing any walking whatsoever.
How often do USPS rural carriers get raises?
Raises occur every 36 weeks for career clerk at USPS.
When can an RCA bid on a route?
1 yearBecoming an RCA is the first step on the path to becoming a full-time, regular rural carrier with full benefits, since RCAs are eligible to bid for these positions after 1 year of continuous service.
What is a rural carrier associate?
A rural carrier associate is a member of the United States Postal Service. It is a part-time position that operates primarily in rural and suburban areas. Mailmen and postal carriers are other names for a rural carrier associate, although this role is open to all applicants regardless of gender.
What does a rural carrier associate do?
A rural carrier associate delivers mail on behalf of the United States Postal Service. They work variable hours, filling in for full-time rural carrier associates who are absent. As such, the rural carrier associate can expect to work multiple mail routes. Employers also expect rural carrier associates to be available on very short notice.
Benefits of becoming a rural carrier associate
Below are some of the benefits available when you become a rural carrier associate:
Requirements for becoming a rural carrier associate
The requirements to become a rural carrier associate include the following:
Rural carrier job outlook and salary
The average national salary for rural carrier associates is $43,420 per year. This can vary based on the individual's location, in addition to the number of years employed. Those in more suburban areas may earn more than those in more rural areas.
What is RCA driving?
RCAs are professional drivers. You must have a safe driving record, a valid state operator’s license, and at least 2 years of unsupervised driving experience and you must pass an initial road test to be eligible to work as an RCA. Additional driver training is required and will be provided after you are hired.
Do RCAs have to use their own vehicles?
Generally, RCAs are required to use their own vehicles for mail delivery, and they receive an equipment allowance in addition to regular pay. The vehicle needs to be insured, dependable, and in good working condition. Vehicles with bucket seats or standard transmission are not recommended. Some offices may provide a Postal Service vehicle.
Does the postal service provide accommodations?
The Postal Service™ makes reasonable accommodation for known disabilities of qualified job applicants when such assistance is requested. Such accommodations typically are provided on a case-by-case basis. Exam scheduling materials contain information on how to request an accommodation.
Do you get RCA benefits if you are a CCA?
You will never receive any benefits as an RCA/CCA. You will only receive benefits when transitioning to a PTF or Regular position, which is based on seniority. Which takes at minimum 2 years but could be 10 depending on your location.
Can you get benifits if you are a regular carrier?
Can't get benifits unless you are considered a regular carrier . If they need you you will get more than 40 hours. Answered June 11, 2017 - City Carrier Assistant (Current Employee) - Mosinee, WI. Uncertain of the rural carrier position benefits.
How many miles can a rural carrier drive?
In some cities/towns, the rural carrier can drive as much as 100 miles per day. You will have to drive on the right hand side of the vehicle, so you would need an appropriate car. Some offices provide their rural carriers with a postal vehicle, but in most cases you would need your own.
What is RCA in rural transportation?
Rural Carriers all begin their career as Rural Carrier Associates (RCA). These positions are part-time, every Saturday and any time the regular carrier needs off work. In most offices, you will have to provide your own vehicle, in which you get paid an Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) on top of the hourly wage.
How long does it take to mail a rural carrier?
You have to be prepared for any type of weather. Rural Carriers usually spend about 2-3 hours in the office casing their mail and 4-5 hours out on the street. Of course, every day is different; it all depends on the mail volume. Mondays and the day after a holiday are usually high volume mail days.
Do rural carriers get paid hourly?
Rural Carriers are not paid an hourly wage. The routes are evaluated; this is determined by a yearly mail count, your pay will be based on the evaluation of the route.
Can a CCA bid on a city carrier?
They also qualify for health benefits after the 90-day probation. Unlike the RCA’s, CCA’s are not eligible to bid on City Carrier positions, if a City Carrier position is posted on eCareer, CCA’s would have to apply on eCareer and compete with everyone else. Both positions would require taking the 473 Entrance Exam.
Do city carriers deliver mail?
If you like driving a vehicle and being outside, this is the job for you. City Carriers for the most part, do not drive a vehicle to deliver their mail. They may drive a postal vehicle to carry their mail and then do what is called a “Park and Loop”.
Do city carriers have to wear uniforms?
City Carriers have to wear a uniform and will receive a uniform allowance every year to purchase the clothes that are required. Full-time City Carriers receive health benefits, annual, sick leave and can contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan. The Postal Service hires City Carrier Assistants (CCA), which is a part-time position.
How much does a rural carrier make?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, full-time USPS rural carrier pay commands a median annual wage of about $50,000 per year; part-time USPS rural carrier pay will vary based on how many hours an individual works.
What is it like to be a part time rural carrier?
Being comfortable with being alone for long periods of time. Having a personable nature. Having good communication skills. Being responsible and timely behavior. Having good attention to detail. Serving as a part-time rural carrier requires a good deal of flexibility, as carriers may be asked to work different variable shifts, including nights, ...
What are the requirements for a rural mail carrier?
Requirements of Rural Mail Carriers. No two rural routes are the same, so part-time rural mail carriers must be adaptable, have a good sense of direction and be able to navigate unfamiliar terrain. Other attributes that are an asset include:
What is the stress of rural carriers?
Rural carriers experience a level of physical stress that may be greater on rural routes than in many metro areas, especially when it comes to delivering packages to the doorsteps of homes that may be located some distance from a roadway or driveway.
What education do you need to be a mail carrier?
Schooling and Education. Typically, a high school degree or equivalent is required for part-time rural mail carriers; drivers must also possess a clean driving record and be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Will mail delivery services grow?
It's anticipated that mail and package delivery services will grow a a faster-than-average pace through 2026. This is due in large part to the continuing popularity and proliferation of online shopping and delivery services, which will increase the demand for delivery service providers of all types. Opportunities for rural route employment, in particular, will continue to expand as people and businesses migrate to more populated areas.
Do rural carriers have to deliver?
While all types of employment carry their own stress levels, rural carriers face unique challenges. Rural carriers must deliver in remote areas, and rural route drivers are often de facto first responders, noticing when an elderly resident hasn't picked up mail in several days and alerting authorities.
