As an entry level carrier, you don't get guaranteed hours so work can be either sporadic or excessive, and they constantly change the schedule, usually without notice. I've received calls with 30 minutes notice that my start time has changed. Sundays are typically mandatory for RCAs, and in many cases you could end up working 7 day weeks. No pay rate increase when working Sundays or holidays. Supervisors rush carriers and the expectations are unrealistic given the workload. It's virtually impossible to adhere to all the safety regulations and maintain accuracy in the expected time. The pay for rural routes is based on an evaluated delivery time, so if you finish early or late, you get the same pay. It almost always takes longer than the evaluation, depending upon office and route. Most of the supervisors are rude, incompetent, and uninformed. Even when I applied for a transfer my postmaster didn't know how to process it and said he didn't even know if it was possible to transfer. I had to ask another supervisor at the other office. I've frequently been given wrong addresses and other misinformation directly from management, regarding pickups and deliveries. Managers, sometimes including delivery supervisors aren't familiar with the job carriers do. Weak union makes agreements that don't favor the workers they represent. No 401K, no vacation days, no sick leave pay. Most people have had to wait over 10 years to become a "career employee" with full benefits and a regular route. Time spent as an RCA doesn't even count towards any sort of retirement. Extremely high employee turnover. Faulty equipment, raggedy vehicles. Very disorganized and unprofessional. I definitely don't recommend this job but you can see for yourself. You'll be surprised the US Postal Service is run this way!
