Mail Carriers reveal 11 things they wish everyone knew

Sophia MitrokostasMay 28, 2020, 19:39 IST

There are a lot of things mail carriers want people to know about their jobs.The Republic, Joel Philippsen/AP Photo

Insider spoke to one current and one former mail carrier for the United States Postal Service about what their jobs are really like.
They told Insider they hate when people ask them to mail packages or don't control their dogs.
They also wish people would regularly empty their mailboxes and keep in mind that sometimes they are not allowed to leave a package on doorsteps without a signature.
Insider has verified that both employees work for/have worked for the USPS through pay stubs and postal identification.

Sending and receiving mail is fairly mundane, but have you ever thought about what it's like to be the person responsible for ensuring letters and packages get to their destinations?

Insider spoke with present and former mail carriers to find out what they wish people knew about their jobs and the postal system in general. Here's what they said.

Insider has agreed to only refer to the current United States Postal Service (USPS) employee by his nickname for fear of privacy and job security concerns (though his identity is known to Insider). Insider has verified that both employees work for/have worked for the USPS through pay stubs and postal identification.

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Mail carriers hate when you try to give them packages to mail.

This means that if a mail carrier refuses to take your package, it's often not because they don't want to help. Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Most of the time, your "missing" packages are usually still in transit.

It's likely not the mail carrier's fault. REUTERS/Srdjan Zivulovic

Answering the door quickly is the most important thing you can do for a mail carrier.

This is especially important when weather conditions aren't ideal. Ed Andrieski/AP Photo

The United States Postal Service is not funded by tax dollars.

The USPS makes money through the sale of postage, products, and other services. John Gress/Reuters

Mail carriers notice if you ignore them.

It doesn't hurt to wave. Joe Raedle / Getty Images

Many mail handlers don't like it when there are uncontrolled dogs on someone's property.

You may know that your pet is friendly, but your mail carrier doesn't. Shutterstock

Although it depends on the item and policy, sometimes leaving a package on a doorstep is against the rules for mail carriers.

Some packages require a signature. Lynne Sladky/AP Images

Mail carriers wish people would empty their mailboxes regularly.

It makes mail carriers' jobs easier. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Postal workers love when customers express their appreciation and gratitude, especially when the weather is rough.

Sometimes giving a mail carrier a warm cup of tea can make their day. Spencer Platt / Getty Images

Mail carriers sometimes personally cover postage costs for customers.

Don't assume they will, though. Paul Sakuma/AP Photo

You may still need to sign for online orders listed as "no signature required."

Be sure to check with the company that's mailing your package. Elaine Thompson/AP Photo

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