Description
Perform mail distribution tasks in USPS facilities, such as sort incoming and outgoing letters and parcels by route and destination; operate scanning and mail-sorting equipment; prepare and dispatch trays, sacks, and containers; verify postage, addresses, and barcodes; and maintain chain-of-custody for accountable mail. Includes distribution clerks employed by USPS contractors.
- • Cancel postage by machine or hand as required.
- • Sort incoming and outgoing letters and parcels by class, route, ZIP Code, and destination.
- • Operate automated mail-sorting and scanning equipment; feed mail, clear jams, and monitor throughput.
- • Use distribution schemes and routing charts to direct mail accurately.
- • Verify postage, meter marks, barcodes, and address quality; segregate pieces needing correction.
- • Prepare, label, and seal trays, tubs, sacks, and pallets for dispatch.
- • Tag, tie-out, and record dispatches according to transportation schedules.
- • Load and unload mail containers from trucks and staging areas.
- • Transport mail between workstations using APCs, hampers, and other equipment.
- • Scan and log accountable mail and maintain chain-of-custody for registered, certified, and insured items.
- • Process forwarded and undeliverable-as-addressed mail per USPS policies.
- • Consolidate, containerize, and stage mail for carrier routes and plant departures.
- • Sort and distribute internal office mail and interoffice correspondence.
- • Record piece counts, rejects, exceptions, and complete required logs and reports.
- • Maintain stock of labels, tags, and operating supplies; request replenishment as needed.
- • Follow USPS safety, security, and hazardous materials handling procedures.
- • Report equipment issues and request maintenance service.
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Public Service & Safety
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
