Mail Carrier vs. Mail Handler: What Are the Differences?

Mail carriers and mail handlers are two positions in the postal service industry. Both roles involve sorting and delivering mail, but there are several key differences between them. In this article, we discuss the job duties, qualifications and pay of mail carriers and mail handlers. We also provide information on how to become a mail carrier or mail handler.

What is a Mail Carrier?

Mail Carriers are responsible for delivering mail and packages to residences and businesses along their assigned route. They load their vehicles with the mail at the post office and then drive or walk to deliver it. Mail Carriers may use a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles or bicycles, depending on the size of their route. They must be able to lift heavy packages and climb stairs, and they must be comfortable working in all weather conditions. Mail Carriers also collect payments for postal services and may sell stamps and other postal products.

What is a Mail Handler?

Mail Handlers work in postal facilities and are responsible for sorting, processing and delivering mail. They use a variety of machines to sort mail by destination and type, then they load the mail onto trucks or carts for delivery. Mail Handlers may also be responsible for loading and unloading mail from planes or trains. In some cases, they may deliver mail on foot or by bicycle. Mail Handlers typically work full-time shifts and may be required to work overtime, especially during busy times such as holidays.

Mail Carrier vs. Mail Handler

Here are the main differences between a mail carrier and a mail handler.

Job Duties

Both mail carriers and mail handlers fulfill important roles in the delivery of mail. While a carrier’s job is to deliver physical letters, packages and other mail items to people across their route, a handler’s job is to process incoming and outgoing mail. This includes processing international and express mail, sorting mail into different bins and transporting it to different locations. Mail handlers may also perform customer service duties, such as helping customers find specific addresses or locate missing mail.

There are some key differences in the daily responsibilities of each role. A mail carrier typically has less administrative work than a handler because they only have to sort through mail on their route. Carriers also spend more time interacting with customers, which can include delivering mail directly to homes and businesses. In contrast, a handler may spend most of their day behind a desk, but they often travel between several facilities while completing their tasks.

Job Requirements

Mail carriers typically need at least a high school diploma, although some employers prefer candidates with some college experience. They must also pass a postal exam and complete on-the-job training. Mail handlers do not need a specific degree, but they must be able to lift heavy packages and pass a postal exam. They also receive on-the-job training.

Work Environment

Mail carriers and mail handlers work in different environments. Mail carriers typically work outdoors, walking or driving to deliver the mail. They may also travel by foot or bicycle to reach their destinations. This job can be physically demanding because of the amount of time they spend on their feet.

Mail handlers work indoors at a post office or other facility where they process the mail. They may lift heavy boxes and bags of mail as part of their daily duties.

Skills

Mail carriers and mail handlers share some similarities in the skills they use on the job. For example, both need to be able to lift heavy objects, sort mail and operate machinery. They also both need to have good customer service skills as they may interact with customers on a daily basis.

However, there are some differences in the specific skills used by mail carriers and mail handlers. Mail carriers need to have good navigation skills as they need to be able to find their way around their delivery route. They also need to have good stamina as they will be walking or biking for long periods of time. Mail handlers do not need to have as much stamina as they will mostly be working in one location sorting mail. However, they do need to have good attention to detail as they need to be able to sort mail quickly and accurately.

Salary

Mail carriers earn an average salary of $45,642 per year, while mail handlers earn an average salary of $43,406 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the location of the job, the level of experience of the employee and the size of the company at which they work.