Before You Become A Carrier at USPS (CCA Edition)

[@YAYAisme]

I started in 2015 as well. I was the ONLY cca at my station . Im glad i went throught that dark age now 8 years later i remember the old timers used to tell me "hang in therr it gets better" now im the 2nd senior carrier at my new place ....HANG IN THERE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IT GETS BETTER.....

[@ExpressMale91]

Ouuuuu I love this ❤️

[@gmcgeorgeburnztv7024]

I don’t it will get better especially in my office I’ll be converting in 3 months or less but none of the guys in my office say they made money until they were like 10 in . And my office has a ton of dude that are 6 yrs in or less . So idk what your talking about as far as it gets better

[@YAYAisme]

@GMCGEORGE BURNZTV wait till you convert.

[@darrellthompson3110]

Thank You For The Positivity I'm A New CCA

[@valentinodiaz6350]

Hello, yours was the first video that actually had something positive to say to people. So many of the others out there are really negative and do nothing but bash the USPS. I can see why, because they have NO work ethics. I retired last year after 47 years as a letter carrier, 45 of those years in Las Vegas. I was also a Classroom Instructor and OJI and shared with new hires, that there are 2 words when you're working at any job; Pride and Integrity! How much Pride and how much Intergrity do you have in doing a job. There's so much more I can say, but don't want to take your time. Good Luck with your career.

[@ExpressMale91]

Thank you for sharing. It’s definitely a great job. And a real test of work ethic for sure.

[@AirMulah]

Im a regular in NYC and when ppl ask me about being a mailman i always say the same thing. You're gonna be a slave, working 6 days a week until you turn regular (which takes 2 years in NYC) but after your turn regular, you're goooood.

[@ExpressMale91]

Oh yeaaa. Good to go after you go regular for sure. It’s hard to get fired from USPS 😂

[@gmcgeorgeburnztv7024]

Good how the money is still not that great but ok I hear u as far as scheduling wise .

[@CrownTroller]

That is until ur pos racist station manager gets ppl to conspire and set u up for termination

[@CrownTroller]

Oh believe, ppl do get fired. They’re just crazy enough to reapply @@ExpressMale91

[@toughharley1903]

1. Don't pick RCA cause Dejoy cutting everything 2. Don't expect benefits until 4-10 yr later 3. Don't become a regular until 4-10 yr later so don't expect to just have 1 route 5. DO expect to be on call every single day! 6. Do expect kick offs, your route plus a half of another route 7. DO expect shitty coworkers and regulars cry 8. DO expect to not have much of a life until you become a regular 9. DO expect to be frustrated, tired, and numb by the end of the week

[@ExpressMale91]

Good advice 😆

[@Natescoop8800]

Do expect your personal life to suffer ...ex. never seeing your kids n wife b4 passing out eating supper

[@supreme3067]

ARE CCA'S BEING CUT TOO ?

[@rippzcs]

@@supreme3067 I doubt it

[@jeffw1267]

We're not all crybabies. I take good care of my floater, cutting him in on my Christmas money and gifts. I even give him money and food in the summertime. I keep my truck clean for him. So he likes to carry my route, and he does a great job.

[@shannonk.6528]

I'm about to make PTF. I also am the only CCA at my office; several were hired after me and either got fired or quit. I have always been a hard worker and worked long hours in previous occupations, and worked weekends so I was used to it. I have found that this job is not for everyone; you basically have to commit to working a possible 12 hour day each and every day and up to 11 days straight. Love the. job; I wouldn't trade it for anything. Once I make PTF I won't work Sundays anymore. All and all, if you can put up with this stuff for the first few years and pay your dues, you're good. Everyone stay safe out there.

[@ExpressMale91]

Thanks for sharing Shannon ❤️

[@cletusjones9411]

You’ve got one life to live. Once that time is gone it’s gone forever. If working a lot makes you happy then you’ve had a successful life.

[@JayFit366]

You can't get fired from the post office unless you're stealing or doing under the table mess.

[@noidea1962]

I was a city carrier from 1994 until 2019. Back in the 'good old days', we started out as PTF, (Part Time Flexible), we had pretty much the same benefits as a career employee, but there were no 'guaranteed' hours...however, the first 6 years I worked basically 7 days a week. Back then, we measured mail by the foot! 12 feet of flats was a normal day! This was pre-DPS days. I'm now a Driver's Safety Instructor, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. Took me 24 years to get a Mon-Fri job. I'm pushing for a 1/2 day, 'refresher' driver's course 6-8 months in. I know the new folks get sooooo much thrown at them in the first 3-4 weeks, that a lot of it goes in one ear and out the other. I think the driving part is the most important, so a 1/2 day refresher would help immensely in my opinion. I see way too many carriers driving around with their door open, or the shoulder strap not connected...getting out of the truck without turning the ignition off...lazy things like that. Drive safe, be safe, it still is a good career.

[@barbaratyrrell3185]

If I were you I get out of there because if something happens they will blame it on you they don’t care 🙄

[@roiijamez33]

Was a city carrier from '88 to 2000. We didnt have CCA's only PTF's. Was a T6 for a while but what was great as PTF working at a downtown station the guys with the VIM routes would let me know when they were taking vacation & I'd have a fairly gravy route(s) for a week or two in the summer. Didn't have to use scanners either (good ol days!)

[@antoniovillanueva7577]

I converted to PTF last month and I’m next in line to become regular! I love my job!

[@jenzfloridalyfe6598]

Great video. I'm a carrier since 2013. Started in Pompano, now Sarasota. Salute

[@ExpressMale91]

Salute my brother

[@artnandez]

I’d like to thank you so much for your video talking about your experience during your start. I have my orientation on Monday and am pretty nervous, but your video helped to calm me down. Thank you!

[@ExpressMale91]

Coming to a new work environment definitely ramps up my anxiety, but I can honestly say my thoughts about the job versus what the job turned out to be was totally different 😆. It’s not as nerve racking as I thought it would be, well for some people it may be. It just depends on how quick you learn and how prepared you are for the weather.

[@peteywheet1285]

Subscribed!! Thanks for your service fellow Postal Worker!!💪💪

[@ExpressMale91]

Awe thanks Petey. That means a lot to me. We’re on a long journey

[@CrownTroller]

Hey now, don’t rush to pivot. Make sure u deliver my viagra to my house and not the house 5 blocks away.

[@Crazyness2122]

HOLD IT DOWN FELLOW MAIL CARRIER!!! REGULAR IN PA SINCE SEPTEMBER 24TH 2022!

[@ExpressMale91]

Life gets a little sweeter after that 🏆

[@JayFit366]

The post office is sweet but it'll be sweeter if your coworkers brought their azzez to work💪🏾💪🏾 You receive your uniform stipend after you complete your 90 day probationary period.

[@pastrana37]

New Subscribe, Great information at this moment I'm in the trainee process, orientation done, next step driving test 'if I pass' next will be shadow then 4 days academy..Again thank you 👍

[@ExpressMale91]

Welcome aboard!

[@davidfernandez2392]

33. Years I was a. CCA around there loved it

[@ExpressMale91]

🏆

[@aarondemming]

Started in 2014 as a CCA. Worked the position for a year and a half and then transitioned to the Department of Defense. Being a CCA will make you appreciative of other opportunities you get later. Weather was always a concern since I was at a post office where 90% of the routes were walking routes. I was absolutely going to be too hot or too cold never in between. The duty day was unpredictable. I never knew what time my day would end. If I finished a route early, being sent to help others at my post office was the norm. There were more than a few times that I would get sent to another post office to assist them since it is cheaper to pay the low paid CCA. Amazon deliveries on Sundays were the norm before Amazon got its own fleet of vehicles. Never was I so happy to change jobs. I met a lot of great people who I am still friends with to this day.

[@ExpressMale91]

Thanks for sharing Aaron ❤️

[@brandonbarrett8928]

Regular carrier in ATL love the channel

[@ExpressMale91]

Word 😎 Peace up ✌🏽 A-Town Down

[@larryrogers9081]

Love the information. I start orientation in a week. Just nervous. Wondering if I’m too old. I’m 53 in pretty good health no issues there. I stay very active. Any thoughts on a older cca coming on

[@ExpressMale91]

Sure. It’ll keep you in shape and keep your mind strong for sure. I’d try to either go into management or go regular as soon as possible so you can get all of your benefits. I would also invest heavily into TSP as soon as you can, wait on the economy to recover and retire early.

[@larryrogers9081]

So my age should not be an issue. Don’t mind working hard

[@rippzcs]

@@larryrogers9081 not at all. Good luck 👍🏽

[@supreme3067]

@@ExpressMale91 What is a TSP ?

[@redline3036]

I’m 37 and applied myself

[@Thevikingdoomslayer]

I just got my first shadow day last week, I am doing another tomorrow. I use to be a truck driver and I am currently on SSI for knee problems. I know CCA is very physically demanding. Supervisor already knows I may wanna be a Clerk for window. Which is fine I got 12 years of experience with customers. I am just worried I am wasting time going to the academy if I want to be Clerk. Maybe they will help me transition there? I know my Union rep said talk to the president there which is my plan. Cuz I want this to be career. Tired of being on SSI and not feeling accomplished. I want to do something but know my health is taken care of to. CCA May be rough on degenerative join disease. So I will see what I can do.

[@ExpressMale91]

You’ll be able to transition easily - just get past probation

[@guitarboneyard6181]

Awesome video dude!

[@ExpressMale91]

Hey! Thanks man 🏆

[@thehouseofVEGA]

U got me hyped and inspired

[@ExpressMale91]

😎 Let’s goooooo 📫

[@jasonrandom372]

Do you have health, dental, and vision coverage? If so is it payed for by the company? If so is it also life long? Do you have Payed Time OFf as in Vacation and Sick Time? Do you have good retirement benefits? If so do you have a pension, thrift savings plan, or both?

[@ExpressMale91]

Yes we have all of the Federal benefits - by that it just means Federal Blue Cross, Federal GEHA, etc. it’s more expensive but covers everything - USPS pays half of this expense. We accumulate Sick Leave and we are front ran Vacation time at the start of the year every year. Retirement is TSP. Soc Sec and USPS retirement

[@gmar7836]

I’m sorry but waiting 2 years to become a regular employee is just too damn long. I need those benefits now, not two years later.

[@markbryant-669]

You’ll make a lot of money they say 2year but with the lazy generation today you’ll go regular in a few months or a 1 year

[@lovelytea5764]

Very accurate current CCA nice video

[@ExpressMale91]

I hope you’re enjoying the journey so far Tea

[@lovelytea5764]

@@ExpressMale91 not really but I guess

[@ElCap1van]

dont join union until after probabtion

[@ExpressMale91]

💯

[@michaeljosephhair]

CCA is the worst job in the world … in Portsmouth, VA the mailboxes are on the house , it’s non stop walking for 10 to 12 hours , you only get 1 day off a week . They can care less if you are sick . $19 an hour is not worth at all for the amount of work you have to do . When you start you are the “help” they work you like a horse

[@KKano_Frost]

I didn’t get off till Every. 12 orv13 day so I quit

[@mrrobertwolfiii1079]

Two sisters and a brother new grown with usps. June 2023.

[@aylinn5777]

Hey you think I’ll get hired as a cca if I have a traffic infraction from 2018? I didn’t disclose it on my application since it’s been so long. But now I’m over thinking my background check 😭

[@ExpressMale91]

If the fine was paid. You’re fine!

[@maindave1]

I close my eyes watching this, imagining “ludacris” talking to me.

[@ExpressMale91]

Really bro 😆

[@mrrobertwolfiii1079]

Hello from Colorado USA Montrose you should meet with my chris and i met two female frim the usps and. So a new brother.

[@Cbl265_jarock]

I just got accepted to go fingerprint and do the orientation one question will I be place at a station close to home or will they assign me where they want to?

[@ExpressMale91]

They’ll place you where you’ll be needed

[@thethirdseashell]

You're going to have a duty station. Look at your PS Form 50 - lines 32-36 will tell you everything you need to know about your duty station. While you have a duty station, you still may be utilized at other duty stations with the same finance number within 50 miles. Anything more than 50 miles is voluntary, and they have to pay you mileage and per diem should you volunteer.

[@deramo360]

Great video man, thank you. I’m currently active duty for a few more weeks so I don’t have my DD214 yet to prove my service. I want to apply ASAP so it’s a smoother transition to the civilian work force. Would you recommend applying without those extra 5 military points? I took the virtual assessment and got a 99%.. any advice would be appreciated

[@ExpressMale91]

I’m not familiar with the military side of things, but I would guess that if those points will help you retire early or make your future a lot easier, I’d wait it out until everything is set.

[@frwd87]

I would apply and then when you get hired the union can help you with the military points. I have prior service as well, USMC. When I got hired my years of service became retro active after my academy training when the union rep asked anyone if they had prior military service. They then have you fill out some forms etc. Hope this helps.

[@deramo360]

@@frwd87 it absolutely helps and puts my mind at ease a bit. I have applied to 3 offices for CCA. Hopefully it’s works out. Thanks for the help!

[@jmill5995]

You should be straight I got a 95 and got 2 offers within 2 weeks from nearby post offices. Going in for fingerprints tomorrow. Good luck.

[@deramo360]

@@jmill5995 Thanks, I just got an email to send my license number and ssn, hopefully that’s a good sign. Good luck to you as well!

[@robertl6711]

I just did my finger prints, I'd and ss card. Still haven't done a drug test.

[@MrMsyajaira]

Wait so staying at the academy like you have to sleep there?

[@ExpressMale91]

lol no. You just come back everyday

[@matthewwilliams9590]

Do they hire you before or after they have you take the test?

[@ExpressMale91]

After the test

[@barbaratyrrell3185]

Don’t even think about becoming a postal employee they don’t treat there employees that good they don’t care about you or your health it very toxic working for the post office 🙄

[@ExpressMale91]

Yea some offices are terrible. I’ve seen a few that were unbelievably unprofessional

[@user-rx3ib9hs5z]

Hello do you have a email address?

[@kentuckyproproductions1624]

Gotta get a pension bro

[@CurtisDJunior]

Cry BABY Barbara

[@ExpressMale91]

@@user-rx3ib9hs5z it’s on my home page

[@larryrogers9081]

I will give a update

[@Blackrain7920]

What is the starting salary for a new CCA

[@ExpressMale91]

$21ish an hour

[@MaryellenHunkele]

$19.33

[@dalvinjones3776]

My boy

[@ExpressMale91]

Glad you found me bro !!

[@frankgomez7066]

How many mailboxes in one day?

[@ExpressMale91]

Usually about 1700 pieces of mail and 650 stops

[@savagedick1462]

@@ExpressMale91dang

[@savagedick1462]

How many streets?

[@Natescoop8800]

Holddowns are gamechangers even on a long rt...

[@ExpressMale91]

I took full advantage of it bro !

[@pumpkinseed1981]

It all depends on Seniority

[@That-Kevin]

I was told by the Trainer that even if Something Happens they’re not allowed to drug test you that the UNION will defend you and say that they are harassing you. But for anyone reading this, I have never been drug tested and I’ve been there at the post office for a month and a half.

[@noidea1962]

28 1/2 years, and other than when I first got hired, haven't been drug tested since.

[@ExpressMale91]

Very good point!

[@HairyBetch]

@@noidea1962 when do they drug test you? First day of orientation or how does it work?

[@noidea1962]

@@HairyBetch Generally it happens sometime prior to orientation. But, I don't know how it's done these days.

[@jackycan2262]

Due to Covid 19, the USPS ✋️ drug testing until further notice. If you're in the process of getting hired, you won't get drug tested. That doesn't mean going out and smoking a big blunt😂. It's still a drug free entity.

[@bartsimpson4080]

do your called a t-6

[@ExpressMale91]

Yes

[@FBombs59]

I smoke weed recreationally here in Arizona, would that affect my viability?

[@ExpressMale91]

Probably not, at my office they don’t even test the new CCAs.

[@ralval5376]

When do they drug test? Asking for a friend

[@ExpressMale91]

The first time and you won’t get tested again unless you get in an accident.

[@mariaamador3450]

Any drug test

[@ExpressMale91]

Once in the beginning

[@mariaamador3450]

How soon u know . Done on my training?

[@PK-47]

when in the process do they test and is it a lab test or what ??

[@darwinpool8372]

Do they drug test in la rn 2024

[@ExpressMale91]

Not initially.

[@AirMulah]

Also, i dont recommend new CCA's join the union. The union will fight for you no matter what, even if you're not a member. Might as well keep that little money they take every check for yourself.

[@jacobryan458]

You want a court appointed lawyer or a lawyer on retention? That's the simple way to put it. Alot of union officers will always fight the contract. But knowing you are not paying dues do you think you will get the best representation? Best thing any CCA can due is pay their dues and learn the contract to protect themselves and others . Not be a freeloader

[@AirMulah]

@@jacobryan458 well don’t tell them you’re not in it! Duh lol but never once in my life has a union rep asked if I’m actually in the union. Plus they make it so difficult for you to leave the union, that’s a red flag on its own. Learn the contract and defend yourself 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@jacobryan458]

@AirMulah so uninformed.... your local know who pays dues. And a smart steward will never ask if you are cause that can lead them into trouble. But they know. So when you approach them with a problem and don't get the results you want think about it.... were they doing they're best or just doing the minimum cause they know you don't care about the union ?

[@AirMulah]

@@jacobryan458 My advice is learn the contract for yourself, and fight for yourself. Also save yourself literally $699.92 (that’s what I paid 1 year) and don’t join the postal mob

[@jacobryan458]

@AirMulah sounds like you're management. Hoping people don't get involved in the union . But Good luck with that. Learning the contract is basically a second job. As there is so much to it . I dont expect ccas to come and know their rights or take the time to learn them while learning the job. I see you are anti union lets hope you're educated enough to defend yourself in say a accident when management first thought is fire you. Or have a steward who don't care if you support them or not. But you're probably the kinda worker who carries 12 hours of mail in 8 and think your the best worker ever. Pay dues don't pay dues . To some tho it makes the difference in fully giving their all or just saying. Oops I'll try my best .

[@lukenichols2641]

Can’t do random drug test against our NALC contract.

[@ExpressMale91]

Good point ! I’m sure it’s only if you’ve been in an accident, correct?