To become a tractor-trailer operator in the USPS, one must have the sufficient experience needed to carry out duties responsibly, must be licensed to drive trucks, and have other employment recommendations as stipulated by the company.
Requirements for Tractor-trailer operator in USPS
If you are interested in becoming one of the operators, USPS has such opportunities all over the US. They only require the following from you;
You should have a valid CDL license from where you liveYou should have some relevant driving experience for the job with at least 2 years of unsupervised experienceYou should have at least 1-year experience in driving trucks or large vehiclesYou should have the ability to drive regularly and for long hoursYou should not have any recent or previous driving violationsYou should be willing to submit to a drug check and provide information on whether you have commercial driving experience.
Responsibilities
They are required to transport mail to and from branch sites, main post offices, and mail distribution centers The operators have to check their vehicles for mechanical problems and/or safety issues and carry out maintenance to prevent any accidents or delays along the wayAlthough the operators usually already have designated routes, they are required to plan their time and meet delivery schedules They are required to act by driving rules and regulations to do with size, weight, route designations, parking, and break periods and at the same time comply with basic company policies and procedures The operators are also required to know how to move trucks properly as they load and unload packages for delivery They should also collect and verify delivery instructions and report any defective or accidental instances.
Salary
USPS tractor-trailer operator pay is not as competitive as driving for other larger private trucking companies; however, the work-life balance is rated at 3 stars because you work 7 day weeks and have the security of a job.
The operators will earn an average of $17 per hour and around $3,000 a week. Most people who have worked these jobs say that it is a good job with fair pay for the work they are required to do.
Benefits
The USPS offers its employees a wide range of job benefits which makes having a position in this postal service very secure. Some of these benefits are;
Life insuranceHealth insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceRetirement planPaid leaveFlexible spending account
The USPS tractor-trailer operators also enjoy these benefits but some of the more specifically applied benefits to them are like having a very well thought out and detailed dental and health insurance, having a secure savings plan offered by the company, free life insurance, having a 401k retirement plan and also about 5 weeks’ vacation time per year and paid military leave.
Disadvantages
Like any other job, being a USPS operator also has downsides. I think the biggest one is that the operators must work during all weather types. The change in weather does not affect their work as they are expected to carry on their duties at all times without fail.
However, the benefits they offer especially with overtime pay easily mitigate the challenges faced while doing this job. When you are on the road for more than 40 hours a week the USPS pays you about one and a half times more on your normal overtime rates, and double it if you work 56 hours or more per week.
Most operators will tell you that the holiday seasons are the most hectic and you can take advantage if there is a shortage of temporary workers to make the most money by working more hours.
Conclusion
While the salary is little compared to other available trucking jobs in the US, the benefits that come with working at USPS as a government agency are so far unmatched and in addition, the fact that they have dedicated routes and available work makes the job more secure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best part of working at the USPS?
The money and the benefits are great.
How flexible are the working hours at USPS?
It is not very flexible just standard 5 or 6 day weeks.
How much does a tractor-trailer operator make at USPS?
They make an average of $17 per hour.
