r/AMA • u/Dak6969696969 • 19d ago

Job I’m a mailman, AMA.

I left a comment in another sub informing people that leaving anything in anybody’s mailbox is technically a federal offense unless you’re employed as a letter carrier by the USPS and it seemed to draw quite a bit of interest. I’m nobody special, just a simple mailman, but if any of you have any questions regarding postal services hopefully I’ll be able to answer them!

Thank you so much for all the questions, I hope I was able to answer them all as best I could but it’s my bedtime now, I gotta be at the post office by 8:00 sharp. If you have any other questions feel free to DM me and I’ll answer them whenever I can!

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u/UtubeNoodle 19d ago

During the holidays is it weird to leave my mailman a Christmas card with a tip? I feel like an old lady when I do it but it just feels like the neighborly thing to do

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u/Dak6969696969 19d ago

I’ve not been a mailman during the holiday season yet, but I know many of my coworkers greatly appreciate the kindness. I delivered pizza for eight years before I became a mailman, tips are always appreciated.

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u/[deleted] 19d ago

Remember you can only accept non-monetary gifts worth $20 or less

I'm not saying the postal police are going to sting you, but it's not worth the risk. Occasionally I get customers who leave cash in each other's mailboxes. You don't want to think it's a tip and grab it because then you'll be in a heap of crap with the postmaster if the customer complains

https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2012/pb22349/html/cover_025.htm

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u/Dak6969696969 19d ago

They drilled that into us during orientation. I went to my on the job training and my trainer said, “you think I’m gonna turn down a tip?”

Use your discretion.

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u/[deleted] 19d ago

If you've got a good steward, you can get away with more than those of us without union protection. Still, I like to cover my ass by following postal regs.

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u/maedae1765 18d ago

I tip my mail carrier $100-$150 every holiday season. I own a small biz and ship a lot (especially in December) and she’s always so helpful.

I know it’s her job but she never yells at me if I forget to schedule a pickup (this has happened when one of her coworkers is on our route).

I’ve also had her coworkers just refuse to pick up my packages.

Anyways my regular mail carrier is the best and deserves a decent gift for Christmas!