Name: Kirk L.
City: Inglewood,
California
How long have you worked for the US Postal Service?
Twenty years.
What made you want to become a postal worker?
I enjoy working outside and meeting new people. I get a chance to connect with different people from all different backgrounds.
What are the requirements to become a postal worker?
You must pass a postal exam test with a score of 70% minimum, as well as pass a drug and background test.
How long have you been on your current route?
Six wonderful years.
How far do you walk each day?
Seven miles.
What time do you usually start and end work?
My start time is 8 a.m., and I’m usually done with my assignments around 8 p.m.
Do you know all the people on your route?
I know about 95% of all the people on my route.
How many letters do you carry in your mailbag?
I carry about 50 letters in my arms and roughly 6–7 parcels in my mailbag, depending on the size of each parcel.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Meeting new people and interacting with my customers.
What is your favorite stamp design?
The Purple Heart Medal stamp.
Do you have different uniforms for different seasons?
We have winter apparel (bomber jackets, rain gear, gloves) for cold weather and summer apparel (sun hat, visor, shorts) for hot weather.
Do you ever wonder what is in a package you are delivering?
Occasionally, when it’s heavy or has a nice/weird smell.
Can you give rides in your mail truck? Unfortunately no, because it’s only a one-seater.
Have you ever been bitten by a dog (or any other animals) while delivering mail?
I was bitten one time on my arm. I was walking up to a customer’s door and the dog hit the door, which then flew open. The dog ran and attacked me, biting me on my forearm.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve encountered as a postal worker?
Someone broke into my postal vehicle and stole all of the mail out of my truck!
What is it like driving a mail truck?
It’s different, given the fact that we drive on the right side of the vehicle.
How many letters and packages do you deliver a day?
Four thousand letters and roughly 300 packages.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a postal worker?
Go for it! It’s a great job working outside and having the chance to engage and meet new people on a daily basis.