Occupation: Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.

43-9051.00 | 26 tasks | 9 job titles
Reported Job Titles (9)
  • Insert Operator
  • Inserter Operator
  • Mail Clerk
  • Mail Handler
  • Mail Machine Operator
  • Mail Processor
  • Mail Reader
  • Mail Sorter
  • Postal Clerk
Core Tasks (8)
  • Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
  • Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
  • Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
  • Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
  • Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
  • Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
  • Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
  • Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
Supplemental Tasks (18)
  • Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
  • Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.
  • Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
  • Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
  • Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.
  • Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
  • Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
  • Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.
  • Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
  • Clear jams in sortation equipment.
  • Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.
  • Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
  • Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
  • Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.
  • Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.
  • Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.
  • Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.
  • Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.