Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service — Tasks

Task statements

• Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.
• Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
• Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
• Clear jams in sortation equipment.
• Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
• Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
• Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
• Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
• Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
• Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
• Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.
• Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
• Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
• Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
• Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
• Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.
• Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.
• Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
• Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
• 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.
• Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
• Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.
• Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
• Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.
• Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.
• Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.
• Insert material for printing or addressing into loading racks on machines, select type or die sizes, and position plates, stencils, or tapes in machine magazines.
• Use equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains," to move containers of mail.