M-41 CITY DELIVERY CARRIERS DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES.

Handbook M-41, TL-4, 03-01-98
5 Collections
51 Timecards
See subchapters 21, 41, and 61.
52 Care of Keys and Locks
521 Obtain keys (Arrow and/or padlock) at unit or garage when so designated.
522 Attach key chain to belt or clothing. Do not detach keys from chain. Keep in
pocket when not in use. Dangling or swinging key chains are dangerous.
523 Insert keys straight into locks. If lock is frozen or stuck, do not force key to
turn as it may break. Report all frozen or stuck locks to a manager on return
on Form 1571.
53 Collection Schedules
531 Importance of Schedules
531.1 Collection of mail is an important function. It is the first step in getting letters
in the mail stream for processing and dispatch to their destination.
531.2 Collections are scheduled so there is adequate time to process the mail to
connect with a dispatch of value or delivery trip.
531.3 Carriers must not skip collection boxes. If an emergency occurs and boxes
must be skipped, report it to a manager on Form 1571 as soon as possible.
531.4 Deposit mail in unit at the place shown on collection schedule.
532 Use of Schedules
532.1 In the Office
532.11 Carriers unfamiliar with the route should obtain and review collection
schedule to determine the starting time and point.
532.12 Carriers unfamiliar with the route should check collection schedules for
additional special instructions, such as pickup of registers at contract stations
and branches.
532.2 On the Route
532.21 Leave office on scheduled time, and collect boxes in the order listed.
532.22 Observe the time each box is scheduled to be collected, and do not collect
before that time. Many customers schedule the deposit of their mail with the
time stated on the collection schedule. If mail is picked up ahead of schedule,
some mail may miss connection and this may result in justified complaints.
532.23 Observe the returning time of the collection. The returning time is fixed to
allow time to process the mail and connect with a dispatch of value or
delivery trip.
532.24 Avoid standing in the street when emptying or loading collection or relay
boxes.
54 Collection Rules
541 Basic Rules
The basic rules for the collection of mail are the same whether performed by
a foot or motorized carrier or whether collections are made from street or
building boxes. Therefore, the general rules that apply to all are given;
exceptions are stated separately.
542 Collecting Mail as Scheduled
542.1 Collect boxes in order and not earlier than the time shown on the schedule.
542.2 Do not skip any collection boxes, except in emergency. In this case, a report
listing each box skipped should be made to the manager on Form 1571.
543 Handling of Mail Matter
543.1 Use hoop sack, pouch, or satchel when removing mail from collection boxes.
Remove old labels from all pouches and sacks.
543.2 Keep mail collected from boxes in clusters segregated. Be sure that the mail
is placed in the proper sack and that the sack or pouch is properly labeled.
543.3 Keep mail that is in a faced condition faced. Do not break open bundles of
mail as this causes additional work.
543.4 Collect mailable matter placed on top or near collection boxes. Accept letters
and other prepaid small articles tendered by customers for mailing.
543.5 Do not return any mail to a customer. Refer the customer to the unit where
the collection mail is deposited.
543.6 Protect the mail at all times. Do not leave mail unguarded.
544 Examining and Locking Boxes
544.1 After emptying box, examine inside of box for possible trapped mail,
especially in motorist deposit boxes (snorkels).
544.2 Make note of and, on return to unit, report missing or illegible time schedules,
faulty doors or boxes, or defective locks. When a plastic collection test card
has been deposited at any collection point, withdraw the plastic card from the
mail during collection and hand to your designated manager on arrival at the
office.
544.3 Check doors and locks after closing boxes to assure both work properly and
give adequate protection to mail.
55 Motorized Routes
For motorized delivery and/or collection routes, see part 831 for obtaining a
vehicle; part 832 for inspecting vehicle; part 833 for completing time record;
and part 842 for reporting defects.

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