Best products from r/USPS

There's a lot of difference between conditions carriers have to deal with. And they'll deal with it differently. So first off, know your local conditions. Second, check the weather forecast every morning before you dress. Or even the night before, to make sure you have what you'll need ready.

I'm in southern New England. We get a real winter. We rarely get the kind of winters many places in the country do. Not in terms of quantity and depth of cold, or of amounts of snow. But we do get cold, and we do get snow. And sometimes a lot of it.

So first, boots. You need to find the boots that you can live with. Preferably ones that are postal approved. Whether you need high, and insulated, or can live without that, depends on your area. Make sure they're waterproof. Get good socks. Wool, preferably. In extreme cold areas, even heated socks.

I wear the heavy uniform pants. With thermal underwear. In the worst cold, 2 pair. If it's windy, you can add the rain pants as well. No insulation value, but they cut the wind. I have the bomber jacket and the vest. In the coldest places you may want the parka instead. Again, thermal underwear, as many layers as you need. Whatever sweatshirts or sweaters you happen to have are good. Don't need to be uniform, as the customer won't see them. I got one of the fur caps. But it's really not any good. I don't know if there are better versions out there. So I wear a hood with a movable face mask under a uniform ball cap or rain hat.

It's a good idea to bring a couple of extra shirts and a towel with you, just in case. So you can change up as necessary. Even carry a dry pair of socks.

For gloves I find that I can go without to a colder temp than I would have believed that I could. Or sometimes just a glove on the left hand. It's difficult to finger the mail in gloves. So you'll have to try a few things and see what you're capable of working in. You may well have to deal with some cold on your right hand to maintain dexterity, and put your hand in your pocket between houses. Gloves with a rubber outer coating will allow much better mail handling than cloth or leather. For moderate cold I do pretty well with the cheapo dollar store cotton gloves with rubber beads for grip on them. The next step up is somewhat heavier cotton gloves with rubber palm and fingers that can be found at any hardware store or Home Cheapo. So long as they stay dry, those do pretty good for me. I may wear a heavier glove on my left, and the lighter one to finger the mail on my right.

For other gear, make yourself a basic first aid kit and carry that. If you're dealing with icy footing, get traction cleats. Like this is one option. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002M9DO0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But those wear out pretty quickly, so don't wear them more than you have to.

As for shoes, I love my New Balance and K-Swiss walking sneakers. You're a new CCA, so don't spend a fortune on sneakers just yet until you're past probation and you're sure you want the job. What part of the country are you in? Winter will be here soon. I live in New England and nothing makes this job more miserable than a pair of cold wet feet & socks. If appropriate, you may just want to get a cheap pair of sneakers to last a month or two and spend the money on some nice waterproof boots. Whatever footwear you buy, always get something that's genuine leather and slip resistant. I can't stress that enough. Don't want to be falling on wet leaves, etc.

As for pants? Khakis, shorts, sweats. Enjoy the freedom you have at this point to wear whatever makes you comfortable.

I bought a $10 raincoat on Amazon that's awesome in the rain.

You're going to get thirsty. A water bottle that can handle an LLV and last the day is a must. I have this one.

Do you like coffee? If so, I carry this. Brew it at home and it stays hot all morning.

If you're not familiar with the town you're working in, you may want to invest in a power bank for your phone so that you don't run out of battery (those LLVs rarely have a working charger!) and can use your GPS.

Another cool thing since it's starting to get dark earlier: a headband flashlight. They help when it's 5pm, you're still out delivering mail and can't read the envelopes or see where you are stepping. My office provides these for free. Check with yours.

As for tips, hang in there! I wanted to quit my first month, it was miserable. I started in November, right before Christmas. It starts to get real busy this time of year and it's very overwhelming. But if you're in a good office, the senior carriers there will help you and the supervisors will understand your position. Best of luck!

It sounds like you're already installing a security system, but a couple other options -

I'd contact your local postmaster. It's illegal for people to put things without proper postage into mailboxes, which is why you get those maid service and pest control and lawn service placards in your door jam or under your mat or hanging on your door handle. They can't just put them into people's mailboxes. Drug dealers cant leave packages in your mailbox either. You calling the postal inspectors may not get you moved up to the action list, but a postmaster calling them might. There are safety issues for your carriers as well if illegal stuff is being placed in your mailbox. Who knows what could be in there, child porn, weapons, anthrax, drugs, money, explosives etc.

If there are trees or utility poles etc near the mail box, you could try setting up a game camera pointed at your mailbox, like this one - https://www.amazon.com/LESHP-Infrared-Waterproof-Scouting-Surveillance/dp/B01MTVF2N3/ref=sr_1_22

They are usually motion activated and work pretty well in the dark.
If you had several videos of someone going up to your mailbox and putting things in or taking things out that would go a long way towards attracting law enforcement's attention

Another option, and I'd clear this first with the postal inspectors- if the mailbox inside your enclosure is a standard sized box, buy a second box at a home improvement store, cut the back of it off, punch a small hole into it, get a motion activated "spy" camera for like $40-50, mount it to the back of the mailbox you cut off, and then slide that into your normal mail box, making a false back wall with a camera behind it, and then retrieve it every couple of days to charge it and get the videos off the micro sd card. Honestly though, I'd let the postal inspectors know this is what you're going to do before you do it, that may cause them to act sooner, as mailboxes once properly installed are considered federal property.

These sound like a lot of work or extra expense for something that law enforcement should be able to handle... to be honest, I'd keep contacting the Postal Inspectors every time it happens. They're the police force for the post office and AFAIK are supposed to handle stuff like this. I know they aren't using the mail stream to deliver the junk and are just putting things into mail boxes, but the mail boxes are federal property and you're not supposed to tamper with it.

If you STILL aren't getting any sort of response from authorities, call your local news stations... this could be the sort of "stranger danger, film at 11" that gives them ratings. Heck, they might even help you set up some sort of surveillance system so they can get video of some tweaked out junkie opening people's mailboxes, that's a great optic to show on TV. You see pieces like that on TV all the time, like when they talk about catalytic converters being stolen off cars in parking lots etc.

I use a combo of these two. Dex Fit first then the fingerless over them. Can still handle mail easily and my hands stay warm. Fingertips still do get a bit cold when it’s real freezing out, but much better than bare skin.

DEX FIT Nitrile Work Gloves FN330, 3D Comfort Stretch Fit, Durable Power Grip Foam Coated, Smart Touch, Thin Machine Washable, Grey Small 3 Pairs Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076GXYQ9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a7RxCbZH6B8YP

Mens 3M Thinsulate 40 gram Thermal Insulated Black Knit Winter Fingerless Gloves (Medium / Large) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M04H69T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_17RxCb92K6WWX

Sorry for formatting. On mobile.

Simple Modern 84 Ounce Summit Water Bottle - Large Stainless Steel Half Gallon Flask +2 Lids - Wide Mouth Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Leakproof Ombre: Pacific Dream


Mailman here. My route has an LLV and I’m not supporting or making any money from this but I got about half my office on these bottles. These things are amazing! I keep my water bottle right on the floor and in the sun all day and it keeps my water super cold all day. Would highly recommend to any of you guys.
They are a little pricey but well worth the money.

I know of some carriers who use these. The Original Chill Pal PVA Cooling Towel (Aqua Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MLGB3N4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_G299ybET1PVE0

They have two, one dry and one wet. Have a cooler with water/ice in it and dunk the wet towel in the cold water and keep it around your neck. Use the dry one to dry off any overly wet areas.

Personally I usually just drink 2-3 liters of water a day and occasionally pour water on me. I sweat like crazy and with out pouring water on myself, I look like I jumped in a pool pretty early on the day.

Also remember that taking a break to cool down is a comfort stop and is NOT counted towards your ten minute breaks or your lunch. It's a safety issue. If you have a library, church, gas station, or something of the like swing in there and cool off. You can not get in trouble for working safely.

In Indiana. On the colder days wore a cheap fingerless thinsulate mitten (the mitten and the thumb can be folded back if needed...rarely needed) on my left hand. On my right hand I'd wear a variety of gloves. My favorite was a neoprene like ski glove with tacky finger pads and palm. I like a fairly tight flexible glove on my hand.

Remember to go a little lighter with the flats on your arm and dps in your hand on the sub-zero days. Restricting the blood flow too much can make your fingers go numb quick.

https://www.amazon.com/Metog-Thinsulate-Sentry-Mittens-gloves/dp/B018IN0GQ8/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1539379271&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=gloves&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Vbiger-Unisex-Outdoors-Running-Cycling/dp/B07438Q43Y/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1539379271&sr=8-13&keywords=gloves

I bought this fan for the llv

https://www.amazon.com/Alagoo-Automobile-Ventilation-Adjustable-Cigarette/dp/B078S9Z6GF/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=cigarette+fan&qid=1563331455&s=gateway&sprefix=cigarette+fan&sr=8-3

Surprisingly it works pretty well, considering there's no a/c but it definitely helps. Best $26 I've spent for this job

My gf says the best gift she got in this heat was the "frog togs cooling towel"

https://www.amazon.com/Frogg-Toggs-Chilly-Cooling-Towel/dp/B003YF7W22/ref=asc_df_B003YF7W22/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312111913661&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18434605617787160366&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033822&hvtargid=pla-449602261639&psc=1

Or Frozen water/electrolytes (Think enduralites)


My partner thanks you and says she loves that you are thinking of carriers!

Arm sleeves - These are great year round, the more you sweat the cooler they get.
Bluetooth Speaker/Charger - If he's in an LLV and the outlet doesn't work this doubles as a charger, I've been using this for over a year and the speaker is loud and last for over 3 days.
LED rechargable lantern - These are great during the fall/winter months when we're out late, I clip it to my satchel and it illuminates my entire body and a decent area around me so I don't fumble with a clip light on my cap. Plus if you do box deliveries you can clip it to the top of the door and see pretty damn well.

I have 2 weeks yet until my 90 days for when you get your uniform allowance, you just need to be presentable. Also dress for the weather... I carry in Wisconsin and most days it's long underwear, jeans, blank polo, snowpants, wool sweater, windproof/waterproof coat. Also I wear button ups from my old job (casual/formal dress code).

​

They sent me a baseball cap in the mail with the logo on it (with some other china-goodies, waterbottle etc) and I got a yellow vest with the USPS logo to wear over everything.

​

I keep everything on my satchel, scanner holder, 3849s, pens.. otherwise I drop and lose anything (there's enough pouches on the bag). You will walk 10-12 miles a day, I tried the belt organizer route and it's just too much in the way. Especially when you need to hunch over or monkey around a handrailing to get the mail in, all the twisting and moving your satchel catches on everything. I want to carry as little as possible, 2 pens in my satchel, a ziplock baggy with my 3849s (I carry in 4 cities so I have a bunch of pads). Rubberbands on my wrist, I wear my badge on a lanyard around my neck with a backup pen on it. Only other thing I have on me is sunglasses/regular glasses and my cellphone.

​

My lunchbox and a bag with extra gloves, handwarmers, cleats, extra pens, band-aids, other comfort items I keep in the truck.

​

I use these ear buds, they're good for about 4 hours but I only wear one at a time. They can be paired or used separately, and the battery pack charges them each 3-4 times to full before I need to charge the battery pack. They charge to full in about an hour.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L6HQJFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03__o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Nobody says anything because my supervisor/post master call me all the time to find other carriers when I'm out already carrying (I am only 1 of 2 CCA's at my home station) on routes to take bumps from them, and I tell them it's just easier then digging my phone out of the pocket. And it really is easier, I can just press the earbud once and it answers the calls and once to hangup. When the phone rings it voices me the phone number calling so I know to pick up or not. They appreciate that I always answer immediately and it doesn't stop me from moving, we plan out the day while I'm still stuffing mailboxes so they are cool with it. Once the call is over it resumes back to my music or podcasts right where it left off.

​

I wear my satchel always, except for when I get to a mounted section on a route, then my scanner goes in a holster on the truck. Even when I'm driving to a different park point, or running parcels I don't take it off.

​

As far as boots, i would go with something comfortable and lightweight. Keep in mind you will be on your feet all day. Nothing is worse for me than heavy bulky shoes. Try to spend as little as possible, they won't last. And while waterproof is nice, unless they are rubber the coating will fail. I get maybe about 6 months of daily use before my boots start falling apart. To keep my feet dry i use waterproof socks. They work.

https://www.showerspass.com/collections/waterproof-socks

If the wind is a problem where you are, look into a face mask. I use Turtle Fur's totally tubular. Its lightweight and comfortable.

https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Fur-Lightweight-Multi-Functional-Headwear/dp/B005W2G398/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=turtle+fur&qid=1550509997&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-2-spons&psc=1

Other than that, just make sure you are comfortable and the clothing you wear allows for flexibility.

​

This fan:

Alagoo 12V 6''Car Cooling Fan Automobile Vehicle Clip Fan Powerful Quiet Ventilation Electric Car Fans with Adjustable Clip & Cigarette Lighter Plug for Car/Vehicle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078S9Z6GF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_P3cDDbB5D75KS

I’ve been using UV sleeves for the past 2 summers. Keeps you clean, cool, and protects you from sunburn. I swear by these things.
SHINYMOD UV Protection Cooling Arm Sleeves for Men Women Sunblock Cooler Protective Sports Running Golf Cycling Basketball Driving Fishing Long Arm Cover Sleeves (3 Pairs (Black+White+Beige)) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DDGVD8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_LJxRCbPKKTXCS

Thats why you keep a pair of green tags with you so you can change them if you ever need to.

About 20 or so carriers in my office wear these or the version before them and they are great on your feet

https://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Casual-Comfort-Trainer/dp/B07B438ZBL/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=608v5&qid=1554950022&s=apparel&sr=1-1-catcorr&th=1