If you‘re looking for a secure job with competitive pay and benefits, working as a motor vehicle operator (MVO) for the United States Postal Service may be a great fit. USPS employs over 10,000 MVOs nationwide to transport mail and keep the postal network running smoothly. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about USPS motor vehicle operator jobs, from duties to salaries to how to get hired.
What Do USPS Motor Vehicle Operators Do?
USPS motor vehicle operators play a crucial role in transporting mail and packages to help them reach their final destination on time. On a typical day, an MVO may pick up bulk mail from post offices, stations and branches and deliver it to mail processing plants or other postal facilities. They operate various USPS trucks and vehicles, including 7-ton trucks, tractor trailers, and spotter trucks.
Some key duties and responsibilities of USPS motor vehicle operators include:
- Safely loading, transporting and unloading mail in USPS vehicles
- Following specific routes and time schedules for transporting mail
- Conducting vehicle inspections and communicating vehicle repair/maintenance needs
- Maintaining a clean driving record and following all USPS safe driving policies
- Submitting reports on work hours, miles driven, fuel usage, etc.
- Assisting with other general tasks as needed at postal facilities
The work can be physically demanding at times, with MVOs required to lift and carry heavy mail containers and spend many hours driving. However, it offers variety and the satisfaction of playing an integral part in the country‘s postal operations.
"Our motor vehicle operators are the unsung heroes of the Postal Service," says Jim Cochrane, USPS Chief Customer and Marketing Officer. "They work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure mail gets where it needs to go as efficiently as possible."
USPS Motor Vehicle Operator Salary & Benefits
So how much can you expect to earn as a USPS motor vehicle operator? According to indeed.com, the average base salary for USPS MVOs is $52,060 per year. USPS career job postings list the starting pay at $23.74 per hour, which would equate to around $49,400 annually for a full-time position.
The starting pay rate may vary somewhat by location. For example, USPS recently advertised MVO positions with a starting pay of $24.74 per hour in San Jose, CA and $23.34 per hour in Denver, CO.
As a career position, USPS motor vehicle operators receive regularly scheduled pay increases, as well as cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). There are also opportunities to earn more by working overtime hours. On average, USPS MVOs earn 10-20% more than their base salary when accounting for overtime and premium pay.
In addition to the competitive salary, USPS offers its motor vehicle operators an excellent benefits package, including:
- Health insurance (USPS pays up to 75% of premiums)
- Dental and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401k)
- Life insurance
- Generous vacation and sick leave
- 10 paid holidays per year
According to a recent benefits analysis, the total value of USPS benefits equates to around 34% of employees‘ base salaries on average. For an MVO earning $52,000 per year, that‘s an additional $17,680 worth of benefits annually.
USPS also provides MVOs with all necessary uniforms and equipment. Overall, the pay and benefits add up to a highly competitive total compensation package compared to industry standards.
Driving Jobs at Private Competitors
How do USPS motor vehicle operator jobs stack up to similar roles at competitors like FedEx and UPS? Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Company | Avg Hourly Pay | Avg Annual Pay | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | $25.03 | $52,060 | Health/dental/vision insurance, retirement plans, paid leave |
| FedEx | $22.89 | $47,600 | Health/dental/vision insurance, retirement plans, paid leave |
| UPS | $21.25 | $44,200 | Health/dental/vision insurance, retirement plans, stock purchase plan, paid leave |
Data sourced from indeed.com and glassdoor.com
As you can see, USPS tends to offer slightly higher average wages than FedEx and UPS for driving jobs. Benefits are relatively comparable across the three major delivery services. However, USPS jobs may offer somewhat greater job security and more regular hours, since mail volume remains relatively stable compared to the seasonal fluctuations at private package delivery companies.
That said, FedEx and UPS have been expanding their delivery operations in recent years and actively hiring thousands of drivers nationwide. Job seekers who prefer working for a private company over a government agency may find more opportunities at FedEx or UPS. But if you‘re looking for the highest pay and most reliable employment as a delivery driver, USPS motor vehicle operator positions are hard to beat.
How E-Commerce Growth is Impacting USPS Motor Vehicle Operator Jobs
The rise of online shopping has dramatically increased the volume of packages moving through the postal network in recent years. In 2020, USPS delivered over 7.3 billion packages – a 30% increase over the previous year. Parcel volume now makes up over 5% of USPS‘ total annual revenue.
This e-commerce boom has created immense demand for USPS motor vehicle operators to handle the influx of packages. In 2019, the Postal Service hired nearly 1,000 new MVOs – a 73% increase over the previous year. And hiring remained strong in 2020 despite the challenges of the pandemic.
"The package delivery side of our business continues to grow rapidly, which means we need more trucks and drivers on the road than ever before," said USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in a recent statement. "We‘re committed to hiring and training the workforce needed to handle this shift and deliver for our customers."
Looking ahead, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of light truck drivers (which includes USPS MVOs) will grow 5% from 2019 to 2029 – faster than the average for all occupations. With e-commerce sales expected to continue climbing, demand for USPS motor vehicle operators should remain high for the foreseeable future. This is good news for job seekers eyeing postal driving jobs.
Requirements to Become a USPS Motor Vehicle Operator
To be eligible for a USPS motor vehicle operator job, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Safe driving record with at least 2 years of unsupervised experience driving passenger cars or larger vehicles, OR at least 1 year of experience driving 7-ton trucks or larger
- Valid regular commercial driver‘s license (CDL) for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 lbs. or more
- Able to pass USPS medical exam, drug screening and background check
- Willing to work weekends, holidays and irregular shifts
Preferred qualifications that can increase your chances of getting hired include:
- Experience driving tractor trailers or 16-passenger or larger buses
- Knowledge of USPS mail transportation procedures
- Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with safety rules and regulations for operating commercial vehicles
- Military experience as a motor vehicle operator
One advantage of USPS driving jobs is that they have a lower barrier to entry than many long-haul trucking jobs, which require more driving experience and often entail spending days or even weeks on the road. Most USPS routes allow MVOs to return home at the end of each shift.
How to Apply for USPS Motor Vehicle Operator Jobs
If you meet the requirements and are interested in a job as a USPS motor vehicle operator, you can begin by searching for available MVO positions on the USPS careers website. Most job openings are posted as "City Carrier Assistant" positions since MVOs start out working as CCAs before being promoted to career MVO roles.
After finding an open position that interests you, click "Apply" and create an account on the USPS site. You‘ll need to fill out an online application and answer assessment questions about your work experience, driving record and vehicle certification.
The next steps in the hiring process typically include:
- Passing a USPS driving test (road test in a USPS vehicle)
- Background check
- Medical exam and drug screening
- Signing a 90-day probationary employment contract
- Completing a short orientation and training period
According to a report by the USPS Office of Inspector General, the average time from job posting to job offer for motor vehicle operators was 39 days in 2019. However, the full hiring and onboarding process can take up to 3 months in some cases.
"The key is to be patient and stay on top of all requests from USPS during the hiring process," advises Frank Costa, a longtime USPS hiring consultant. "Make sure to promptly submit any paperwork they need and be fully prepared for the driving road test and medical exam."
Is Being a USPS Motor Vehicle Operator a Good Job?
As with any job, being a USPS motor vehicle operator has its pros and cons. Based on reviews from current and former MVOs on indeed.com, some of the top advantages of the job include:
- Job security as a federal employee
- Good pay and benefits
- Consistent hours/schedule
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Pride in providing a valuable public service
Some of the potential drawbacks mentioned include:
- Strenuous physical demands (heavy lifting, long periods of sitting while driving)
- Early morning or late night shifts
- Driving in all weather conditions
- Strict rules and regulations to follow
- Occasional monotonous or repetitive work
"I‘ve been a motor vehicle operator with USPS for over 10 years now, and it‘s been a great job overall," says Dan R., an MVO based in Phoenix. "Sure, there are some long days and tough stretches, but the stability, pay and benefits make it all worthwhile. I take a lot of pride in what I do."
Most USPS motor vehicle operators say the positives outweigh the negatives overall. In fact, USPS made the list of Forbes‘ Best Employers for Diversity in 2020. Keys to success in the job include maintaining a positive attitude, being highly dependable, following safety procedures and communicating well with supervisors and coworkers.
Comparing USPS MVO Salaries to Other Occupations
To give you a sense of where USPS motor vehicle operator salaries fall compared to some other common occupations, check out this table:
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary* |
|---|---|
| USPS Motor Vehicle Operator | $52,060 |
| Light Truck Driver | $34,730 |
| Bus Driver | $43,030 |
| Postal Service Mail Carrier | $52,060 |
| Delivery Truck Driver | $32,020 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver | $45,260 |
| Taxi Driver | $27,080 |
| Locomotive Engineer | $64,820 |
Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
As you can see, USPS MVOs earn significantly more than most light truck drivers, delivery drivers, bus drivers and taxi drivers. They are on par with postal mail carriers and earn a bit more than heavy truck drivers on average.
Of course, pay is just one factor to consider when evaluating different career paths. But if you‘re looking for a driving job with solid middle-class wages and good benefits, it‘s hard to top the stability and compensation offered by USPS motor vehicle operator positions.
Potential Career Paths for USPS Motor Vehicle Operators
Working as a USPS motor vehicle operator can be a rewarding long-term career in itself. But for those with advancement aspirations, the role can also open doors to higher-level positions within the Postal Service.
Many USPS motor vehicle operators go on to become supervisors or managers in USPS vehicle maintenance or transportation operations. Some even rise through the ranks to become postmasters of local post office branches.
"My career with the Postal Service started 22 years ago as a motor vehicle operator, and I‘ve steadily worked my way up since then," says Karen G., postmaster of a mid-size city in the Midwest. "The MVO job gave me a great foundation to build on. I learned so much about postal operations and regulations in that role, and the experience definitely helped prepare me to take on more responsibility over time."
Other potential USPS jobs that motor vehicle operator experience could help qualify you for include:
- Lead Automotive Technician
- Highway Transportation Manager
- Safety Specialist
- Vehicle Operations Analyst
- Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
Of course, these higher-level positions often require additional education, training and years of experience to obtain. But they demonstrate the long-term career possibilities that can grow out of an entry-level motor vehicle operator job.
USPS also offers a range of training and development programs to help employees gain the skills needed for advancement. For example, the Postal Service‘s Executive Leadership Program provides management training to qualify employees for promotions into managerial roles at the district and area levels.
The Bottom Line
Working as a motor vehicle operator for USPS offers secure employment, a good salary, excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement. If you enjoy driving, don‘t mind lifting heavy loads and want to provide a valuable public service, it can be a highly rewarding career.
While the job does have some physical and mental demands, most USPS MVOs find the positives far outweigh the potential drawbacks. It‘s a job that will keep you moving and provides immense satisfaction in helping people‘s mail and packages reach their final destination.
If you have a clean driving record, a commercial driver‘s license and a strong work ethic, consider applying for a USPS motor vehicle operator job opening near you. It could be the start of a fulfilling long-term career with one of the country‘s most respected public institutions.
As the U.S. Postal Service continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of consumers, the role of USPS motor vehicle operators will only become more essential. From the long-haul truck drivers transporting mail across the country to the final-mile delivery drivers getting packages to customers‘ doorsteps, these dedicated employees quite literally keep the Postal Service moving forward.
