Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when it‘s with the United States Postal Service, one of the largest employers in the country. As a new USPS employee, you‘ll go through a comprehensive training and orientation program to learn the ropes of your role and get acclimated to the organization. But what exactly does this entail? How long does it last? And most importantly, do you get paid for this time?
As a consumer expert and longtime USPS observer, I‘m going to give you an inside look at the USPS new hire training experience. I‘ll cover what to expect, share details on compensation and travel reimbursement, and provide some additional information and tips to help you navigate the process. By the end, you‘ll have a clear understanding of this critical first step in your postal career.
Overview of USPS Training and Orientation
All new USPS employees, regardless of their specific role, are required to complete training and orientation before officially starting their jobs. In general, this process takes about two weeks from start to finish, although the exact duration can vary slightly based on the position.
The main goals of USPS training are to:
- Introduce new hires to the organization‘s history, mission, policies and culture
- Provide general onboarding information that applies to all employees
- Deliver job-specific training on the tasks, tools and processes for each role
- Allow new employees to shadow experienced co-workers and get hands-on practice
- Give both the employee and employer a chance to assess if it‘s a good fit
New hire training is an important investment for the Postal Service to ensure employees have the knowledge and skills to succeed. It also helps maintain consistency and compliance with all the regulations that come with being a federal agency. For new hires, it‘s an opportunity to get up to speed, ask questions, and confirm this is the right job for them.
The Training and Orientation Timeline
So what happens during those critical first two weeks? Here‘s a general breakdown of the USPS new hire training timeline:
Days 1-2: General Orientation
The first two days are typically dedicated to general orientation for all new hires, regardless of role. This is when you‘ll be officially sworn in as a USPS employee, which involves taking an oath to uphold the sanctity and security of the mail. Postal workers are not allowed to handle mail until completing this oath.
During general orientation, you‘ll be given an employee handbook that covers all the policies, rules and benefits of working for USPS. You‘ll go through the handbook via a group presentation and have a chance to ask questions.
Depending on your location, general orientation may be held in-person at a training center or local post office. However, some new hires, especially in more remote areas, may have the option to complete some orientation activities virtually. I spoke with one new Postal Support Employee (PSE) who said her first day of orientation on Zoom was nearly 8 hours long, while the second day was much shorter.
Days 3-10: Job-Specific Training
After general orientation, you‘ll transition to job-specific training with other new hires in your role. For mail carriers, this includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel training to learn how to safely operate the iconic right-hand drive postal trucks.
Classroom training covers topics like:
- Postal regulations and protocols
- Safety guidance
- Proper scanning and tracking procedures
- How to handle different classes of mail
- Delivering excellent customer service
- Selling USPS products and services
Carriers will practice casing mail, loading their vehicles, and following maps and routes. You‘ll even take a simulated driving test to demonstrate you can meet USPS safe driving standards.
Some new hires will also have a "shadow day" where they ride along with an experienced employee to observe them on the job. This allows you to see the daily routine, pick up tips and tricks, and ask questions.
Final Days: Carrier Academy
Those hired as mail carriers will finish their training at Carrier Academy, an immersive program that‘s unique to this role. Over 3-4 days, you‘ll dive deeper into the specifics of delivery and get more hands-on experience.
According to the USPS Carrier Academy Resource Guide, the curriculum includes a total of 32 hours of training:
- 15 hours in the classroom learning rules, safety, and customer service
- 6 hours of practice deliveries within the Academy facility
- 8 hours observing and assisting an On-the-Job Instructor on a real route
- 2 hours reviewing and discussing Carrier Academy feedback
- 1 hour taking a final exam to demonstrate proficiency
By the end of Carrier Academy, you‘ll be fully prepared to don the blue uniform and hit the streets as an official USPS mail carrier. You‘ll also have a solid foundation to build from as you gain experience on the job.
USPS Training Locations
USPS training and orientation can be held at several types of sites across the country, based on geographic location and the number of new hires in an area. These include:
- USPS Training Centers: Standalone, dedicated facilities for training
- Local Post Offices: On-site training at the office where an employee will work
- USPS Headquarters: Some training held at central HQ for certain roles
- Remote/Online: Virtual training completed via computer, especially for orientation
I reached out to a few recent USPS hires to learn about their training experiences. One went to a training center about an hour away from her hometown, while another did orientation online but had to travel for Carrier Academy. A third completed all training locally across multiple post offices in his city.
While the exact location may vary, all USPS training follows the same general curriculum and protocols. No matter where you complete it, you‘ll be fully prepared to excel in your new role.
USPS Training Compensation
One of the most common questions I hear from prospective and new USPS employees is "do you get paid for training?" I‘m happy to report the answer is yes! Let‘s break down the key details on training pay.
According to the USPS Employee and Labor Relations Manual, all new hires are eligible for compensation for any required training that occurs during their normal work hours. Basically, if you‘re scheduled to complete training activities for any part of a day, you‘ll be paid for that full day as if you worked your regular shift.
The pay rate for training days is the same hourly rate that you accepted in your official job offer. So if you were hired as a City Carrier Assistant at $18.92 per hour, you‘ll earn that rate during training as well. Keep in mind this is the base rate, so it doesn‘t include any extra pay like overtime or night shift differential.
In addition to your hourly training pay, USPS will also provide the following:
- Mileage reimbursement if you use your own vehicle to travel to training
- Lodging reimbursement if you have to stay overnight for training
- All necessary training materials (handbooks, manuals, etc.)
Expenses like meals and non-mileage travel costs (tolls, parking, etc.) are generally not covered by USPS. But the good news is that you won‘t have to pay for any tuition, fees, books, or supplies. The Postal Service fully invests in your training experience.
Overall, USPS training pay and benefits are quite generous, especially compared to many employers that consider training and orientation to be unpaid time. Getting compensated for this first part of your postal career is a nice perk and makes the transition even smoother.
Ongoing Training Opportunities
Training and development doesn‘t stop after your initial orientation. The Postal Service offers an extensive catalog of ongoing training for employees at all levels through its HERO system (HR, Education, Resources & Opportunities).
HERO training spans a variety of topics, including:
- Technical skills
- Safety protocols
- Customer service
- Professional development
- Leadership and management
Courses are available both online and in-person, and most are self-paced so employees can complete them as their schedules allow. Best of all, HERO training is entirely free for postal workers.
However, it‘s important to note that these ongoing courses are voluntary and done outside of normal working hours. Unlike orientation training, you won‘t be compensated for time spent on HERO classes. But investing some of your personal time in continuing education can pay off in the long run, especially if you‘re aiming for a promotion or expanded responsibilities.
I think the HERO program is a fantastic offering and really demonstrates USPS‘s commitment to developing its workforce. I recommend all postal employees at least browse the course catalog a couple times a year and consider what skills could help further your career. Taking initiative with your own learning and growth is always a smart move.
Final Thoughts
The USPS training and orientation process is designed to set up every new employee for a successful, long-term postal career. It‘s a significant investment of both time and money, with a robust curriculum and paid training hours.
While the exact location and format may vary, all new hires will complete training on USPS policies, job-specific tasks, safety protocols, and customer service. Mail carriers get extra time to master their unique day-to-day duties and driving requirements. No matter the role, you‘ll be well-equipped to handle your responsibilities by the end of training.
Beyond the practical job preparation, I believe USPS training is also a valuable opportunity for self-reflection. Spending two full weeks immersed in the organization gives new hires a chance to really envision their day-to-day life as a postal worker. If you have any doubts about the job, it‘s better to realize it during training than after you‘re out on your own.
Of course, most people who make it through the rigorous USPS hiring process are committed to sticking with the job. Completing training is an exciting milestone and the beginning of a promising career. With ongoing opportunities through HERO and other professional development programs, the learning doesn‘t stop after orientation.
I hope this deep dive into the USPS training experience has given you a clearer picture of what to expect and eased any concerns about the process. While starting a new job is always a bit overwhelming, you can feel confident you‘ll receive the knowledge, skills, and compensation to launch a rewarding postal career. Best of luck as you embark on this exciting new chapter!
