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2006 Rural Mail Count & Inspection Training
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
2
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Rural Mail Count - Overview
Definition of count Dates to remember Pre-count conference Review of forms
o PS Form 4239 o PS Form 4241
Option elections and leave agreements
3
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Definition and Purpose of Mail Count
The count of mail is the physical counting and recording, at specified times, the number of pieces of mail delivered, collected, or handled on rural routes. Mail counts are used to assemble data that provides the basis for the individual route evaluations.o The route statistics indicate
Volume of mail handled Amount of office and route time
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Definition and Purpose of Mail Count
Evaluation of a rural route is determined by the counto Mail volume handledo Daily miles traveledo Number and type of boxes servedo Time allowances
Fixed variable
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Mail Count Procedures
All classes of mail must be counted dailyo Before it is casedo Manager must exercise extreme caution
Ensure all entries are correct
Carriers may observe mail counto Relief Dayso Annual Leave Dayso Must be in non-duty statuso Must not participate in office work activities
6
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Important Dates Date Action
Dec.10 – January 6
Option in Period
January 25 Inspection may begin; introduction of DPS
February 8 Pre-count conferences must be complete
February 24
FRIDAY
Mail Count Begins
March 9
THURSDAY
Last day of 12 day mail count
March 10 Provide carriers a copy of PS Form 4241 for
2-day review
March 14 Carriers complete review
Submit completed PS Forms 4241 to District
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Important Dates Date Action
March 15 Submit Forms 4241 to District
April 8 Eagan will print new forms 4241-A
April 15 New Route Evaluations go into Effect. Completed forms 4248 must be forwarded to the District Office.
May 26 Input of Form 4248 should be completed
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Carrier Responsibilities
Advise your manager of any major disagreements that cannot be resolved
DO NOT enter into any agreements that violate The National Agreements, MOUs, or Postal Service Policies
9
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Pre-Count Conference Purpose
o Resolve issues & concerns prior to count
o Must be completed by February 8, 2006
o Mandatory for all involved in the count
o Brief conference - generally 20 minutes or less
o New procedures not discussed during this conference cannot be introduced between pre-count conference and the count
Pre-count Conference Checklisto Refer to mail count guide and check list.
o Do not enter into any agreements outside of these guidelines
10
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Mail Flow
Mail Flowo Consistent with normal conditions o Honor mailer-requested delivery dateso Must not require additional clerk workhours
expressly for clearing mail prior to count Clerk hours must not be curtailed or increased on the
last day of counto Normal cut-off times should be observed
Mail is distributed to ensure a normal flow on the day preceding the count and the last day of the count
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Definition of “Available Mail”
All mail distributed and placed on carrier case ledges, in hampers, trays, or on the floor beneath the carrier case, and that which is in distribution case up to the cutoff or final withdrawal time prior to the scheduled departure to serve the route.
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Withdrawal of Mail Procedures established for count period
same as throughout the year Allowance is for all carriers in a unit, not
individually - 30 minutes weekly Carriers may be required to record DUVRS Cutting straps or plastic shrink wrap is
carrier’s responsibility whether withdrawal is received or not
Carriers who receive withdrawal must actually withdraw mail throughout the year
13
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Rural Route Count Of Mail
Daily worksheet and mail count record Only document used to record volume & time
data Available for daily carrier review Signed daily by person conducting count Also completed at intermediate offices &
transferred to 4241 by headout office Original retained by PM & copy given to
carrier Review and initial daily, any documentation
the carrier intends to use for disputing count
14
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Letter Size - Column A
Letterso All letter-size mail 6-1/8” or less in widtho Small magazines & catalogs
6-1/8” or less in width & 3/8” or less in thickness
o No maximum thickness - 3/8” applies only to small magazines & catalogs
o Detached address cards, regardless of sizeo Turn up every 50th or 100th piece in each trayo DPS letters out of sequence - Do Not deduct from DPS
totals(these letters receive a double credit)o Do not include accountables - Column F only
15
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Sector/Segment - Column B
Sector/Segment Letterso Processed on
Postal automated equipment in sector/segment order
o All for same shelf generally within a 20” span
o All mail up to 6 1/8” in width
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Flats - Column C
Newspapers, magazines, flats, catalogs & rollsOther sized mail - default from letters & parcels
o Catalogs must fit in empty case separations If not, count as parcels
o Weight is not a considerationo Letters larger than 6-1/8” in widtho Full case separations should be tied out by
carrier to allow more mail to be cased No additional credit given
Address orientation and mail piece size will determine whether pieces are classified as a letter or a flat
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Parcels - Column D
Rigid Parcelso Rigid article that exceeds any one
of these dimensions:
5” in height 18” in length 1 9/16” in width A rigid article 5” x 18” x 1 9/16 is a flat Includes articles properly prepared & endorsed
“DO NOT FOLD OR BEND” in accordance with the DMM
o Address orientation is used to determine the height
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Parcels - Column D
Non-Rigid Parcelso Non - rigid article that does not fit in the case
separation with other mail Includes “DO NOT FOLD OR BEND” mail that is
not properly prepared Provided the piece will not fit in the case with other
mail without damage to the article
Determine “fit” based on 2 inch cells unless management has directed the use of 1-inch cells
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Parcels - Column D (cont’d)
Direct bundles, tubs, or sacks prepared by the distribution operation
Mail all for one single address
o Postage due parcels Count as postage due AND a parcel
o Parcel size pieces with detached address cards are credited in Column E, Boxholders
o Do not include direct bundles tied out at the carrier’s case
Casing & strap out credit given - no additional time
20
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239—Letter, Flat, or Parcel?
Label Orientation:o Relevant in determining a letter vs. flat.o Relevant in determining a flat vs. parcel.
Width is defined as the dimension perpendicular to the address label
Carrier has option of handling articles as flats or parcels, regardless of how creditedo How carriers normally handle the mail piece does
not determine credit given.
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239—Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece
Parcel Flexible mail piece is greater than 6 1/8 inches in width (Item 1)
Contains rigid item Exceeds 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16
inches in width Area of rigid item = or > 80% of area of flexible mail piece
Flexible mail piece is 6 1/8 inches or less in width (Item 4) Contains rigid item
Exceeds 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16 inches in width
Area of rigid item = or > 80% of area of flexible mail piece
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239—Rigid Article in Flexible Mail PieceFlat Flexible mail piece is greater than 6 1/8 inches in width (Item 2)
Contains rigid item Exceeds 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16
inches in width Area of rigid item < 80% of area of flexible mail piece
Flexible mail piece is greater 6 1/8 inches in width (Item 3) Contains rigid item
Does not exceed 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16 inches in width
Exception to Items 2,3,5,6: The flexible mail piece does not fit in the letter (or flat )
separation with other mail without damage to the mail piece Parcel
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239—Rigid Article in Flexible Mail PieceLetter Flexible mail piece is 6 1/8 inches or less in width (Item 5)
Contains rigid item Exceeds 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16
inches in width Area of rigid item < 80% of area of flexible mail piece
Flexible mail piece is 6 1/8 or less inches in width (Item 6) Contains rigid item
Does not exceed 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16 inches in width
Exception to Items 2,3,5,6: The flexible mail piece does not fit in the letter (or flat )
separation with other mail without damage to the mail piece Parcel
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece- PARCEL - Item 1
Flexible Mail
Piece >
6 1/8 in width
Rigid item Exceeds 5” in height
18” in lengthor
1- 9/16” in width
Area of rigid item = or > 80% of area of flexible mail piece
Address
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece- FLAT – Item 2
Flexible Mail
Piece >
6 1/8 in width
Rigid item exceeds 5” in height
18” in lengthor
1- 9/16” in width
Address
*See exception
Area of rigid item < 80% of
area of flexible mail
piece
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece- FLAT – Item 3
Flexible Mail
Piece >
6 1/8 in width
Rigid item does not exceed 5” in height
18” in lengthor
1- 9/16” in width
Address
*See exception
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountRigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece- PARCEL – Item
4
Flexible Mail
piece = or < 6 1/8 in width
Rigid item Exceeds 5” in height
18” in lengthor
1- 9/16” in width
Area of rigid item = or > than 80% of area of mail piece
Address
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece- LETTER – Item 5
Flexible mail piece
= or <
6 1/8 in width
Rigid item Exceeds 5” in height
18” in lengthor
1- 9/16” in width
Area of rigid item < 80% of the area of the rigid mail
piece
Address
*See exception
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece- LETTER – Item 6
Flexible Mail
Piece
6 1/8 or less in width
Rigid item does not Exceed 5” in height
18 “ in lengthor
1- 9/16 ‘ in width
Address
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Rigid item inside flexible mail piece, Riverside, CA - Step 4
3
616
87
16
5
6
18
316
Ref #2 Flexible mail piece > 6 1/8” width containing rigid item exceeding 5” height, 18” length, or 1 9/16” in depth. The area of
rigid item < 80% of area of flexible mail piece.
THIS IS A FLAT
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Rigid item inside mail piece Riverside CA Step 4
Reference Slide # 30:
The flexible mail piece is:
6 3/16 X 8 7/16 = 6.1875 X 8.4375 = 52.21 square inches.
The rigid item that was inside the flexible mail piece is:
5 1/8 X 6 3/16 = 5.125 X 6.1875 = 31.71 square inches.
31.71 ÷ 52.21 = 60.7%
The rigid item was < 80% of the flexible mail piece; therefore, the mail piece would be credited as a:
FLAT
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239—Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece
Exception to Items 2,3,5,6:
If the flexible mail piece does not fit in the letter (or flat ) separation with other mail without damage to the mail piece, it is counted as a parcel.
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Boxholders - Column E
Boxholderso Daily Number of boxholders taken out for deliveryo ACTUAL PIECES - not setso All simplified address mail, including sampleso Boxholder count must not exceed # of families or boxes (as
appropriate)o Samples with detached address cards
Number of samples recorded as boxholders If address cards specifically addressed - letters If address cards simplified addresses - 2 boxholders
o Carriers have the option to handle boxholders separately or case them provided the carrier maintains the schedule in accordance with Part 150 of the PO 603
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Accountables - Column F
Registered, Certified, Numbered Insured, Return Receipt for Merchandise, Express Mail & Signature Confirmation o Total number of articles received daily for deliveryo Accountable mail found in DPS for which credit was
not previously giveno L routes using firm books - One accountable credit
per page Firm delivery books should only be used for
delivery addresses receiving two or more accountables
o An Arrow Key is not counted as an accountable item Accountable articles are not recorded in Columns A, B,
C, D, H or L.
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - COD & Customs – Column G
CODs & Customs Due Received for Deliveryo Number of COD & Customs articles
assigned to the carrier for deliveryo Form 3816 completed
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 – Postage Due - Column H
Postage Dueo Total daily number of postage due pieces
taken out for deliveryo Includes postage due parcels - double
credito Do not include in Columns A, B, or C, or Lo Bundle of postage due with a single
postage due amount Each bundle is credited as one piece
37
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - CHANGE OF ADDRESS - Col. I Change of Address (COA)
o Form 3575, Change of Address Order Same as “3982 Label” for PARS units
o Form 3546, Forwarding Order Change Notice
o No accumulation of COAs prior to counto Carrier initiated Form 3575Z for MLNA
10 day “Hold For Order” that expires during count
o Entries on 1564 or 4232 are not recorded as COA
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Marked-up - Column J
Marked - Upo UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL
requiring carrier endorsemento As specified in DMM and PO-603o Mark Ups must be carefully counted in
the correct category
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Marked-up - Column J
Credit one mark-up for each bundle of UAA mailo CFS Machinable - Non-machinableo Insufficient Addresso Undeliverable as Addressed - Unable to Forward o Undeliverable Bulk Business Mail - UBBM o Other Undeliverable BBM (or current resident - vacant)o Excess Boxholders - In Excess of Requirementso Mail with street address where customers receive mail
in box section This mail DOES NOT receive credit as individual “No Mail
Receptacle” pieces
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Marked-up - Column J
Mark-up for each piece that is individually endorsedo Attempted-Not Knowno UAA-Parcelso No Such Numbero Deceasedo No Mail Receptacleo Refusedo Vacant (other than OUBBM)o Forwardable parcel, requiring hand mark – upo CFS No Record Mail o Address Searches should receive mark-up credit
Marking mail for CFS processing if necessary
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Mark-up - Column J
Items that DO NOT receive credit as Mark-Ups: Pieces for which a Form 3579 has been completed Mail missorted or missent to the route Hand-offs due to route adjustments and territory
changes o Credit has already been given in the main count
of mail 911 conversions whether to the same route or
transferred to another route Left notices for parcels
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Clearance Receipt – Col. K Form 3821 Completed
o Number of Form 3821s completed by the carrier
o Not required if carrier has no accountableso May receive more than one credit per day
If accountables received at headout and intermediate offices and returns to intermediate for clearance
Multiple CODs - one for each COD delivered
o Should be used all year, not just during count
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - DPS Letters - Column L
Delivery Point Sequence Letters (DPS)o End of Run Report Will Be Used to Record
DPS piece counto Mail up to 6 1/8” in width processed on
automated equipment in DPS order Recorded as DPS, whether cased or not DPS errors also credited as letters or flats -
double credit Double Credit - No deduction from original
count of DPS
o If less than 2400 pieces averaged per week during count, record in columns A or B as appropriate
44
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Money Order Applications – Column M
Money Order Applications received on the routeForm 6387
Applications must only be accepted from customers residing on the route
If the carrier lives on their own route, and regularly purchases money orders throughout the year, credit is allowed.
Management must review each application daily
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Letters & Flats Collected – Column N
Letters and Flats Collectedo One piece for each loose individual letter & flat
collected on the routeo One piece for every bundle of letters or flats
collected on the route - not individual counto Do not include pieces deposited in collection
compartments or collection boxeso Carriers must keep mail collected from CBU
collection compartments and collection boxes separate from other collection mail
o Credit one piece for each tray/container of letters and/or flats collected from customers
46
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Parcels Accepted – Col. O
Ordinary & Insured Parcels Accepted
o Parcels requiring carrier to weigh, rate and affix postage
o Prepaid parcels in excess of 2 lbs.
o One parcel accepted for each sack of pre-paid parcels
Do NOT include as Parcel Accepted:
o Flats, bulky envelopes, VCR tapes
o Prepaid parcels less than 2 lbs. (credited in Column N)
o Collection box parcels
o Parcels undeliverable or refused on the route
o Carrier pickup parcels
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Reg & Cert Accepted- Col. P
Registered & Certified Acceptedo Rural carrier must perform one of the following:
Weigh, rate, and affix postage Postmark receipt Endorse and issue a receipt via Form 3800 or 3896
May involve assistance from a clerko Rural carrier does not complete any of these
Credit provided in Column N or O
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Reg & Cert Accepted- Col. P
oNot credited in Column PAccountables returned when notice left Certified items from collection box or collection compartment
49
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountPS Form 4239 - Loading Time - Column Q
Actual time to transfer mail from work area to vehicleo Includes placing mail in the vehicleo Return of equipment used to designated location
Management must observe loading operation during the year and daily during the count
Loading time recorded in MINUTES & SECONDS Do not include time to sequence parcels Loading time includes final hot case withdrawal, if the
withdrawal allowance is not received Loading time in excess of 15 minutes must be fully explained in
Comments No negotiated loading times (must be daily actual time) Unloading and reloading time not included—automatic
allowance
50
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column R
Must Meet 3 Qualifications:
1. Authorized by management
2. Recurring nature (Daily or Weekly)
3. Not covered by any other allowanceMust record ACTUAL TIME in MINUTES &
SECONDS No rounding No negotiated times
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column R
Acceptable Column Ro Weekly combined service & safety talks
Usually 5 minutes—record actual time
o Trips to the CFS mail/throwback case including time to deposit mail
o Saturday close out when no personnel on dutyo Non-personnel Unitso Time to sweep collection boxo Time to walk to and from hold mail location
including time to deposit mail, if away from carrier case
52
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column R
Acceptable Column R entries(Cont’d)o Return of arrow key, only if no other
accountable mailo Riffling DPS mail where breaker cards not in
useo Separating collection mail, only if more than 2
separations are requiredo Edit Book entries in addition to what was
previously required on back of PS Form 4240 No time for adds/deletes or name changes
o Edit Book work should be done, as it occurs, throughout the entire year
53
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column R
Additional credit for the functions below if not in close proximity; defined as 50 feet (round trip) from the closest edge of carrier’s case. Distance over 50 feet ROUND TRIP is credited at .00284 minutes per foot in Column R for:o Retrieving Parcel Hamper o Retrieving DPS Mailo Returning Articles to Accountable Cage in
afternoon ONLY
NOTE: Mgt. has an Excel Dismount Calculator to determine correct allowance
54
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239– Other Suitable Allowance - Column R
Mobile Data Collection Device Scannero 6 minutes per week - 1 minute per
day for scanners Securing & preparing scanners and
returning to charging cradle
o 18 seconds per authorized scan Delivery Confirmation
o Bar coded International mail Move to Column F if prompted for
signature
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Other Suitable Allowance – Col. R Not allowable as Column R
o QWL/EIo Locked pouch serviceo Personal timeo Purchasing stamps (unless Intermediate)o Receiving or clearing accountables (50 ft. rule)o Non-recurring service talkso LLV inspection & refuelingo NDCBU collection compartments (outgoing mail)o Time to pick up samples for delivery (close proximity)
56
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239– Other Suitable Allowance - Column R
Not allowable as Column Ro Vehicle Breakdownso Time associated with stamp stock
Intermediate only
o Conversations with Managerso Giving customers directions (on route)o Filing Forms 3575
Clerical duty- should not be built into rural route unless required by local management
57
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Col. S - Reserved Column ‘S’ - Not currently used on
form 4239 Stamp Stock
o All carriers required to maintain sufficient stamp stock year round
o All routes allotted 20 minutes weekly for stamp stock purchases
o Stamp stock should be checked during count
o Column S now reserved for future use
58
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Return Receipts - Column T Return Receipts “L” ROUTES ONLY
o L Routes that handle accountable items on Form 3883 Firm Sheet
Number of return receipts attached to accountable items listed on Form 3883
Example: L route received 10 certified pieces, four were listed in a firm delivery book. Two certifieds out of the four listed had return receipts attached
Credit two receipts in Column T Entries in Column T - Not authorized for non “L”
routes
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 – Authorized Dismounts - Column U
Authorized Dismountso Must be authorized by management for
Collection boxes Intermediate Offices Non-Personnel Units Apartments, centralized equipment Businesses/Schools Hardship deliveries
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 – Authorized Dismounts - Column U
Authorized Dismountso Recorded on a daily basis - Closed on
Saturday - 5 dayso Must be explained daily in comments
section of 4239o No credit for pickup or delivery of
accountables, parcelso No credit for locked pouch - included
in time allowance
61
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountPS Form 4239-Auth. Dismount Distance – Column V
Authorized Dismount Distanceo Measure with mechanical measuring device, if
possibleo Establish authorized parking locationo Satchel carts may be authorized to save extra
tripso Most direct/efficient distance from point of
dismount from vehicle to delivery point and return
o Record to closest foot - do not use decimal
62
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountPS Form 4239-Auth. Dismount Distance – Column V
Authorized Dismount Distance o Carrier makes more than one trip on a
day Heavy volume (not parcels) Credit given for each trip
o Make daily entries based on number of trips
Explanation in comments section of 4239
o Mgt. should maintain dismount log for each route
63
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountPS Form 4239 - Counting Time- Column W
Counting Timeo Time used by carrier to verify the count of
mail by Managero Do not include time used by manager
countingo Do not include time used by carriers
observing on non-scheduled dayso This time recorded to ensure it is not
included in actual time required to serve the route
o Counting Time is not part of total office time on 4241 - A actual time
64
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4239 - Waiting Time - Column X Waiting Time
o Time spent by carrier waiting for mail after official starting time
o Time is recorded to ensure it is not included in the actual time required to serve the route
o Reason for waiting time must be explained in comments
o Waiting Time is not part of total office time on 4241 - A actual Time
o Starting time may be adjusted to prevent waiting time
65
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountPS Form 4239 - Intermediate Office- Column Y
Intermediate Offices Served Daily, Services Performed at Intermediate Officeso Number of intermediate offices served daily
Form 4239 for intermediate and headout Actual time not to exceed 5 minutes for
intermediate stamp purchases - Normal frequency, as done throughout the year
Dismount credit into office only - Loading time on departure
o Form 4241 totals must include intermediate service Annotate 4241 Includes services performed at
intermediate office
66
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountPS Form 4239 - Locked Pouch- Column Z
Weight of Locked Poucho Transporting mail to or from designated
post offices/contract stationso Weight in lbs. of all mail, including parcels
To determine daily weight for Form 4241o Total the pouch weight of all dayso Divide total by number of days of count (12)o Divide the daily weight by the number of
locked pouch stops Average Daily Weight goes in the total Column
Z on Form 4241
67
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountPS Form 4241
2 Week Summary of Counto Entries are “Right Justified”
Zero-fill blocks not usedo Time Used - Actual from 4240’s
Hours and hundredths
o Certification must be signed manager and carrier
o Box count and stops should be as of last day of count
o Number of boxes, not families
68
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
PS Form 4241
Note: Column R entries must be explained on reverse of formo Mgt. can use Column R worksheet or
Rural Manager Program (Excel)
69
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Annual Route Inspection Must be conducted for all routes Must be completed on each route counted by
March 9, 2006, but not before January 25, 2006 Purpose of Annual Inspections
o Historical Data (not a pay document)o Allows management to assess route conditions
Verify boxes, stops, families, dismounts Ensure safe and efficient line of travel Identify needed improvements Assess carrier performance Identify safety hazards
70
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Annual Route Inspection
Manager’s responsibilitieso Perform inspections - cannot be delegated to
clerko Inspection with regular carrier, if possibleo Accompany the carrier while delivering the
routeo Can request carrier to use another vehicle day
of inspection--cannot require
71
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Annual Route Inspection
Carrier’s responsibilitieso Travel route normallyo Report boxes vacant over 90 dayso Identify hazards & possible corrective actions
72
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Annual Inspection - Route Data
All boxes on PS Form 4248 require an entry All data entered “right justified” “Official” Length to two decimals
To nearest .05 mile o From most recent 4003 - Not what was
driven o Paved, All Weather, and Dirt = official
length Families must live in separate quarters
o Up to 5 families in same box Businesses served
o Delivery cannot be both residential & business
73
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountAnnual Inspection - Route Data
Regular BoxesoCarrier has access to only one customer’s box
Vehicle StopsoAny needed halt of the vehicle to deliver mailo Includes stops for centralized deliveries and dismounts
74
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail CountAnnual Inspection - Route Data
CENTRALIZED BOXESo Multiple delivery points requiring use
of an arrow keyo CBU/NDCBUo Apartment gang boxes
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The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Annual Inspection - Delivery Data
RESIDENTIAL BUSINESS o Other - Hardship Other - dismounto Curb Curbo CBU/NDCBU CBU/NDCBUo Other Cent - Apts. Other Cent
Non-Personnel Units (NPUs)o Postal Center with delivery & retail serviceso Actual time for services - 15 minutes minimum
Intermediate Offices & number of boxes
76
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Annual Inspection - Casing System Used
Case Type - main case followed by wing caseso Items 143D,124D, 144D
Casing System Usedo 1 - One bundleo 2 - Two bundleo 3 - Modified one bundle
Average separation width to one decimal Number of addresses per separation
o Example: 2 - 1
77
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Annual Inspection—Other Data
Vehicle Data o Vehicle normally used on the routeo Self-explanatory
Dismount Deliveries Centralized Deliveries Locked Pouch Additional Data
o Office factors affecting carrier performance & service
78
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Disagreements
Resolve disagreements at the local level If disagreement cannot be resolved locally
o Provide written details to Postmaster for review & resolution
Mail a copy to the State Steward District will evaluate and provide written
reply to local management Local management will advise the carrier in
writing If carrier not satisfied with decision,
grievance procedure is next step
79
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Disagreements
If the carrier disagrees with the count datao Carrier should NOT sign 4241 certified to
be correct o Must submit written comments
explaining reasons for objecting to sign and the nature of the error or omission on 4241
o Management must provide similar written comments
Form 4241 with management & carrier comments forwarded to the District for review and resolution
80
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Option Elections & Leave Agreements
Meeting with each regular carrier to discuss options:o High - Higher pay, but less time off (J or H route)o Low - Lower pay, but more time off (K or J route)
Requirements for High Optiono Carriers signature-agreeing to use sufficient leaveo 6 or 8 hr leave categoryo Demonstrated no 2080 problemso Commit in writing to use sufficient annual leave so
as not to exceed 2080 hrso Route’s evaluation must fall in more than one route
classification
81
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Rural Mail Count Forms: District-Specific PS Form 4248 PS Form 4003
o Include PS Form 4027 for extensions
PS Form 4241o Column R Worksheetso Delivery Scan Logo Dismount/Distance log o Mark-up logo Edit Books
No 4003’s between count and April 15, 2006
82
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association
2006 National Mail Count
Where To Send Mail Count Forms… Send to District Operations
Programs Supporto Must be submitted by March 15, 2006
Recommended