USPS Orientation - How to Prepare, What to Know (2022)

What can I expect from the USPS orientation? New USPS recruits are invited to attend USPS orientation after clearing the application procedure, the virtual assessment, and the background check. This compensated training program comprises three days of classroom teaching, a driving test, and instruction in practical skills.

Additionally, orientation educates new employees on USPS policies, ethics, and everyday operations. Once the employee completes orientation, they are clear to begin working at their designated post office.

What will I do during orientation at USPS?

Although each USPS orientation is largely the same, there may be some variances depending on your location and the position for which you have been employed.

First day of training

On the first day, you'll view films and listen to your orientation leader discuss USPS policies in general. The USPS's policies, ethics, and diversity are discussed.

Additionally, you can view films demonstrating how the USPS operates. For instance, you might study how mail is delivered to warehouses and sorted.

Day two of training

On day 2, you may hear from an American Postal Workers Union (APWU) union representative and have the opportunity to join if interested.

Additionally, you'll view films and receive instruction on safety standards. For example, you might learn how to securely lift big cartons, how to avoid accidents, or how to avoid dog attacks.

On the second day, you'll likely be photographed for your badge, complete extra employment papers, and be sworn in as a federal employee.

Day three of training

Day 3 is often the final day of orientation in a classroom setting. This day is likely to be spent completing classroom driver training. As in prior days, this will involve viewing videos and listening to lectures.

You'll learn how to avoid rollaway, how to avoid accidents, and how to maintain awareness of your surroundings while driving.

Following your classroom orientation, you'll need to arrange for your driving test to be completed. The date and time of your appointment will be determined by your local Learning Development and Diversity center.

Some people may take the driving exam immediately following classroom orientation, while others may have to wait a week or more.

The USPS's driving examination is conducted on a closed course. You'll drive a Long Life Vehicle (LLV), a Flex-Fuel Vehicle (FFV), or a Promaster van through a series of cones during the test.

Additionally, you'll practice delivering and retrieving mail from the course's mounted mailboxes. Additionally, you'll demonstrate that you can parallel park and back up to a loading dock.

Following your driver's test, you'll shadow an actual postal worker. You'll practice casing mail, putting up a truck for its route, and delivering mail as part of this day.

Finally, you'll enroll in "academy." This is practical instruction for mail carriers. You will practice casing and marking mail during this session.

What time does the USPS orientation begin?

There is no set schedule for USPS orientation. This is because community-based Learning Development and Diversity Centers (LDDCs) are self-contained.

However, for the first three days of classroom orientation, you will be expected to arrive between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM at your local LLDC.

These days are set for eight hours on paper. However, they appear to last approximately 5 hours in practice.

Following the classroom orientation, you'll want to reserve at least the next seven days for other employment requirements such as the driving test and carrier academy.

Again, because each LLDC is unique, you may be able to do these activities immediately following classroom orientation or you may be required to wait several days. That is why it is prudent to maintain an open schedule.

What should I bring to the USPS orientation?

While your orientation email should provide specific instructions on what to bring to orientation, there are a few items that are a given.

These include the following:

• Your letter of commitment (this is sent as part of your orientation email)
• 2 government-issued photo identification documents (e.g., a Real ID driver's license, a passport, and a social security card).
• Pens
• Evidence of automobile insurance (for rural carriers who will be driving their own vehicles)
• Water

What should I wear to the USPS orientation?

The dress code for orientation at the USPS is pretty relaxed, so there is no need to purchase new clothes. Having said that, ensure that your clothing is clean, nice, and fits properly.

Jeans or slacks paired with a button-down shirt or sweater make an excellent first-day ensemble.

You'll most likely have your ID badge photo taken on the second day of orientation, so dress in something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

The following goods are prohibited:

• Form-fitting or skin-tight clothing.
• Vulgar, insulting, or sexually explicit writing/graphics on clothing.
• Anything that is revealing or provocative (for example, see-through shirts, tank tops, crop tops, or skirts/shorts that are more than three inches above the mid-knee).
• Jewelry that dangles.

While the USPS is somewhat lenient with regard to apparel, they are significantly harsher with regard to footwear. You should wear closed-toe, closed-heel, and closed-side shoes.

The USPS suggests leather or robust synthetic material for footwear, such as work boots, construction boots, or combat boots. While you may hear that black shoes are required, this requirement is not enforced.

Shoes that are prohibited include the following:

• Sneakers made of canvas or mesh
• Heels or footwear with a heel greater than 1.5 inches
• Sandals with an open toe
• Flip-flops
• Crocs
• Slippers
• Clogs

Do postal workers receive reimbursement for their uniforms?

City Carrier Assistant (CCA) employees are eligible to $460 per year in uniform reimbursement. Clerks are entitled to a yearly salary of $207. There are no allowances for RCAs.

If I attended orientation, am I now an employee?

Yes, you are provisionally hired if you receive an invitation to attend USPS orientation.

Being invited to orientation indicates that you have completed all required stages and are now qualified to work as a postal worker.

Prior to being hired, you must attend classroom orientation sessions, complete the driver training course, shadow a postal worker, and pass the driving exam.

Where is the USPS orientation held?

USPS orientations are held at regional centers for learning, development, and diversity (LDDC). You will obtain directions in the pre-orientation email sent by USPS.

Will I get paid for taking the United States Postal Service orientation?

USPS orientation, like all USPS training, is a fee-based program. You will receive Form 1260 on the first day of orientation (also called a Nontransactor Card). This is where you will keep track of the hours worked during orientation.

Keep an eye on your card and take photographs as a backup in case it is lost or stolen. In most circumstances, reimbursement for your orientation hours should appear on your first paycheck.

Along with being compensated for the training hours completed, you will also be reimbursed for mileage to and from orientation, as well as any parking expenses incurred.

If you're interested in learning more, you can also read our posts on how difficult the USPS exam is, whether the USPS is a government job and whether the USPS is a worthwhile job.

What is the CCA academy?

The CCA is a driving academy that can be part of your orientation. It includes training and a USPS driving test for those who are going to be operating a postal vehicle. This includes training in a defensive driving course and a 3-hour video that has a driving test at the end of it.

Safety procedures will be covered during this training. After this is the actual LLV training.

How much does the USPS exam cost?

Postal services do not charge for exams and do not sell job listings or study resources. Whatever a group asserts, it is very emphatically not linked with the United States. When the postal service requests payment. You can purchase our best-selling guides for as little as $ 9.95 to $ 39.95.

Do postal workers get overtime?

For urban transportation workers (freight forwarders), overtime is frequently necessary. Freight forwarders spend most of their time outdoors, delivering mail regardless of the weather. The credo of USPS is to deliver mail in any condition.

If orientation was scheduled on that day, you would have been hired prior to that day. Failure to attend orientation deemed you a no call no show, rendering you ineligible for rehire. After a job offer is given, your application should not even show as 'active' in the HR system.

Who is accountable for new hire orientation?

The new hire's supervisor will almost certainly take on the hands-on orientation duties. This function creates and prepares a full orientation that includes the following: Taking them on a tour of the building, showing them where office supplies and the break room are located. Acquainting them with their coworkers.

What occurs following the offer phase at USPS?

It took a few weeks before I was invited to interview. Two days later, I received a job offer and they conducted a drug test and background check. Extending the offer phase indicates that USPS is awaiting the results of your background drug tests and fingerprinting.

Is USPS a decent place to work?

The United States Postal Service is an excellent employer. While the work is rewarding, the workload can get overwhelming at times. It provides competitive compensation, benefits, and advancement opportunities. I am employed by an RCA (a sub for regular rural mail carriers).

Does UPS Store provide fingerprinting services?

Live Scan is an electronic fingerprinting system that does not require ink. The fingerprints are electronically transferred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check.

The United States federal government requires background checks for all postal service workers.

Can you have tattoos and work for the US Postal Service?

At the postal service, you are permitted to wear facial hair and have exposed tattoos.

Do postal workers get paid for attending orientation?

All postal employees will receive compensation for their on-the-job training. Orientation is considered a paid training day and employees will receive their payment in their first bi-weekly paycheck.

How long is the USPS orientation?

The orientation for USPS workers is roughly three days time. Each lasting 8-hours per day.

Related USPS resources

• Offer Phase EXT
• How late does USPS deliver?
• Delivered to Agent for Final Delivery
• USPS Background Check Policy
• USPS Cover Letter
• USPS Orientation
• USPS Pre-hire List

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