The United States Postal Service, also known as the Post Office or simply USPS, is a key part to how we send and receive things. From letters to packages and everything in between, the USPS has been this country’s national mail service for 250 years. During this time, the service has seen many advancements and changes in its systems to make the process of delivering mail as streamlined and efficient as possible. For example, did you know mail used to be delivered by horseback for a brief period of time? “The Pony Express” only lasted about 2 years, but it was very important to the history of how mail is distributed to homes across the US today. On the other hand, one part of the delivery process that has not changed that much are mailboxes. Some subtle design changes here and there, but the shape has remained fairly consistent throughout the years. 

Of course, this whole service would not be possible without mail carriers (also known as mailmen/mailwomen). I am lucky enough to have a mom who works for the USPS as a mail carrier, so I was able to get her thoughts on what she does. This is what she said:

“I enjoy working at the post office. I get to see a lot of different people, be outside, and enjoy nice weather. I do not think [mail carriers] are appreciated enough, especially with all the Amazon packages we are delivering, everybody is always in such a hurry. ‘Where’s my package? I can’t find my package’ and it is always our fault. I do not think we get enough recognition for the job that we do. However, I do recommend working for the post office, as it is a good job to retire from. The only reason to not work for the post office is if you do not like being outside and around a lot of flying insects or dogs because you will come in contact with them. Also, do not wait to start working at the post office because it is a job you want to start working at young and make a career out of.”

I agree that mail carriers deserve more recognition for what they do. In a survey, 50% of people said they were at least mildly frustrated by mail and only 25% see their mail carrier on a close to daily basis. Most of the frustration comes from fees connected to the delivery process, but some of it also comes from late or damaged packages. Almost all of these issues are not caused by mail carriers, but they take on most of the blame, especially on the news.

In the times that we live in now, with so many people ordering things online, mail carriers have earned at least some appreciation and are needed more than ever. All that being said, you might want to consider working for the postal service, and if you see your mail carrier outside, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation!