[Text]
Collections
532.12
68
Handbook M-41, TL-4, 03-01-98
Update With Postal Bulletin Revisions
Through April 5, 2001
532.12
Carriers unfamiliar with the route
should check collection schedules for
additional special instructions, such
as pickup of registers at contract stations
and branches.
532.2
On the Route
532.21
Leave office on scheduled time, and
collect boxes in the order listed.
532.22
Observe the time each box is scheduled
to be collected, and do not collect
before that time. Many customers
schedule the deposit of their mail with the
time stated on the collection schedule.
If mail is picked up ahead of schedule,
some mail may miss connection and this
may result in justified complaints.
532.23
Observe the returning time of the
collection. The returning time is fixed to
allow time to process the mail and
connect with a dispatch of value or
delivery trip.
532.24
Avoid standing in the street when
emptying or loading collection or relay
boxes.
541
The basic rules for the collection of
mail are the same whether performed by
a foot or motorized carrier or whether
collections are made from street or
building boxes. Therefore, the general
rules that apply to all are given;
exceptions are stated
separately.
542
542.1
Collect boxes in order and not earlier
than the time shown on the schedule.
542.2
Do not skip any collection boxes,
except in emergency. In this case, a report
listing each box skipped should be made
to the manager on Form 1571.
543
543.1
Use hoop sack, pouch, or satchel when
removing mail from collection boxes.
Remove old labels from all pouches and
sacks.
543.2
Keep mail collected from boxes in
clusters segregated. Be sure that the mail
is placed in the proper sack and that
the sack or pouch is properly labeled.
543.3
Keep mail that is in a faced condition
faced. Do not break open bundles of
mail as this causes additional
work.
543.4
Collect mailable matter placed on top
or near collection boxes. Accept letters
and other prepaid small articles
tendered by customers for mailing.
543.5
Do not return any mail to a customer.
Refer the customer to the unit where
the collection mail is
deposited.
543.6
Protect the mail at all times. Do not
leave mail unguarded.