[Text]
Vehicle Operations
812.32
82
Handbook M-41, TL-4, 03-01-98
Update With Postal Bulletin Revisions
Through April 5, 2001
vehicle doors must be closed. When
operating a vehicle with sliding driver's
cab doors on delivery routes and
traveling in intervals of 500 feet (1/10 mile)
or less at speeds not exceeding 15 MPH
between delivery stops, the
right-hand sliding cab door may be left
open.
812.32
For vehicles with separate driver and
cargo compartments, only working mail
should be kept in the driver's
compartment while performing delivery and
collection duties. Interior cargo doors
(if any) may be kept in the "open"
position to accommodate authorized
passengers being transported in
auxiliary seating, operator use of
cargo area windows (if any), or to aid
airflow. Consider the nature of mail or
equipment being transported and use
good judgment in deciding when an open
internal door is suitable and will not
interfere with the safety of vehicle
operations. Internal cargo doors must be
closed and locked when the vehicle is
parked (see 822.e).
812.4
Do not finger mail while driving or
hold mail in your hands while the vehicle is
in motion. You must use mirror to check
for pedestrians ahead, in back, and
on both sides before placing the
vehicle in motion.
812.5
Arrange letter mail, flat mail, and
small parcels in the work tray provided on
the ledge behind the windshield so as
not to obstruct vision or use of the
vehicle controls. Trays must not be
piled on top of other trays on the ledge
behind the windshield.
812.6
Any authorized sticker placed on the
windshield or on other glass of the
vehicle must not hinder your
vision.
812.7
Only authorized passengers are
permitted to ride in postal-owned,
GSA-owned, rental, or contract vehicles
(including employees' privately
owned vehicles when used in postal
operations). All passengers must use
seatbelts. Where conventional passenger
seats have not been provided in
the vehicle, an approved auxiliary
seat, facing forward, and equipped with a
backrest and seatbelts must be used.
Sitting in other than an approved seat
or standing in a postal vehicle while
such vehicle is in motion is prohibited.
821
loading or unloading the
vehicle.
822
the vehicle:
a.
Apply the foot brake and place
automatic transmissions in the park
position. Place manual transmissions in
gear.
b.
Turn the vehicle's front wheels toward
the curb if you are on a flat
surface or when the vehicle is facing
downhill. If the vehicle is parked
facing uphill, turn the front wheels
away from the curb.
c.
Set the hand-parking/emergency
brake.
d.
Turn off the engine and remove the
key.
e.
Lock any sliding door(s) between the
truck body and cab.