68

532.12

Collections

 

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.
         
  • 54 Collection Rules
     
    • 541 Basic Rules 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 Collecting Mail as Scheduled
       
      • 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 Handling of Mail Matter
       
      • 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.