21

224.21

Office Time -- Preparation

Handbook M-41, TL-4, 03-01-98
Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through April 5, 2001

• 224.12 Memorize the line of travel for the first two rows (three rows, if case is a simple one). Memorize the line of travel by using blocks instead of numbers:

a. For example, the carrier serves Main Street from 1 to 399 on the odd side of the street, then the even side from 398 to 2, next the odd side of State Street, 1 to 299, and the even, 298 to 2.

b. This can best be remembered as follows: Up the odd side and down the even side of Main Street 1 through the 300 block -- up the odd side and down the even side of State Street 1 through 200 block.
 

• 224.13 Determine if the street is looped or criss-crossed (see Glossary and exhibit 122.11).
   
• 224.14 After 5 or 10 minutes study, with the delivery pattern fixed in mind, sort the mail for the rows learned and separate the balance on the case ledge by streets or blocks -- each street or block of street in a separate pile.
   
• 224.15 After all the letter mail has either been distributed in the rows, and/or sorted on the ledge, sort the mail for the next street which appears on the separations of the next row. Repeat this procedure, street by street and row upon row, until all the mail has been distributed.
   
• 224.16 Continue the memorizing and learning process until the entire case is learned.
   
• 224.17 Hold to one side -- letters for streets and block numbers of streets which do not appear on the case. These are probably intended for other routes but have been missorted:

a. Return missorts to the distribution case before leaving on any trip and as far in advance of leaving time as possible.

b. However, misthrows that can be handed to a nearby carrier should not be returned for distribution.
 

• 224.18 Endorse mail not deliverable at your unit (if known) with your route number and initials. Exception: To avoid defacement of philatelic mail, place your initials and route number on a facing slip and attach to letter.
   
• 224.2 Coordinating Eyes and Hands
   
• 224.21 Pick up a solid handful of mail with the left hand. Since the stamps are down and facing to the right, the mail will be in the proper reading position when picked up.