Recently, carriers have submitted 271G requests; however, when management accompanies them, many have been unable to show that their routes require a full eight hours, much less that they are overburdened. Management may accompany a carrier several times to evaluate whether a route is overburdened and may then adjust routes within the station. For this reason, carriers should perform their duties each day as though management is observing them.

Consistent adherence to established procedures is essential for safe, accurate, and reliable delivery. This includes using the loadfeature daily, sounding the horn when backing, placing the vehicle in park, curbing the wheels, turning off the engine, and securing the vehicle each time it is parked. After each relay, business delivery, or apartment stop, carriers should review their mail and stay hydrated. When servicing apartments, carriers should work one mailbox at a time and should not open all mailboxes at once, as they are responsible for maintaining mail security. Carriers should also pull or clean at least one mailbox per stop.

Restroom and comfort stops are separate from break periods. Carriers should take both ten-minute breaks each day and should not skip the 30-minute lunch period. This time is included in the route average; skipping breaks or lunch may lower the average and could result in a longer route.

On walking routes, carriers should come to a complete stop at each box, place the mail in the receptacle, close the box, and then proceed to the next delivery, fingering mail only when it is safe to do so between houses. Carriers should never finger mail while driving; mail should be reviewed and organized only after coming to a complete stop.

Safety should remain the top priority at all times. At the end of the day, carriers should return empty equipment to its proper location and turn in keys and gas cards. Before leaving, carriers should make sure a clearing clerk or supervisor clears every item for which they signed, rather than assuming it will be cleared later. This guidance is not intended to discourage carriers from submitting a 271G request if their route is severely overburdened. Rather, it is intended to inform carriers of management’s current response when a 271G request is submitted. If route changes are implemented, carriers may have to address the consequences for years while pursuinggrievances after the changes take effect.