The Complete Guide to Becoming a USPS Assistant Rural Carrier

A job as a United States Postal Service (USPS) Assistant Rural Carrier gives you a chance to learn the ropes of mail delivery while providing much-needed support. It also serves as a direct pathway into a long-term rural carrier career.

This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about succeeding as a USPS Assistant Rural Carrier in 2024.

Breaking Down the Assistant Rural Carrier Role

As an Assistant Rural Carrier, you‘ll act as a relief carrier covering multiple routes in rural areas when regular full-time carriers have days off or call in sick.

While on delivery routes, your responsibilities will include:

Sorting and Organizing Mail

• Sort mail for route you’re assigned to that day
• Organize letters, flats, packages in sequence of delivery stops
• Use load charts to balance vehicle correctly

Operating Postal Vehicle and Equipment

• Scan packages with handheld tracker to confirm delivery
• Use sat-nav device to navigate unfamiliar routes
• Drive extended-size right-hand drive vehicles
• Follow daily vehicle inspection and maintenance

Delivering to Customers

• Exit vehicle safely multiple times to access curbside or door mailboxes
• Collect outgoing letters, cards, bills from roadside boxes
• Answer basic customer inquiries about postal services

Managing Payments and Accountable Items

• Accept and record payments for postage due, COD items
• Obtain receipts for registered/insured pieces
• Complete forms documenting any lost or damaged items

As you gain experience as an Assistant Rural Carrier, you‘ll become skilled in all types of mail delivery duties – ensuring you‘ll be prepared when career rural carrier roles open up.

Salary and Benefits Package

The pay scale for USPS Assistant Rural Carriers is covered by the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) union agreement.

As of November 2022, the hourly base wages range from $19.60 up to $24.11 depending on your number of years in the position:

Beyond base wages, USPS also offers Assistant Rural Carriers:

• 10 paid national holidays each year
• Option to contribute to USPS health insurance after 1 year at competitive group rates (2023 monthly premiums averaging $135/individual or $430/family)
• Option to join dental & vision insurance plans
• USPS retirement annuity benefits plan

So while not as robust as career employees, Assistant Rural Carriers do get access to affordable health coverage options and paid holidays.

Varied Hours and Schedule

One major advantage of an Assistant Rural Carrier position is its flexible schedule with varied hours:

In Peak Seasons Like holidays:

• Work 40+ hours per week
• Consistent schedules with set route

In Low Seasons With Less Mail Volume:

• Work as little as 5-15 hours per week
• Split shifts covering different routes

For example, during December 2022 many USPS locations required Assistant Rural Carriers to work full-time 50-60+ hour weeks to handle the high package volumes.

Yet in the summer months when mail volume drops, assistants may only work 1-2 days per week on an on-call basis.

On Average Most Weeks:

• 16-24 hours per week
• Some weekends required
• Occasional late evenings

Regardless of whether it‘s peak season or slow season, Assistant Rural Carriers must maintain flexible availability – since you‘ll be called upon to cover open routes anytime with little advance notice. Reliable transportation is also a must.

Qualifications and Application Process

Competition can be stiff for open USPS Assistant Rural Carrier positions, so it’s vital to demonstrate you meet all the requirements.

Basic Qualifications

• 18+ years old
• Hold valid state driver’s license
• Pass drug screening and fingerprint background check
• Physically able to lift up to 70 lbs

Testing

You must take and pass the Virtual Entry Assessment 474 (VEA 474) proctored exam.

The VEA 474 tests that you can:

• Match addresses to routes using postal guides
• Read and interpret mail distribution procedures
• Complete forms with accurate information
• Identify safe transport methods for different mail classes

Scoring 70% or above passes the exam. If you fail the first attempt, you must wait 365 days to retake it. Thoroughly preparing using USPS practice tests and study guides is highly recommended.

Application Process

To get hired once you pass the VEA, follow this process:

1. Set up career profile on USPS eCareer site
2. Search for Assistant Rural Carrier postings in desired location
3. Apply to open A/RC jobs
4. Schedule and complete any other exams or interviews
5. Finish onboarding paperwork and clear background checks

With over 485,000 career employees and over 130,000 non-career employees, USPS has ample opportunities nationwide. Focus your search on surrounding local post offices. Having multiple offices you can select as work location options improves your chances.

Moving Up the Ranks

Working as Assistant Rural Carrier serves as the perfect stepping stone into a full-time USPS role. It allows you to learn the ins and outs of mail processing and delivery before taking on a regular rural carrier position.

In fact, over 15% of Assistant Rural Carriers move up into career roles within their first two years according to USPS data.

Beyond Rural Carrier positions, your experience also qualifies you for:

• City Carrier jobs
• Mail Handler roles
• Mail Processing Specialist
• Postal Clerk openings
• Supervisor/Management opportunities

And 70% of current USPS executives like Postmasters started their careers as frontline employees. So once you’ve got your foot in the door, the potential growth is unlimited.

I hope this complete guide provided you clarity and confidence about becoming part of the USPS team as an Assistant Rural Carrier. With flexibility, ample opportunities for full-time work, job security, and clear paths to advancement – it‘s an excellent option if you enjoy delivering great customer service while out on the road.