When it comes to mail handling and clerical work, there are a couple of different job roles to consider. While they both involve dealing with mail and data entry, they are different positions with different duties and responsibilities. A mail handler is responsible for sorting and distributing mail and packages, while a clerk is typically assigned to office-specific tasks such as managing customer accounts, preparing documents, and providing customer service. In this blog post, we are going to explore the difference between a mail handler and a clerk and discuss the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills needed for each position. We will also discuss the potential job prospects for both roles and compare the salaries of mail handlers and clerks. Through this blog post, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of these two roles and help aspiring professionals decide which job is the best fit for them.
What does a mail handler do?
A mail handler is responsible for several key duties, including:
What is a mail handler?
Those who physically transport mail, including letters and packages, from one place to another are known as mail handlers. Although there may be package handler jobs for other delivery companies, you might work at a post office. Usually, a package is handled by the mail carrier just before it is loaded and delivered.
What does a clerk do?
Here are some common responsibilities of a mail clerk:
What is a clerk?
Professionals known as mail clerks sort incoming and outgoing mail using automated machines. Typically, they work for corporations, sorting mail for delivery to various departments and people. They might also work in post offices with mail handlers to process and prepare for delivery smaller mail items, like letters.
Mail handler vs. clerk
Depending on the organization, mail handlers and clerks may share some duties. For instance, smaller post offices might only have one role carrying out each role’s responsibilities. There may be some significant variations for larger offices or corporate locations. Here are some ways the two roles compare:
Work environment
Both of these positions are present in distribution centers, mail processing facilities, and local offices. The mail handler may be required to perform more strenuous physical labor, such as transporting packages or lugging bulky mail bags to trucks from processing locations. When processing incoming and outgoing mail, mail clerks may handle lighter items like letters and use automated sorting machines. In order to process mail continuously, handlers may work more nights and weekends than mail clerks during standard business hours.
Salary
Duties
Although both positions may carry out customer service tasks like selling stamps, mail clerks may be more likely to do so, especially if they work in a post office. As clerks also work in corporate settings, they may respond to employee inquiries by giving mail status updates. Handlers work with all mail types and carry out more physically demanding tasks like loading and unloading trucks.
Requirements
Requirements for working for the U. S. Postal Service can be the same for both roles. To be hired by these facilities, you must be at least 18 years old, have a diploma, be a citizen, and successfully complete a background check. Additionally, postal employees take the USPS test to gauge their readiness for a position with the company. In places like distribution centers or corporate mailrooms, there might be more demands placed on handlers or clerks. Additional physical demands for handler positions might include the ability to lift up to 70 pounds or passing a physical examination.
Companies or distribution facilities may require several years of experience or particular skills that are different from postal requirements for positions outside of the USPS. These can include experience with corporate communication or inventory ordering.
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Job types
Facilities frequently provide opportunities for these roles that are both part-time and full-time. When demand is high, such as around the holidays, they may publish a number of new temporary job listings. To process the heavy delivery loads, this might entail working through December and January as a clerk or mail handler. If they perform well compared to their peers, some facilities may initially hire temporary or part-time workers and then offer them full-time positions.
Skills
Both of these roles call for abilities like multitasking and meticulousness. As they may interact with more customers and data than handlers, mail clerks may also require specialized skills, such as computer proficiency and interpersonal skills. As mail handlers may work specialized shifts each week and handle a variety of packages, they may also require specialized skills, such as physical stamina and flexibility.
Tips for choosing between a mail handler or clerk career
Here are some ideas to help you choose between these two professions:
USPS Why Apply for Mail Handler Instead of Mail Processing Assistant?
FAQ
What is the difference between mail handler and mail handler assistant?
A full-time career as a mail handler includes the renowned full range of postal benefits. An entry-level position as a mail handler assistant may lead to a career position.
What is the difference between PSE and mail handler?
PSE Mail Processing Clerks carry out a wide range of administrative tasks necessary to process mail using either automated mail processing equipment or manual methods of sorting and distribution. Loading and unloading, moving bulk mail, and other tasks related to the movement and processing of mail are performed by mail handler assistants.
Which is better CCA or PSE?
PSE and CCA are both highly rated for compensation and benefits, with CCA receiving the highest rating. Learn more, read reviews and see open jobs.
What’s the best position at USPS?
The best position at the post office is rural carrier, according to postal workers in Federal Soup.
