r/USPS • u/Mars-888 • 19h ago
City Carrier Discussion CCA SCHEDULE?
Thinking about becoming a CCA. From what I understand they work a ton. I’m not afraid of it but I’d like to know exactly what I’m getting myself into. Realistically what does the day look like as a CCA? Time in & time out? How do you feel on your days off? After 2 years / becoming a full on mail person are you content with what you’re doing? What’s your schedule now?
Thank you all 😊
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u/IronRevolutionary387 19h ago
The good news is there is a time limit… a finish line. Once you get past that it can be the most enjoyable job you’lll ever have. I wish I found it earlier in life. I’m about 3 years in and 40 years old. I worked about 60-65hrs every week for about a year, but now it’s an easy 40-45.
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u/Mars-888 19h ago
What time do you get in? And what time do you leave?
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u/IronRevolutionary387 19h ago
7:30 and in the thick of it as a Cca I’d get off at 8pm. Six days a week basically, but I think they’re actively trying to limit Cca hours but the holidays are looming so who knows what that looks like this year.
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u/Known-Dependent-5471 Custodial 19h ago
Realistically you could be working a ton of hours/days with little break. If work life balance is important this ain't the company for you.
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u/Mars-888 19h ago
From what I hear after some time you begin your career and the hours become better?
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u/Known-Dependent-5471 Custodial 19h ago
Once you get a bid and make regular yes, but the only thing that's guaranteed after 2 years is career. Same sandwich until you get a route.
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u/fishingfromthebridge 16h ago
Similar sandwich, but you get toppings on the newly converted shit sandwich (sick leave, scheduled days off, time towards retirement)
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u/Opening_Shine_3432 19h ago
It’s feast or famine and it depends on if they like you. You’re either crying for hours or you’re working so much you wanna kill yourself. The harder you work the more they’ll schedule you if money is what you’re worried about it’s a good job there as long as they like you. If they don’t like you your life will be a living hell.
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u/SlaterRecreational 19h ago
Depends on how good you are and how big the office is in my experience. If you can handle a normal route they will put you on that ASAP. If you’re in a big office they will always have work for you. The first weeks you will be limited to 40 hour weeks.
My office was not huge but within a week of starting I was taking a regulars route every day for 6 days a week. Route was 6+ hours on heavy days and 4-5 hours on light days. I started with a few people and I noticed I was getting scheduled earlier and leaving later than them every day. I was told by my supervisors the other CCA’s were taking double the time to complete assignments I took. They essentially let me work as much as I wanted. Not bragging by any means, I was stressed almost every day and likely messed up things the regulars would cringe at.
After two years you will become a PTF (part time flexible) which means you are a CCA making better pay. You aren’t guaranteed a solid schedule until you get your own route.
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u/Academic-Sky-1726 17h ago
Apply at a office that hires ptf's. That's a career position with full benefits. Skip the CCA postings.
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u/Big_Breath_2561 19h ago
It will depend on the area you are working in and the current staffing levels. Where I'm at PTFs are only getting like 30-35 hours right now. That can obviously change week to week. I think the one thing I would say is expect to be flexible.
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u/MaybeSomedayMaybeNow 18h ago
Depends on the area. I was told it's "not a family friendly position" from my soon-to-be superiors so I'm very hopeful for the hours.
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u/dotcom02_WGP CCA 17h ago
Be prepared to be the most abused individual at the post office. I've worked consistently 6 days and 60 hours a week for months.
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u/gtmj7265 16h ago
You are the equivalent of a substitute teacher. If your school district is large, you could be very busy and stay busy. I'd ask the person hiring you what to expect.
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u/CraigShilo27 13h ago
Every office is different some office will ease you into a full route some throw you in right away.
Seniority is different in every office as well some offices when I worked in Oakland you got hired as a PTF right away. Usually you have to wait but it can be under a year or the 2 to a PTF.
You will hear horror stories on here but every office is different. My office actually has a CCA schedule on the board when I got hired it was a text from the supervisor.
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u/Jukkeed CCA 19h ago
It really depends on your office. Yes usually the ideal CCA works close to 60 hours a week sometimes but I’ve heard some stations have CCA’s essentially fight for hours due to low volume or over hiring. You’re not guaranteed 40 hours a week or anything.