Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Mail Sorter
What mail sorters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a mail sorter?
Start the night tour. From there, the day usually includes load sorting machines, sweep sorted mail, and handle packages. Often nights and weekends.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a mail sorter working full time.
- Start the night tour.
- Load letter mail.
- Sweep bins.
- Break.
- Work the package sorter.
- Load trucks.
- End shift.
Where mail sorters work
Sorters work in large processing plants.
Hours and schedule
Often nights and weekends.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Load sorting machines
- Sweep sorted mail
- Handle packages
- Move containers
- Clear jams
- Scan mail
- Follow schedules
Tools you’ll use every day
- Sorting machines
- Package sorters
- Scanners
- Containers
- Tugs
- Carts
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Federal benefits
- No degree needed
- Steady work
- Night differential pay
What’s hard
- Declining employment
- Night shifts
- Noise
- Repetitive
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I can work nights
- I like physical work
- I want federal benefits
- I work fast
- I like teamwork
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Mail Sorter fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Never reach into running machines
- Lift safely
- Watch powered equipment
- Wear safety shoes