good luck with your journey as a cca. I'm a regular rural carrier in south central wisconsin and I can tell you that this job requires alot of patience, dedication and alot of your time. I lost count of how many times I wanted to quit during the 4 years I worked as an RCA, but it will all be worth it in the end once you convert to PTF/ regular. There's going to be alot of growing pains with the job, so don't get discouraged. This job is MUCH more physcially, emotionally and mentally challenging than what most people think. This job requires ALOT more than just driving around in truck and putting mail in a box, which is part of the reason why usps is struggling to hire enough help. There will be days where you're on the brink of breaking down, but remember pain is temporary. And i've learned to tell myself whenever I get upset in the morning at the office, "the quicker I get to the street, the quicker my frustrations will blow over and i'll laugh about it later." Getting to the street and being alone by yourself is a euphoria I can't explain, but you'll see what I mean once you get to the street for the first time on your own. I never envisioned myself becoming a delivery driver since I'm not a big fan of driving, but now I really enjoy being out on the country roads by myself singing as loud as I want to and nobody around to hear my awful singing voice (or yelling about something). I find being a delivery driver to be very relaxing. Lastly, the life long friendships you develop with your customers throughout the years (specifically when you become a regular and get your own route) is very rewarding and makes you feel like you're somebody to someone and I find that self-fulfilling. The trust and respect you receive is going to be mind-blowing (atleast it was for me when I first started). This job is much more than delivering mail, I feel this job requires a prerequisite in people skills because you'll deal with all types of people whether good or bad which will test your patience at times, but just remember you could be the only interaction a customer has with the outside world on the daily and you may not think about it at the time, but you could very well make someone's day (or a customer can make your day) so a little patience goes a long way because you never know what someone is going through and just having a simple conversation with someone can save someone's life. Sorry for the book, just pouring my thoughts and opinions to hopefully smooth your transition from academy/orientation/shadow day into the daily grind. Again, good luck, I hope this career suits you well!

I just retired from being a city carrier for 34 years. I wouldn't want to think about starting my career now. I wish every one of you the best of luck. When I was hired in 1988, there was no Sunday delivery except Express Mail, that being 365 days a year, and only Sunday parcel delivery between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Because of that, I never worked a Sunday in all those 34 years. I could've if I wanted to, but I never wanted to and was never in a position to be forced. Not the same today. Mother's Day? Father's Day? doesn't matter. If you're a CCA, you're working. Do yourselves a favor. Contribute the max to your TSP. The market goes up and down, but if you're very lucky, you'll have a nice bundle when you finally retire.

Good luck on your journey. I start as a CCA z next month and a bit nervous. I’m asking God for all everything needed to be able to do this job because I needed the benefits and job security. Be safe out there!

I didn't even have a shadow day. I just completed my 90 day probation on 12-29-2022. My 1st experience with shadowing was so tough, I thought I was being hazed by my on the job trainer. I even reached out to my postal academy teacher, just to see if I was being asked to do too much too soon. Trainer told me to reach out to the union. I chose not to because I didn't want to be THAT GUY ijs. Come to find out this job is just tough especially in the beginning. By the way my on the job trainer is the greatest, frigging love the guy. Bro threw the whole kitchen sink at me, just to get me prepared for what's to come. North east Ohio.

Yeah CCA Nick gives good info. I'm in Illinois too.

I start my CCA Orientation on Monday. I am nervous and excited !

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR WONDERFUL JOURNEY

congrats my man welcome

A real man.

I just got converted Feb 11 started Sept 26th It was tough but worth all of my effort Hope everyone stays and get converted Goodluck to everyone

How are the routes? I live on that side of town and was thinking about joining.

Doing it now. It’s exhausting work

oh man good luck don"t know how long you will last you better have a back up plan if this job dose in't work out 🙄

An RCA has one advantage. If you have an eight-hour route and you get done in six you still get paid for 8 hours.

Wait why are you starting so early in the morning??

Must be different in certain cities. My shadow day is first, then orientation for 1 day, then 4 days of the carrier academy, then 1-2 days of driver training.

Better bro, just make sure you watch what you film and what you say. With the amount of hours you work you'll be able to afford car repairs or urber's to work. Arizona is on my travel list for sure me and my bro want to go there soon.

i start saturday, my first day is shadow day. My station is mainly walking route. kinda nervous

I just applied and they want my driving record...

Completely irrelevant but have you ever watched “Bel Air “ ? It’s a reboot of Fresh prince of Bel air with Will Smith You look just like one of the actors on that show .

U still at USPS?

Are you still a carrier?