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Letter Carriers · CCA Basics

Casing Mail

Sorting mail into your case in delivery order — accuracy first, speed later.

📬 What Is Casing?

Casing involves manually sorting mail into delivery case slots labeled by street, address range, and delivery order. The objective is organizing mail in the proper sequence matching your line of travel.

📦 Types of Mail You'll Case

  • DPS (Delivery Point Sequence): Letters already sorted in delivery order by machine. Typically not cased — taken directly to the street unless instructed otherwise.
  • FSS (Flats Sequencing System): Larger flat-size pieces sorted by machine. Local policy determines whether you case them or deliver as-is.
  • SPRs (Special Purpose Routes): Parcels, odd-size mail, or mail needing special handling. Usually organized in a designated case area or separate hamper.
  • Manual Letters and Flats: Unsorted mail that you'll manually case by address and sequence.

🗂️ How to Read a Case Label

Every route case displays:

  • Street names and address ranges
  • Odd/even side designation
  • Delivery order (top to bottom, left to right)

Consult your supervisor or On-the-Job Instructor if uncertain about case setup, especially for businesses, apartments, or collection boxes.

🧠 Tips for Efficient Casing

  • Case one piece at a time — early accuracy outweighs speed.
  • Set aside SPRs and bulky flats for last.
  • Maintain organization: labels up, no loose bundles, clear dividers.
  • Work quietly and focused to avoid mis-sorts.

📋 Responsibilities and Expectations

  • Follow the M-41 Handbook: carriers must case and pull down mail promptly and neatly.
  • Case mail matching route delivery order, not just street name.
  • Ask supervisors about mail for other routes or unclear items.
  • Notify management if casing takes longer than expected.

📉 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Casing DPS mail unless instructed (wastes time)
  • Misreading case labels and slotting mail incorrectly
  • Leaving mail uncased or mixed — leads to misdelivery
  • Rushing through casing — accuracy matters when learning

📚 Reference Materials

  • M-41 Handbook: Duties and responsibilities of city carriers
  • Route Inspection Guide (Chapter 2): Covers casing and office time standards
  • PS Form 1838-C: Records time spent casing and pulling down mail
Final Tip

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Every route is different, and casing styles can vary from station to station. Speed develops through practice — prioritize accuracy, consistency, and safety initially.

📝 Test Your Knowledge: Casing Mail Badge

10 questions — 70% to pass, 80% Skilled, 90% Mastered, 100% Perfect.

1. According to the page, what does the abbreviation DPS stand for?
2. The page's Final Tip says a new carrier should prioritize which of these first, with speed developing later through practice?
3. Per the page, which type of mail is typically NOT cased and is taken directly to the street unless instructed otherwise?
4. What determines whether FSS (Flats Sequencing System) mail gets cased or delivered as-is?
5. Which handbook does the page cite as requiring carriers to case and pull down mail promptly and neatly?
6. According to the page's description of SPRs, what kind of mail do they involve?
7. Based on the 'How to Read a Case Label' section, which three things does every route case display?
8. Which form does the page say is used to record time spent casing and pulling down mail?
9. Under 'Common Mistakes to Avoid,' what specific error involving DPS mail is called out as wasting time?
10. If a carrier is uncertain about case setup for businesses, apartments, or collection boxes, who does the page say they should consult?