CCA Onboarding Guide

📨 Starting Your Journey as a City Carrier Assistant (CCA)

Your First Day on the Job (Your Shadow Day)

Your Shadow Day Expect to report early, ready to learn. You'll meet your Supervisor who will introduce you to your On the Job Instructor. You will "shadow" them all day to see how you like this work.

📋 Essential Daily Procedures

Clock Rings and Timekeeping

You'll use your scanner to clock in and out at the right times — including "Begin Tour," "Leave to Street," and "Return to Office." Accurate clock rings are critical for pay and route evaluation.

Daily Schedule and Breaks

Your workday includes scheduled breaks, a lunch period, and expected return times.

Uniforms and Equipment

CCAs do not receive a uniform allowance until they are through their probation period.   That needs to be corrected, but that's how it is now (2026).  However, you should be   issued a satchel, a scanner holster, a vest and a USPS Cap per our current contract (2026)

🧭 Office and Street Duties

Casing Mail

You'll learn to sort letters and flats - from the "Hot Case",  into your route's case before heading to the street. You'll observe and handle DPS (Delivery Point Sequence), SPRs (Special Purpose Routes), and FSS (Flats Sequencing System) mail accurately and efficiently.  The main point is to get learn the correct slots that correspond to the route.

Route Familiarization

Expect to walk or drive the route with an On-the-Job Instructor (OJI). Learn the "line of travel," dismount points, and safety concerns along the route.  Take special note of safety cards like Dog Hazards and Special Instructions.  Every route SHOULD have alert cards for safe and efficient delivery.

Street Delivery Expectations

Once you're on the street, focus on safe, consistent delivery.  Think about your pace and building good routines.  Follow scanner prompts when applicable, complete required scans, and deliver in the prescribed order.  Remember that efficiency builds over time — accuracy and safety come first.  

🧾 Stand-Up Talks and Communication

• What Are Stand-Up Talks? Short daily safety or service messages from supervisors.Take notes later in your daily log about anything you have questions about.  Ask your Steward about anything you're not sure about.  

📱 Scanner Procedures and Technology Use

• Using the MDD Scanner: Functions like MSP scans, package scans, and clock events.
• Delivery Alerts and Exceptions: How to handle "No Access," missed scans, and alerts.
• Scanner Etiquette: Keep your scanner charged, updated, and secure.

⏱️ Managing Time and Performance

• Understanding Clock Rings: Why your time matters during route evaluation.
• Overtime & Auxiliary Assistance: Requesting help (Forms 3996, 1571) and how it's tracked.
• Daily Performance Logs: Using PS Form 1838-C to protect your route data.

📚 Policies, Rights, and Resources

• The National Agreement: Your contractual rights as a CCA under the NALC.
• M-41 & M-39 Handbooks: Where your duties and evaluations are defined.
• Where to Get Help: Contacting your steward, NALC support, and USPS resources.