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Starting out can feel overwhelming — here's who to ask and how to get help safely at your station.

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🆘 How to Get Help at Your Station

Starting out as a City Carrier Assistant (CCA) can feel overwhelming — but you're not alone. The Postal Service has structures in place to help you succeed and stay safe.

👔 Ask Your Supervisor

Your supervisor is the initial contact for assignment questions, vehicle issues, scanner problems, and route modifications. Communicate respectfully and clearly about the issue and what you've already tried. As a new employee, you're encouraged to ask questions — it's expected.

For example:

  • "I didn't receive a 3996 — can I get one?"
  • "Can you show me how to clock Leave to Street on this scanner?"

🪧 Contact Your Shop Steward

Union stewards represent employees through the NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers). They address questions about workplace rights, hours, discipline, unsafe conditions, and unfair treatment. Stewards can file grievances, explain your rights under the National Agreement, and provide experience-based guidance.

Not sure who your steward is? Ask a senior carrier for a recommendation, or check the union bulletin board at your station.

🤝 Ask a Veteran Carrier

Experienced letter carriers are usually glad to help CCAs with casing, scanner procedures, and loading the LLV. Asking an experienced colleague is one of the best ways to learn proper technique and stay safe.

📞 Safety and Emergency Help

Unsafe conditions require immediate supervisor notification and a PS Form 1767 (Hazard Report). Dog attacks, vehicle breakdowns, injuries, or threats warrant immediate station contact via scanner or cell phone. The safety protocols from your LLV training apply.

Safety First

Never put yourself at risk. If you're unsure whether something is safe, stop and ask.

🧾 Help With Forms and Timekeeping

Three forms address specific needs:

  • PS Form 3996 — overtime or help requests
  • PS Form 1571 — undelivered or curtailed mail
  • PS Form 1838-C — route evaluation documentation

Your daily logs should record clock times and any delivery delays.

📚 More Support Resources

Final Tip

Good help is everywhere — from supervisors to stewards to senior carriers. Don't stay stuck. Ask, clarify, and document.