Route Evaluation and Adjustments

🎯 4.1 Purpose of Route Evaluation

• Ensure each city delivery route is adjusted to as close to 8 hours as possible.
• Evaluate route workload fairly based on both office and street duties.
• Identify routes that are overburdened or underburdened based on actual performance data.
• Help balance workloads across routes for better service and carrier equity.
• Form the basis for permanent or minor route adjustments through data review.

Reference: M-39 §211–212, Route Protection Program Ch. 1 & 2

🔍 4.2 Overview of the Route Inspection Process

• Typically consists of a six-day mail count followed by one day of inspection.
• Observers and route inspectors may accompany the carrier during street duties.
• Data from PS Forms 1838-C, 3999, and 1840 are used to evaluate performance.
• Carriers must be informed of the inspection date and count procedures in advance.
• Any route changes must be based on accurate and jointly reviewed data.

Reference: M-39 §214, NALC 2018 Guide to Route Inspections

📊 4.3 Mail Count and Form 1838-C

• Carriers are responsible for accurately recording volume of letters, flats, parcels, SPRs.
• Form 1838-C includes daily mail counts, casing time, and withdrawal time.
• Volume counts must be conducted consistently across the six-day period.
• Supervisors or route examiners may assist or verify volume data.
• Carriers should retain a copy of each day's entries for their own records.

Reference: Route Protection Ch. 1, Form 1838-C instructions

🗓️ 4.4 The Day of Inspection and Form 3999

• Supervisors accompany the carrier on the street to observe and record activity.
• Form 3999 documents actual street travel, delivery stops, and line of travel.
• Carriers should follow normal practices—no speeding or artificial delays.
• Any abnormal conditions (e.g., construction, detours) must be noted on the form.
• A discussion should follow where carriers can review and comment on the 3999 data.

Reference: Route Protection Ch. 1, M-01766 Ch. 2

⏱️ 4.5 Office and Street Time Evaluation

• Office time includes casing, pull-down, handling accountables, and loading.
• Street time includes travel to/from route, delivery, relays, pickups, and scanning.
• Data from the week and inspection day are compared to standard performance expectations.
• Excessive or deficient times must be fully explained before any route change.
• Adjustments must reflect consistent, not one-time, workload patterns.

Reference: M-39 §213, IOCS Handbook F-45, Route Protection Ch. 3

🔧 4.6 Minor Adjustments (Section 141 of M-39)

• Minor adjustments can be made without a full inspection if based on documented data.
• Examples include shifting deliveries between routes or correcting travel patterns.
• These changes must be recorded on PS Form 1840 Reverse.
• Carriers and union representatives should be notified and given the rationale.
• Minor adjustments should not be used to bypass full inspections where warranted.

Reference: M-39 §141, Route Protection Program Ch. 3

🗺️ 4.7 Computerized On-Site Route (COR) Adjustments

• COR is a mapping software used to propose route changes using PS Form 3999 data.
• Time deductions must be explained and documented on PS Form 1840 Reverse.
• COR cannot replace the need for proper consultation with the carrier.
• Carriers and NALC representatives should review COR territory transfers for fairness.
• Any route realignments made through COR must comply with M-01661 settlement (see M-01766).

Reference: M-01766 Guide to COR, Ch. 4–7

⚖️ 4.8 Consultation and Grievance Rights

• Carriers must be given an opportunity to review PS Forms 1840 and 1840 Reverse.
• Management must hold a consultation with the carrier before final adjustments.
• Carriers may include written comments or objections on the forms.
• If disagreement exists, carriers should contact their shop steward immediately.
• Contractual rights allow grievances over improper inspections or adjustments.

Reference: M-39 §242.3, Route Protection Ch. 1, ELM §666.2

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