Section 8: Key USPS and Union Resources
The portals, handbooks, NALC materials, and forms every city letter carrier should know — and how to reach your union.
💻 8.1 USPS Blue and LiteBlue Portals
Blue provides internal network access at postal facilities for policy manuals, route tools, and personnel folders. LiteBlue is a web portal where carriers manage benefits, schedules, earnings, and forms from home using EIN and USPS credentials.
📚 8.2 USPS Handbooks and Manuals
The section references four key manuals:
- M-39: Covers delivery service management, route inspections, and workload evaluation.
- M-41: Details carrier duties and daily job requirements.
- POM: Addresses mail delivery, vehicle use, safety protocols, and general procedures.
- ELM: Discusses pay, leave, discipline, and employee rights.
These resources are accessible via USPS Blue or through NALC and USPS online channels.
🛡️ 8.3 NALC Route Protection Program Materials
The National Association of Letter Carriers provides guidance including the Route Protection Program (explaining the 6-day mail count), the 2018 NALC Guide to Route Inspections, and the M-01766 COR Guide for software-based adjustments.
📄 8.4 Forms Index and Sample Forms
Carriers must properly complete various USPS forms (PS Forms 3996, 1838-C, 3999, 3971). The guidance emphasizes keeping copies for evaluations, grievances, and safety documentation.
📞 8.5 Contacting the Union: When, Why, and How
Contact situations: Performance discussions, denied PS Form 3996s, unsafe conditions, policy violations, or suspected unfair workload changes.
Resources: Locate your shop steward through your unit or senior carriers, bringing documented notes and timelines when reporting issues.
Know where the M-39, M-41, POM, and ELM live, keep copies of your forms, and keep your steward's contact handy. The next page is the Glossary and Sample Forms — your quick reference for terms and PS forms.