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.
This crowdsourced website launched in August 2026, and much of its information is currently placeholder content. We’re asking mail carriers to help us identify errors and submit corrections as we add practical, professional insights from experienced carriers to every page.
💻 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.
💡 Want to make a comment?
Do you have an idea or way of doing things that you would like members to know about? Sign in to leave a comment and we might use your idea in our training and Union pages.
Sign in to Leave a Comment