Q&A for How to Become a Contract Delivery Service for the United States Postal Service

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Where do I get the PS Form 5436?

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You can find this form on the About.USPS.com website. Navigate to "Find a Form" under the "Resources" tab at the top of the page.

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How do I find the proper address to send the form 5436?

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Regional addresses for contracting officers are available in the Mail Transportation Contracting Guide (Publication 33). This guide is linked in the article, or you can find it by doing an online search for "USPS Mail Transportation Contracting Guide."

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How do I find out if there are routes available in my area?

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Check with your local USPS distribution network office. You can find contact information for these offices in the USPS Mail Transportation Contracting Guide (Publication 33).

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How can I find the USPS distribution network office in my area?

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There is a list of these offices in the USPS Mail Transportation Contracting Guide (Publication 33). You can find a link to the guide in the article, or search for the title online to find a PDF.

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Am I responsible for lost or wrongly delivered mail?

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Yes. If you're supposed to deliver the mail and you don't, then you or your company is responsible for it.

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How much do contract delivery drivers earn?

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Anywhere from $12 to $16 per hour. It depends on how many bids are submitted, as well as the total contract bid amount (including vehicle expenses, etc.).

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Question

When I am contracted to do a route, are the number of hours to do the route set by the contractor or by the USPS?

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You are required to follow the set times that the USPS will provide you with.

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Question

What type of car is necessary?

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It depends on the route. A bid package will contain all the information you need - size of route, the size of vehicle needed (it goes by cubic inches of space), etc.

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Question

Is there a limit on the age of the car I can use for delivery?

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Usually, the bid package should contain the information on what is required for your vehicle.

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Question

Are contractors required to have worker's compensation?

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Sole proprietors are not required, but if you have an employee, you must contribute to worker's compensation and provide fringe benefits like sick leave and vacation days.

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Question

What is the average cost per mile paid to a contractor?

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Around here, it's about $2 per mile total contract value. It works out to about 50 cents per mile for vehicle expenses, and the rest is salary.

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Question

Are subcontractors subject to the same legal standards as USPS employees for things like privacy of mail?

Community Answer

Yes, absolutely. You are held to the same standards as any postal employee. Failure to fulfill your contract can quickly lead to breach of contract, which will lead to termination and could land you in some legal trouble. Tampering with or delaying mail delivery is a federal offense punishable by a $250,000 fine and 5 years in prison for each offense you're found guilty of.

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Question

Is a contracted driver required to have insurance on the vehicle or does the post office provide that?

Community Answer

Yes, you're required to carry commercial insurance on any vehicle that's used to transport the mail, and no, the USPS does not provide your insurance. You can usually go to any major insurance agency to get commercial insurance.

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Question

Does the USPS contract owner have to supply part-time employees a vehicle?

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I am a part-time USPS highway contractor and I must supply my own vehicle and and have my own subs in case I can't do the mail run. I am responsible for everything. I have never met the contract owner, who actually lives in a different state. I am retired and love being a part-time USPS contractor!

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