Thank you again for the content. I'm a new RCA one month in and tomorrow will be my second time running the whole route myself. I really enjoy it and got into a great office!
Got the conditional offer. Super excited, been wanting to get into this job for quite a while. Spoke with the postmaster before I accepted and was told I would only get every Saturday and every other Sunday, the regular is very good and rarely calls off, no guarantee of any other work. Had to turn down the job because I have a mortgage etc and I can't afford to play games with money. This is heart breaking and also kinda shitty. No wonder they can't retain their RCA's!
Yep, that's the hard part - finding an office where you get enough hours- but not too many. I was in your situation, but I had another part time job. Then I started grabbing hours at a large, understaffed office. Those hours eventually dried up. Bottom line is you have to do what's best for you.
I’m a new RCA and after 4 days and 3 different routes with little to no guidance. I’ll be quitting today. The management at my station is so poor it’s ridiculous. They burn out the new hire before we can even get a understanding of the job. When I pointed this out to ppl they just said “welcome to the post office “. RCAs are not post office employees we are contractors. We receive no benefits no paid time off no sick leave and we don’t make as much money as a regular. 19.06 as opposed to the 23-27 a regular makes. Finally unless you are a regular full time employee, the time you work as an RCA does not count towards retirement. Good job for a kid fresh out high school with few options but not for the grown.
A lot of people have had similar experiences. With all the hoops that they make you jump through, it's a shame that some offices aren't better at supporting new hires. In my office, I was given a ride-along and got to deliver just half the route on the first 2 routes I learned. After that I was on my own, but it gave me the time to struggle without being overwhelming. I would encourage you to resign instead of quitting. Write a letter, give notice, try to finish your schedule (if it's possible). If you ever found a good post-office to work for, you would still be able to apply- it wouldn't be possible if you simply quit. This job can be a good one, but not when you are in a poorly run or short-handed office. I honestly enjoy the work, but I only do it on the side- I have another full-time job. In all honesty, it would be hard to have this job be the only means of support for a family.
I just got offered an RCA position. I’m struggling with the thought of accepting a job with no retirement/ 401k plan. I’m self employed and was hoping to start as an RCA and move into a career position, but some make it sound like it takes years
It usually does. You can't become career until you are the senior RCA and a position becomes available in your office. In some areas the carrier shortage has forced USPS to hire people immediately into career positions, but that is very rare to find.
@@mattcoffee1269 congratulations on the new job! Most offices will keep you busy- especially now. Generally, volume stays pretty high until the end of January.
I just did the finger prints today but I'm worried about the hours. I'm fine with working a lot but the job description says part time and also was advised I could get as little as 20hrs. I'm just thinking about it
When do you get paid for mileage when using your own vehicle, and when do they pay for maintenance upkeep on your vehicle!! Is it every pay period or quarterly
You get ema every paycheck. You don't get extra for maintenance or fuel. You get paid $.97 per mile. I believe that there is a minimum amount around $40. You have to cover all of your costs from that.
Ive been thinking about applying to be a RCA or a CCA. I have a few questions. Are they part time jobs? what's the difference between a RCA and CCA? And can I get a full time job with USPS starting out? I'm currently a full time classroom aide so I totally understand working in a school. Lol. Good benifets, not so good pay at least in my district. Lol.
Nice. My full-time job is teaching. They are both supposed to be part-time jobs, but some people work 60+ hours a week. It really depends on how well the office is staffed. Usually the fastest way to a career position is CCA. RCA can take a long time to become career and the insurance is more expensive. As a CCA you will sub for city carriers. So you do a lot of walking and you have to wear a uniform. As an RCA you sub on rural routes, so no uniform and you mostly stay in the vehicle as you deliver. Best thing to do is apply for multiple positions. Then when you get the interview, take the opportunity to ask about the hours you will work and how long it will likely take to get the career position. Then you can make an informed decision. It really varies from post office to post office.
Honestly, I am an RCA who only works one day a week most of the time. I suggest you check out ruralmailtalk.com They have several threads which discuss the new system.
I got my fingerprints done today and when I asked about getting career status and it taking 6-10 years or never, she said no way it won’t take that long. Everything I read says otherwise…are you still an RCA and how long have you been one if you are?
I have been an RCA for almost 6 years. Honestly it really depends on your office and how many RCA's were hired before you. For a career position to open up, either a regular carrier needs to leave IE he quit or is fired, or they need to create a new route. In general, it will take a lot less time if you are in a large office with very few subs. My office only has three routes, so it could be a while unless one of the carriers decides to leave the profession. I did have the chance to transfer to a couple different large offices either of which would have made me a regular carrier a few years ago. I chose to take a teaching position and just deliver mail in the Summers and on saturdays.
@@shellymitchell9660 so after 40 hours, you get paid time and a half and you get paid actual time (not route time). So if you work 60 hours, you would have 20 hours of overtime, so you would be paid 70x your hourly rate.
@@davidkelln9225 so let's say at the beginning of the week your route is evaluated for 8 hours and it takes you 10. You only get paid for the 8, but those extra 2 hours go in to making 40 hours, correct? Then are you saying after 40 hours all of those hours turn into time and a half? Even the hours at the beginning that you didn't get paid for?
Okay I did the academy today and I spoke to a gentleman who is supposed to work at my office they only have 5 RCA routes and I’m like how am I gonna work lol I applied to the office near me as well can I do that or do I have to work at that office ? I’m in fear of not getting my hours
@@dakid_josh15 well, you've already accepted this position, so I believe you either have to resign and reapply or transfer (although things may have changed). You can contact the other office and ask them about transferring. That said, I would suggest you stay put for the training and transfer if you aren't getting the hours. It's much easier to learn this job in a smaller office. Again, just a suggestion. Just make sure you look before you leap
@@dakid_josh15 but you have been hired, correct? Unless the rules have recently changed, what you want is a transfer. You aren't allowed to apply if you are already an employee. You may be able to transfer and complete your training at the new facility. I worked in an office with a CCA who transferred immediately after his training was complete.
Yep. That's become true in a lot of offices. The package volume can be brutal. On the other hand, some offices get almost nothing -Amazon delivers it themselves.
@@davidkelln9225 it's weird in my office Amazon delivers to the 44904 area in my office but all the other zip codes in my city amazon isn't there so they get hit the hardest and the route I've been running for the last 2 months is one of those routes
@@davidkash1969 yep. We are at their mercy it seems. By mid January it should lighten up (after people burn up their gift cards and make their returns).
Thank you again for the content. I'm a new RCA one month in and tomorrow will be my second time running the whole route myself. I really enjoy it and got into a great office!
Thanks for watching! Congrats on the new job!
Got the conditional offer. Super excited, been wanting to get into this job for quite a while.
Spoke with the postmaster before I accepted and was told I would only get every Saturday and every other Sunday, the regular is very good and rarely calls off, no guarantee of any other work.
Had to turn down the job because I have a mortgage etc and I can't afford to play games with money.
This is heart breaking and also kinda shitty. No wonder they can't retain their RCA's!
Yep, that's the hard part - finding an office where you get enough hours- but not too many.
I was in your situation, but I had another part time job. Then I started grabbing hours at a large, understaffed office. Those hours eventually dried up. Bottom line is you have to do what's best for you.
Just finished orientation and driving safety. About to start rca academy. Your videos have been quite helpful.
Very complete and detailed. Thank you
You are welcome! Thank you for watching!
I’m a new RCA and after 4 days and 3 different routes with little to no guidance. I’ll be quitting today. The management at my station is so poor it’s ridiculous. They burn out the new hire before we can even get a understanding of the job. When I pointed this out to ppl they just said “welcome to the post office “. RCAs are not post office employees we are contractors. We receive no benefits no paid time off no sick leave and we don’t make as much money as a regular. 19.06 as opposed to the 23-27 a regular makes. Finally unless you are a regular full time employee, the time you work as an RCA does not count towards retirement. Good job for a kid fresh out high school with few options but not for the grown.
A lot of people have had similar experiences. With all the hoops that they make you jump through, it's a shame that some offices aren't better at supporting new hires. In my office, I was given a ride-along and got to deliver just half the route on the first 2 routes I learned. After that I was on my own, but it gave me the time to struggle without being overwhelming.
I would encourage you to resign instead of quitting. Write a letter, give notice, try to finish your schedule (if it's possible). If you ever found a good post-office to work for, you would still be able to apply- it wouldn't be possible if you simply quit.
This job can be a good one, but not when you are in a poorly run or short-handed office. I honestly enjoy the work, but I only do it on the side- I have another full-time job. In all honesty, it would be hard to have this job be the only means of support for a family.
I just got offered an RCA position. I’m struggling with the thought of accepting a job with no retirement/ 401k plan. I’m self employed and was hoping to start as an RCA and move into a career position, but some make it sound like it takes years
It usually does. You can't become career until you are the senior RCA and a position becomes available in your office.
In some areas the carrier shortage has forced USPS to hire people immediately into career positions, but that is very rare to find.
@@davidkelln9225 my new position i got hired for is a rural carr assoc/srv reg rte ... they need people bad , im hoping hours will be there.
@@mattcoffee1269 congratulations on the new job! Most offices will keep you busy- especially now. Generally, volume stays pretty high until the end of January.
I just did the finger prints today but I'm worried about the hours. I'm fine with working a lot but the job description says part time and also was advised I could get as little as 20hrs. I'm just thinking about it
When do you get paid for mileage when using your own vehicle, and when do they pay for maintenance upkeep on your vehicle!! Is it every pay period or quarterly
You get ema every paycheck. You don't get extra for maintenance or fuel. You get paid $.97 per mile. I believe that there is a minimum amount around $40.
You have to cover all of your costs from that.
good videos im a rca
Around here they are mandating aux rte carriers to run Sunday Amazon also. That is horseshit. I never minded it but everyone ain't me.
Do relief RCA's get holiday pay or double time if working holidays
Nope.
Ive been thinking about applying to be a RCA or a CCA. I have a few questions. Are they part time jobs? what's the difference between a RCA and CCA? And can I get a full time job with USPS starting out? I'm currently a full time classroom aide so I totally understand working in a school. Lol. Good benifets, not so good pay at least in my district. Lol.
Nice. My full-time job is teaching.
They are both supposed to be part-time jobs, but some people work 60+ hours a week. It really depends on how well the office is staffed.
Usually the fastest way to a career position is CCA. RCA can take a long time to become career and the insurance is more expensive.
As a CCA you will sub for city carriers. So you do a lot of walking and you have to wear a uniform.
As an RCA you sub on rural routes, so no uniform and you mostly stay in the vehicle as you deliver.
Best thing to do is apply for multiple positions. Then when you get the interview, take the opportunity to ask about the hours you will work and how long it will likely take to get the career position. Then you can make an informed decision.
It really varies from post office to post office.
Can U go into detail and explain the new RRECS system?
Honestly, I am an RCA who only works one day a week most of the time. I suggest you check out ruralmailtalk.com They have several threads which discuss the new system.
Can you work for an office in a different state and still get the to/from mileage pay?
I believe so, but I have never worked outside my state.
Sometimes you can even be offered a hotel room and a stipend if an office is desperate.
I got my fingerprints done today and when I asked about getting career status and it taking 6-10 years or never, she said no way it won’t take that long. Everything I read says otherwise…are you still an RCA and how long have you been one if you are?
I have been an RCA for almost 6 years. Honestly it really depends on your office and how many RCA's were hired before you. For a career position to open up, either a regular carrier needs to leave IE he quit or is fired, or they need to create a new route. In general, it will take a lot less time if you are in a large office with very few subs. My office only has three routes, so it could be a while unless one of the carriers decides to leave the profession. I did have the chance to transfer to a couple different large offices either of which would have made me a regular carrier a few years ago. I chose to take a teaching position and just deliver mail in the Summers and on saturdays.
Can you go over pay more? Give more examples of what happens after 40 hours. The office i am starting at is saying 60 hours a week to expect to work.
Will you be using your own car or a postal vehicle?
@@davidkelln9225 it will be postal vehicle
@@shellymitchell9660 so after 40 hours, you get paid time and a half and you get paid actual time (not route time). So if you work 60 hours, you would have 20 hours of overtime, so you would be paid 70x your hourly rate.
@@davidkelln9225 so let's say at the beginning of the week your route is evaluated for 8 hours and it takes you 10. You only get paid for the 8, but those extra 2 hours go in to making 40 hours, correct? Then are you saying after 40 hours all of those hours turn into time and a half? Even the hours at the beginning that you didn't get paid for?
@@shellymitchell9660 yep. Once you go over 40 hours you are paid for every minute you worked that week.
Okay I did the academy today and I spoke to a gentleman who is supposed to work at my office they only have 5 RCA routes and I’m like how am I gonna work lol I applied to the office near me as well can I do that or do I have to work at that office ? I’m in fear of not getting my hours
Once you make it through your 90 days, you can also pick up hours in other post offices.
@@davidkelln9225 what if I applied to another one before then ?
@@dakid_josh15 well, you've already accepted this position, so I believe you either have to resign and reapply or transfer (although things may have changed).
You can contact the other office and ask them about transferring.
That said, I would suggest you stay put for the training and transfer if you aren't getting the hours. It's much easier to learn this job in a smaller office. Again, just a suggestion. Just make sure you look before you leap
@@dakid_josh15 but you have been hired, correct? Unless the rules have recently changed, what you want is a transfer. You aren't allowed to apply if you are already an employee. You may be able to transfer and complete your training at the new facility. I worked in an office with a CCA who transferred immediately after his training was complete.
@@davidkelln9225 oh yes I want to go to a different location is all
My office they make us work every Sunday regardless
Yep. That's become true in a lot of offices. The package volume can be brutal.
On the other hand, some offices get almost nothing -Amazon delivers it themselves.
@@davidkelln9225 it's weird in my office
Amazon delivers to the 44904 area in my office but all the other zip codes in my city amazon isn't there so they get hit the hardest and the route I've been running for the last 2 months is one of those routes
@@davidkash1969 yep. We are at their mercy it seems. By mid January it should lighten up (after people burn up their gift cards and make their returns).
Currently EMA is $0.85
Thanks Ben! I guess I wasn't up to date on my number.
So how do you become permanent or full time ?
I made this: th-cam.com/video/XEIGQ1kwMDE/w-d-xo.html Let me know if it helps.
I'm car less right now and hopefully they give me my own vehicle since I was just given an conditional offer
They should tell you if the route is assigned a postal vehicle during your interview.