43-9051.00 · Task explorer
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 29 tasks, including 17 marked Core and 12 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2026.
29 tasks shown
Core · Task 13267 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
Core · Task 13261 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
Core · Task 13263 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Clear jams in sortation equipment.
Core · Task 13262 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
Core · Task 13283 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
Core · Task 13276 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
Core · Task 13266 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
Core · Task 13264 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
Core · Task 13265 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
Core · Task 13269 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.
Core · Task 13259 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
Core · Task 13282 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
Core · Task 13271 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.
Core · Task 13260 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
Core · Task 13284 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
Core · Task 13277 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.
Core · Task 13275 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.
Supplemental · Task 13273 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
Supplemental · Task 13281 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
Supplemental · Task 13272 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.
Supplemental · Task 13279 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.
Supplemental · Task 13270 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
Supplemental · Task 13280 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.
Supplemental · Task 13268 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
Supplemental · Task 13286 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.
Supplemental · Task 13287 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.
Supplemental · Task 13274 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.
Supplemental · Task 13278 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Insert material for printing or addressing into loading racks on machines, select type or die sizes, and position plates, stencils, or tapes in machine magazines.
Supplemental · Task 13285 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Use equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains," to move containers of mail.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
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