Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (14%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 6 (21%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 19 (66%)

• Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Clear jams in sortation equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Use equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains," to move containers of mail.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task