Postal Service Mail Carriers

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: 5 (23%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (5%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 16 (73%)

• Maintain accurate records of deliveries.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Record address changes and redirect mail for those addresses.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Answer customers' questions about postal services and regulations.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Enter change of address orders into computers that process forwarding address stickers.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Complete forms that notify publishers of address changes.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Scan labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Obtain signed receipts for registered, certified, and insured mail, collect associated charges, and complete any necessary paperwork.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Return to the post office with mail collected from homes, businesses, and public mailboxes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Sort mail for delivery, arranging it in delivery sequence.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Deliver mail to residences and business establishments along specified routes by walking or driving, using a combination of satchels, carts, cars, and small trucks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Meet schedules for the collection and return of mail.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Sign for cash-on-delivery and registered mail before leaving the post office.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Hold mail for customers who are away from delivery locations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Turn in money and receipts collected along mail routes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Leave notices telling patrons where to collect mail that could not be delivered.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Bundle mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Return incorrectly addressed mail to senders.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide customers with change of address cards and other forms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Report any unusual circumstances concerning mail delivery, including the condition of street letter boxes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Register, certify, and insure parcels and letters.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Travel to post offices to pick up the mail for routes or pick up mail from postal relay boxes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Sell stamps and money orders.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task