Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

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: 2 (12%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 0 (0%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 15 (88%)

• Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Clear jams in sorting equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Check items to ensure that addresses are legible and correct, that sufficient postage has been paid or the appropriate documentation is attached, and that items are in a suitable condition for processing.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Move containers of mail, using equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains".Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Open and label mail containers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Load and unload mail trucks, sometimes lifting containers of mail onto equipment that transports items to sorting stations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Rewrap soiled or broken parcels.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Train new workers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Dump sacks of mail onto conveyors for culling and sorting.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Weigh articles to determine required postage.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Cancel letter or parcel post stamps by hand.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Accept and check containers of mail from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task