A mail clerk is in charge of the delivery and posting of mail that comes in and out of a facility. In addition to written correspondence, this usually includes packages and other types of mail. He or she could work for a private company or for the government, such as the postal service. Of course, almost every brick-and-mortar business sends and receives mail, and many also ship products to their customers. If the company is large enough to have a mail or shipping department, at least one mail clerk will be hired to oversee operations.
A mail clerk must be up-to-date on the current postal and shipping rates of the carriers their employer uses in order to perform these duties efficiently and cost-effectively. It’s also crucial to weigh and prepare mail carefully, because a package that isn’t properly wrapped, addressed, and metered in accordance with a carrier’s shipping policy may be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense. This type of error can result in lost business in addition to wasting time, postage, and materials. A mail clerk is also expected to be familiar with bulk mail regulations and procedures in order to take advantage of the best rates and avoid unnecessary spending.
Incoming mail is also handled by the mail clerk. This could simply entail sorting materials into mail slots by department or office for designated personnel to pick up. Depending on company policy, this may or may not include actually opening each piece of mail that arrives. Some clerks may be required to deliver mail to each office or department individually, or even to different buildings on the same property. Large corporations, medical facilities, and universities are all guilty of this.
A mail clerk working in a large facility may find the working environment to be quite noisy due to automated sorting machines and other related equipment. They can also anticipate spending a significant amount of time standing in one place while preparing items for shipment. In small business settings, however, much of the work may be done manually, which is quieter but can result in repetitive wrist motions and paper cuts on the hands and fingers.
Aside from a high school diploma or equivalent, no special training or education is usually required to work as a mail clerk. However, knowing or being capable of learning how to use various computerized equipment, such as those used to print postage and shipping labels, may be required. Basic math skills and the ability to communicate effectively with others are also advantageous.