I do appreciate your video it was most helpful because I am deciding whether or not to accept a job offer being a rural carrier assistant and I did not see how it would be possible to deliver from the right side of the vehicle unless the vehicles was made that way. It just seems like that's not very safe and I'm a short person and I don't think I'd be able to do that so I guess I'm going to have to decline the job offer. It's a shame that our government can't Supply the necessary vehicles to deliver mail it's just a shame.
I was excited after passing the entry test. And now Im completely deflated. What in the world? I knew a few carriers used their own vehicles but the amount for real where i live is insane. And now I have to go buy a car? And then attempt to maneuver against mailboxes with this setup🤣 I always see USPS employees saying they cant keep or hire people. I have 5 solid safe years of delivering experience and im ready to be hired. But theres simply no way Im investing in ANOTHER car and then trying to do this gymnast act all day. Makes me sad.
I agree with both of you. It is a shame they don't have postal vehicles for every route. They are in the process of it though, they have been for years, but contracts have been made and they are in production and being delivered to offices, it'll be years before every route gets one though. It's one of the biggest issues with getting new hirees for sure. I will say though, if you like the job, it pays to buy a factory rhd or doing a full rhd conversion for $3kish. Your body will thank you for it. I love the job, even though it has def changed a lot from when I started in 2010. I personally dread the day when my route gets a postal truck assigned to it. I will be taking a paycut not receiving the EMA pay and I have 3 reliable vehicles just for my route. Having a reliable vehicle is such a big key factor to the job. Having a back up vehicle isnt mandatory, but I highly recommend it. It relieves so much stress when you have inevitable breakdowns. Did either of you take the job and give it a go? All offices are so different depending on location, management, how short staffed they are, whether they have amazon packages or not, etc. Good luck to you both
@@PostalReptiles I actually accepted a PSE position at a dist. facility. Its tough work but doing my very best to try and be kept in Jan. I would rather run a route on day shift but not in a position to be buying more vehicles. Maybe one day.
I drive a 2007 Ford Edge AWD. I put a pedal kit in it for $800. I put a steering wheel spinner on. I sit in the passenger seat and reach over to steer with left hand. Out-going mail goes in the center console as I collect it. Very deep console. Works great and goes through quite a bit of snow.
@@AFSKID nope, you provide your own vehicle set up however it works for you. Other than a flashing light for the top you are on your own. They pay you an allowance per mile to cover gas, maintenance, etc. Right now I believe it is 73 cents per mile. So a 100 mile route pays 73 bucks EMA allowance plus the rated route hours times hourly rate. The EMA allowance is not taxed as well.
@@AFSKID Yeah I just started and allowance is like 97 cents/mile now that gas has skyrocketed. My route will be 100 miles and I spend about 50 in gas. Sooooo I'm not complaining.... yet. :P
12 years ago my RCA academy teacher drove nothing but pickups. He used nothing but Ford Rangers on the route and loved them. Taurus works great as a back up! So much less stressful when the inevitable vehicle repairs happen and you have a back up one to use
@@PostalReptiles good to have a backup! I miss my radio and personal car now that my route has a llv. Great for fall, winter, and spring, but miss my air conditioning in the summer! Great outdoor job!
@@randyduyck6254 We are told we are on the list to get those new rhd metris vans. I'll miss the EMA but at least they have a radio and AC! I feel for you driving one of the old LLVs. We have 4 in our office for 2 city routes. They need 4 for 2 routes because they are always needing repairs lol.
@@PostalReptiles yeah it rattles a bit. Thankfully it's a 20 mile route with a lot of cbus. My old route was 70 with a lot of hills and hwy driving. The last pov will get metris soon!
Only downside to Taurus' is the transmissions are known to be pretty weak. I'm on the prehire list to be an RCA and I've been looking around at vehicles. Like you said, most of the ones with bench seats are long gone, and I've read where it's getting difficult to even use sedans anymore, due to all of the Amazon packages. I've been looking at Honda Elements, but even those are rare without 200k miles on them already.
I have a coworker who uses a Honda Element with a rhd kit installed and she really likes it. Been using it for years. I always hear about taurus transmissions being bad, but I've never had tranny problems with any of the four I have owned. knock on wood,. But I change the transmission fluid every year and add a bottle of lucas transmission fix in at every change. No problems yet! I agree though, sedans won't cut it these days with the amazon packages on most routes. BUT, some offices don't have amazon anymore so might be good enough for some. If you can find a taurus station wagon then it's plenty of room. Good luck to you, if you like the job I would highly recommend finding a rhd or installing a rhd kit. Makes the job a lot nicer and much easier on the body
Now that automatic transmission is finally becoming widespread in my country, I guess it won't take long for some random folks trying to drive that way and pretend they weren't driving if they're stopped by the police.
I have a 2007 Honda civic and just accepted an RCA position at a busy office. The offer didn't specify vehicle requirement so I'm hoping they provide an LLV.
If you end up having to have a POV you could always sell the Civic for a Honda crv. They do well on the route! You might be lucky though, more and more offices are getting those new Mercedes vans. Maybe you'll be in one of those or a llv
I'm going to start driving soon. Part time 1 day a week. Going to be tricky. It won't be worth me ivnevesting in all of this stuff for only part time work.
Yeah it blew my mind at first too. Only USPS carriers are allowed to drive like this, and don't have to wear a seatbelt while doing so. Once you get the hang out of it though it really is no different than driving normally, just with the other foot and only one hand lol. Driving a factory right hand drive is much nicer for sure though
@@bv344 It's been a month now since you posted this...how are things going now? I like to say that this job is easy to do, but difficult to learn. It takes awhile to get the hang of it, and get your own groove down. Takes some people longer than others but it will come with time. Practice makes perfect. Good luck
Hmmm. I just can’t understand why USPS can’t provide an LLV to everyone? There’s like a billion of them out there ya know? Now I have to find a car that will work even though I have a great car that I love and is paid for (2018 VW GTI with a manual)
I don't know if you would be able to without putting a right hand drive conversion kit in, or at least the pedals because I imagine a GTI having a center console. As for will everything fit, that really depends on the route and whether or not the post office is delivering the Amazon packages in the area or Amazon themselves. GTI would be way too small for my route, because I get way too many Amazon packages.
When I use this vehicle my Spurs go in a tray right behind the driver seat on the left side. So I can just reach behind and grab them with ease. In my right hand drive setup I have enough room on the bench for a tray of Spurs
Yes it is legal for rural carriers to deliver mail like that. As long as you are on the route between your first box and your last box it is fully legal. It's also fully legal for you not to wear your seatbelt when you're delivering like this
@@PostalReptiles That’s great because of your video that’s what I’m looking for now I just took the job I start next week I’m nervous I’ve never had a driving job always been in medical field so it’s something new and I’m scared to death to start something new but it it’s way more than a paramedic ,, so here I am
@@75thteaster54 congrats on the new job! This is the hardest time of year to start, so don't be discouraged. The packages do die down significantly in the summertime. I always like to say that it's a very difficult job to learn, but an easy job to do You just need to get your own routine down and way of handling the mail. The Taurus will be a good starter vehicle, and if you can find a a wagon even better for more package room. They say every route will have postal right hand drive van a couple years. We will see. It's a good job though, and when you go full-time the benefits are even better. Best of luck let me know if you have any questions at all or need any advice whatsoever
@@PostalReptiles so far the pay is real good I will say that I’m able to buy stuff without even thinking about it now at this rate I’ll be able to get this new truck I’ve always wanted but by god do you work for it they work the hell out of ya it’s really an enslavement camp lol seriously they don’t care either.. sleep what’s that get to work buddy …I found a Honda car-v it was a 05 rhd conversation with 160,000 miles I paid 4,000 i probably overpaid but it’s nice I cldnt find a Taurus and trust me I looked but anyway thanks buddy have a good one
@@75thteaster54 that's great man. CRVs work awesome on the route and are very reliable. You are right, they don't give a rat's ass about us but the pay makes up for it most of the time. I don't know about you but I've been working 6 days a week for a few months now because we don't have any rcas. The one RCA we do have is working 6 days a week and 7 days a week every other week. Craziness. Good luck brother. The pay gets better once your full time, but you'll continue working hard for it
You cant be a Ford man, wish they made a factory RHD, got a couples jeeps and all I do is work on them, no surprise, I never have to touch my Fords....
I have always loved my Fords. Especially Tauruses. I do have a special place in my heart for my right hand drive jeep, but I think that's mostly because it's right hand drive haha. Ever since getting my Toyota Hilux surf, I have become a Toyota man. The thing has not given me a single issue yet and drives like a dream
Most definitely. My daily driver is a factory rhd, but I used a taurus for years when I first started and still have this one as my back up. Great starter vehicle and back up
Do they have a center console? Finding a vehicle without a center console is getting harder and harder. And factory right hand drives are very expensive and there are a lot of stupid importing laws. I stand by what I said, I think the Ford Taurus is the best car without a center console that can be driven on the mail route, especially for beginners that are unsure if they're going to like the job or not
sweet, i start driving tomorrow and i've been trying to figure out the best way to drive! thanks so much!
I do appreciate your video it was most helpful because I am deciding whether or not to accept a job offer being a rural carrier assistant and I did not see how it would be possible to deliver from the right side of the vehicle unless the vehicles was made that way. It just seems like that's not very safe and I'm a short person and I don't think I'd be able to do that so I guess I'm going to have to decline the job offer. It's a shame that our government can't Supply the necessary vehicles to deliver mail it's just a shame.
I was excited after passing the entry test. And now Im completely deflated. What in the world? I knew a few carriers used their own vehicles but the amount for real where i live is insane. And now I have to go buy a car? And then attempt to maneuver against mailboxes with this setup🤣
I always see USPS employees saying they cant keep or hire people. I have 5 solid safe years of delivering experience and im ready to be hired.
But theres simply no way Im investing in ANOTHER car and then trying to do this gymnast act all day.
Makes me sad.
@@jdaniel3068 It is a shame that our government can not supply enough Mail trucks
I agree with both of you. It is a shame they don't have postal vehicles for every route. They are in the process of it though, they have been for years, but contracts have been made and they are in production and being delivered to offices, it'll be years before every route gets one though. It's one of the biggest issues with getting new hirees for sure. I will say though, if you like the job, it pays to buy a factory rhd or doing a full rhd conversion for $3kish. Your body will thank you for it. I love the job, even though it has def changed a lot from when I started in 2010. I personally dread the day when my route gets a postal truck assigned to it. I will be taking a paycut not receiving the EMA pay and I have 3 reliable vehicles just for my route. Having a reliable vehicle is such a big key factor to the job. Having a back up vehicle isnt mandatory, but I highly recommend it. It relieves so much stress when you have inevitable breakdowns. Did either of you take the job and give it a go? All offices are so different depending on location, management, how short staffed they are, whether they have amazon packages or not, etc. Good luck to you both
@@PostalReptiles I actually accepted a PSE position at a dist. facility. Its tough work but doing my very best to try and be kept in Jan.
I would rather run a route on day shift but not in a position to be buying more vehicles. Maybe one day.
I drive a 2007 Ford Edge AWD. I put a pedal kit in it for $800. I put a steering wheel spinner on. I sit in the passenger seat and reach over to steer with left hand. Out-going mail goes in the center console as I collect it. Very deep console. Works great and goes through quite a bit of snow.
Very nice! Sounds like a nice setup
Did the USPS pay for the installation? I don’t understand how they are getting away with charging people a thousand bucks to do this if not.
@@AFSKID nope, you provide your own vehicle set up however it works for you. Other than a flashing light for the top you are on your own. They pay you an allowance per mile to cover gas, maintenance, etc. Right now I believe it is 73 cents per mile. So a 100 mile route pays 73 bucks EMA allowance plus the rated route hours times hourly rate. The EMA allowance is not taxed as well.
@@AFSKID Yeah I just started and allowance is like 97 cents/mile now that gas has skyrocketed. My route will be 100 miles and I spend about 50 in gas. Sooooo I'm not complaining.... yet. :P
Had one just like it . But it was green. Well worth it.
That is a good postal vehicle! Mondays are a bit heavier compared to other days of the week.
Yeah they are. I'm so happy that now as a regular I have Mondays off
@@PostalReptiles good for you! We have someone coming on board as a transfer. Good job, keep with it! I got retirement soon!
Had a pickup for a backup. But that Taurus looks like it would work for my route!
12 years ago my RCA academy teacher drove nothing but pickups. He used nothing but Ford Rangers on the route and loved them. Taurus works great as a back up! So much less stressful when the inevitable vehicle repairs happen and you have a back up one to use
@@PostalReptiles good to have a backup! I miss my radio and personal car now that my route has a llv. Great for fall, winter, and spring, but miss my air conditioning in the summer! Great outdoor job!
@@randyduyck6254 We are told we are on the list to get those new rhd metris vans. I'll miss the EMA but at least they have a radio and AC! I feel for you driving one of the old LLVs. We have 4 in our office for 2 city routes. They need 4 for 2 routes because they are always needing repairs lol.
@@PostalReptiles yeah it rattles a bit. Thankfully it's a 20 mile route with a lot of cbus. My old route was 70 with a lot of hills and hwy driving. The last pov will get metris soon!
Only downside to Taurus' is the transmissions are known to be pretty weak. I'm on the prehire list to be an RCA and I've been looking around at vehicles. Like you said, most of the ones with bench seats are long gone, and I've read where it's getting difficult to even use sedans anymore, due to all of the Amazon packages. I've been looking at Honda Elements, but even those are rare without 200k miles on them already.
I have a coworker who uses a Honda Element with a rhd kit installed and she really likes it. Been using it for years.
I always hear about taurus transmissions being bad, but I've never had tranny problems with any of the four I have owned. knock on wood,. But I change the transmission fluid every year and add a bottle of lucas transmission fix in at every change. No problems yet! I agree though, sedans won't cut it these days with the amazon packages on most routes. BUT, some offices don't have amazon anymore so might be good enough for some. If you can find a taurus station wagon then it's plenty of room.
Good luck to you, if you like the job I would highly recommend finding a rhd or installing a rhd kit. Makes the job a lot nicer and much easier on the body
I'd jump all over this although winter scares me. I need a truck that has this
Crv with 4wd work great too and can straddled just like this car!
Now that automatic transmission is finally becoming widespread in my country, I guess it won't take long for some random folks trying to drive that way and pretend they weren't driving if they're stopped by the police.
I have a 2007 Honda civic and just accepted an RCA position at a busy office. The offer didn't specify vehicle requirement so I'm hoping they provide an LLV.
If you end up having to have a POV you could always sell the Civic for a Honda crv. They do well on the route! You might be lucky though, more and more offices are getting those new Mercedes vans. Maybe you'll be in one of those or a llv
I'm going to start driving soon. Part time 1 day a week. Going to be tricky. It won't be worth me ivnevesting in all of this stuff for only part time work.
That looks so unreasonable safety-wise. I don't know how does USPS drivers get away with this.
Yeah it blew my mind at first too. Only USPS carriers are allowed to drive like this, and don't have to wear a seatbelt while doing so. Once you get the hang out of it though it really is no different than driving normally, just with the other foot and only one hand lol. Driving a factory right hand drive is much nicer for sure though
@@bv344 It's been a month now since you posted this...how are things going now? I like to say that this job is easy to do, but difficult to learn. It takes awhile to get the hang of it, and get your own groove down. Takes some people longer than others but it will come with time. Practice makes perfect. Good luck
@@bv344 aww poor baby
Y’all make UPS look like Gods
I mean with u s ps having so much money d k why they don’t provide a safe vehicle
Because GOP congress constantly shist on them.
And I'm saying that as a Republican.
@@captainseyepatch3879 As a Republican who works with USPS I agree. Its bullshit.
They pay a dollar more then cca an give vehicle allowance though.People never save there money you can make mad profit from the allowance.
Here it is 2022 and I really hate to say it but I don't see safety being there idea of getting the mail delivered.
Hmmm. I just can’t understand why USPS can’t provide an LLV to everyone? There’s like a billion of them out there ya know? Now I have to find a car that will work even though I have a great car that I love and is paid for (2018 VW GTI with a manual)
Can I drive my GTI? Will everything fit
I don't know if you would be able to without putting a right hand drive conversion kit in, or at least the pedals because I imagine a GTI having a center console. As for will everything fit, that really depends on the route and whether or not the post office is delivering the Amazon packages in the area or Amazon themselves. GTI would be way too small for my route, because I get way too many Amazon packages.
They should not make you have to do that they should provide right hand side for you
Where do you put your spurs?
When I use this vehicle my Spurs go in a tray right behind the driver seat on the left side. So I can just reach behind and grab them with ease. In my right hand drive setup I have enough room on the bench for a tray of Spurs
You drive from passenger side?
Yes sir. Got to, unless you have a right hand drive vehicle
Is driving like that legal?
Yes it is legal for rural carriers to deliver mail like that. As long as you are on the route between your first box and your last box it is fully legal. It's also fully legal for you not to wear your seatbelt when you're delivering like this
Is it just me or is this job ridiculous as hell? This seems very hazardous!
Do you still work this job?
Sure do! Still have this car as my back up too. Matter of fact, I'm driving it on the route today 😃
@@PostalReptiles That’s great because of your video that’s what I’m looking for now I just took the job I start next week I’m nervous I’ve never had a driving job always been in medical field so it’s something new and I’m scared to death to start something new but it it’s way more than a paramedic ,, so here I am
@@75thteaster54 congrats on the new job! This is the hardest time of year to start, so don't be discouraged. The packages do die down significantly in the summertime. I always like to say that it's a very difficult job to learn, but an easy job to do
You just need to get your own routine down and way of handling the mail. The Taurus will be a good starter vehicle, and if you can find a a wagon even better for more package room. They say every route will have postal right hand drive van a couple years. We will see.
It's a good job though, and when you go full-time the benefits are even better. Best of luck let me know if you have any questions at all or need any advice whatsoever
@@PostalReptiles so far the pay is real good I will say that I’m able to buy stuff without even thinking about it now at this rate I’ll be able to get this new truck I’ve always wanted but by god do you work for it they work the hell out of ya it’s really an enslavement camp lol seriously they don’t care either.. sleep what’s that get to work buddy …I found a Honda car-v it was a 05 rhd conversation with 160,000 miles I paid 4,000 i probably overpaid but it’s nice I cldnt find a Taurus and trust me I looked but anyway thanks buddy have a good one
@@75thteaster54 that's great man. CRVs work awesome on the route and are very reliable. You are right, they don't give a rat's ass about us but the pay makes up for it most of the time. I don't know about you but I've been working 6 days a week for a few months now because we don't have any rcas. The one RCA we do have is working 6 days a week and 7 days a week every other week. Craziness. Good luck brother. The pay gets better once your full time, but you'll continue working hard for it
I rather use a cybertruck and have it drive itself.
Haha before we know it we will be replaced by drones, flying off from the cyber truck
You cant be a Ford man, wish they made a factory RHD, got a couples jeeps and all I do is work on them, no surprise, I never have to touch my Fords....
I have always loved my Fords. Especially Tauruses. I do have a special place in my heart for my right hand drive jeep, but I think that's mostly because it's right hand drive haha. Ever since getting my Toyota Hilux surf, I have become a Toyota man. The thing has not given me a single issue yet and drives like a dream
Also, I have looked many times for a right hand drive Ford Taurus station wagon. If I ever find one, I surely will be buying it
Right hand drive is easier.
Most definitely. My daily driver is a factory rhd, but I used a taurus for years when I first started and still have this one as my back up. Great starter vehicle and back up
Looks hard to drive.
How is this even legal? The average person would get a ticket for driving like this.
You are correct. Only mail carriers are allowed to drive like this legally. I agree though, it is kind of messed up lol
This ford is not fuel economic u could have bought newer korean car like kia carens or hatchback hyundai i30 or even tuscon
Do they have a center console? Finding a vehicle without a center console is getting harder and harder. And factory right hand drives are very expensive and there are a lot of stupid importing laws. I stand by what I said, I think the Ford Taurus is the best car without a center console that can be driven on the mail route, especially for beginners that are unsure if they're going to like the job or not