Im just blown away that MANY carriers are driving around like this all day while carefully getting close to mailboxes and avoiding lunatics wanting to pass you ASAP. Kudos. I was ready to accept job offer but Im not investing in another car...and then driving like this or paying for some $$$ install. Great video!
@@VWhiteJr ive noticed quite a few in my area now use usps vans instead of pov. I wish the post office wld be clear in the job listings instead of "this position may require personal vehicle." Seems like it wld really help with finding quality applicants who want to do the job. Ive driven rural routes for years with Fedex and they are my favorite.
They stress safety but they will let you sit in the middle to deliver the mail... A couple people at my office do this but I never would. Especially on the route I’m on. I just dished up for the conversion kit and mail tray for my Jeep. I’m safer and faster.
I wish cars had the bench seats and column shifter like in the past with these still. A real old one I can think of that could be good for shorter people is the Chevrolet Corsica. A subcompact sedan with this similar setup (has column shift but no counsel or bench).
I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. I took out the back bench seat and the two middle seats. I also put a board across my front two seats and I sit on that while driving. I don’t usually case my DPS, that goes on my left side. My cased flats go on my right side, small packages go on my dash in order. I have a lot of room for my large amazon packages in the back.
This is exactly how I was gonna do it. I have a 2002 Pontiac montana aka Chevy Venture. I start tomorrow, getting a board to lay across the seat. Removing all the rear seats. Used to be a city carrier for 14 yrs. Been gone 11 yrs and now I'm back for the contract rural route with half being cluster boxes. I left the P.O. in 2007 at 51k a year, the contractor is paying me 45k plus mileage, tires and oil change, uniform shirt. Couldn't turn that down. Thanks for sharing your experience Vince. Do either of u have a beacon on top of your vehicle or you just use your flashers?
B U It’s not hard for me because I’m 6 feet tall. With your height, I wouldn’t recommend straddling because it’d be too hard to stretch, drive, and reach the boxes at the same time. It’d be best for you to get something RHD/converted.
The postal service never ceases to amaze me on how scummy management is towards their employees. They PREACH safety as if Jesus himself were the Postmaster General but they don't do it for the employee's sake. It's to cover their own ass from having to be liable in the slightest degree for ANYTHING that could possibly go wrong. The very fact that this guy has to drive 50 MILES!!! day like that!!!....straddling and stretching to reach his pedals IS NOT SAFE or comfortable or healthy for any driver but it's certainly OK for the postal service to abuse him like that as long as he is blameable for when an accident or personal injury happens. The postal service is broke and they resort to unrealistic regulations which they know none of their carriers comply with 100% consistency but as long as the postal service can throw the responsibility of the "cost of business" onto their employees .. .. well that's all that matters to them. Worse comes to worse they just fire you xx Like 20 years of service meant absolutely nothing vs making one or two innocent mistakes that EVERY carrier makes on the daily because of the impossible standards USPS sets but you just so happen to be the unlucky one that get's caught or winds up injured or gets the wrath of big brother.... you … are … outtta there!!!!! and completely replaceable by a new sucker/hire whom they pay less for and treat like a 2nd class citizen. The post office should be ashamed that employees like this have to drive an entire route like that! It's absolutely ridiculous. They're the 2nd largest employer in the damned country!
My guy he is fucking lucky, i just attempted that in my car, my fcking middle compartment is in the waay so i can't even reachh lol ontop of that im driving a fucking stick LOL I was hoping it would be do able but i can't even reach loool His car is just a 3 fused seat, I say hes lucky ass hell to have a car like that tbh. I can deal with driving on that side of the seat too if i had that type of seat but wows.
More offices have the Mercedes right-hand-drive delivery vans now. I don’t know if the office you’re going to has them, but if they don’t, you should be able to find a POV that’s already converted, if you’ll still need one.
Try to find a late 1980's Chevrolet Corsica. (Even earlier in the beginning 80s was the Chevrolet Celebrity). They were subcompact sedans with the void in the middle and column shifter.
shortstoppin20 I don't think they will. I've seen people with the small two-door Jeep Wranglers delivering mail. They have less interior space than the Cube. You can fold the rear seats down to create more space.
I like your car. I do not mind MPG in the favour of convenient and reliability. I am wondering if I could use Grabber to put mails in mail box on left hand drive car. Any thoughts?
I have a 2004 ford taurus and want to get a right sided rig soon just waiting. The guy I talked to, from the east, said conversion kits are ridiculous in the US. Not sure if that's true. Pretty nervous straddling my taurus with a bench. I'm 5'8"
From what I’ve seen, conversion kits cost around $1.5-2k. Then you have to pay someone to install it. It’s worth trying it the cheap way and straddling. I think you’re tall enough to do it. Practice and see how it feels. It’ll be weird at first, but you’ll get used to it.
I got hired as an RCA but how the heck am I suppose to drive on the right side of an 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander ? I’m 5’3 so as u see I’m short ..Do they test to see if you can drive right side in your own car ?Do us as RCA sort out the mail before we receive the mail ? How long is orientation and what all is discuss and what do u do on the shadow days ?
You may have take out the center console. I don’t think they test you driving your car. They didn’t test my POV. They’ll definitely train you to drive the postal vehicles, though. Yes, you have to case your own mail. Orientation/Academy is about a week long. They show what to do and how to handle all different types of mail. On your shadow day, you’ll just follow the person that you’ll sub under. They show you how it’s done in the office and you get to ride along with them on the route.
So who is liable if you get into a car accident driving from the passenger side? Also why dont they just let you use their mail truck so you dont have to worry about putting your life or someone elses at risk
RealNews The carrier would still be liable. I’d say that most people have RHD vehicles. There’s not enough mail trucks to go around. If there’s one available, they may let you use it.
It’ll definitely feel like it’s too small during this Christmas season, but most vehicles won’t fit everything during the busy time. I think you can still use it. You’ll just probably have to make a few trips.
It did right before the intake manifold busted. It’s hard to say if that’s from the stopping and going. The car had 296k miles on it when that happened.
I am a RCA driving a 2004 ford Taurus on route so a similar sized car to yours. Do you find yourself having to do several trips now that we have the Amazon contract? I am about ready to break down a get something else but can't find anything new that would work short of a cargo van. Everything these days has a center council. I am not too keen on the idea of spending 1500-2000 dollars on a conversion kit.
Joseph Doran No, the routes I do doesn't get that many parcels. It's only the really big ones that won't fit. Those are the ones that I give to someone that has an LLV/mail truck. You could get a used pickup truck like a Ford Ranger or a Chevy S10 with a bed cover.
I am in the process of applying for a rural route driver. I am excited but also a little leery. I am surprised you are doing that job with such a fuel consuming vehicle because it's more money out of your pocket ultimately. I have a prius but there is NO way I can do that straddle driving as I have a center console. I will most likely get an f150 or explorer and build some rhd controls. (seems easy enough as I am a mechanic). It really seems like an enjoyable job though.
Justin S It’s a very enjoyable job, for the most part. Sometimes, it burns a half a tank of gas on the route, but most of the time, it only burns between 1/4 and 1/2 a tank.
I also drive like this in an 03 Honda pilot. I've been an rca for 2 years now. Do you experience back pain.? This is a major downside for me. And I'm very close to having to get a different vehicle that can be converted, since the pilot can't be converted(at least the model I have anyway)
Travis Croft I do sometimes and get cramps sometimes too. It usually goes away when I get out and stretch when I have a package or something to get out for.
OKLA I'm basically sitting all the way over in the passenger seat. I sit my trays of mail to the left of me in the driver seat. What kind of vehicle will you be using?
OKLA My coworker uses a Ford Ranger. Anything will work that doesn't have a console in the middle. It's better to have a bench seat so you can stretch across. Some people can deliver out of cars with a console depending on how it's setup. I work around 5 days a week. You can call other offices when you're off to see if they need any carrier help.
I've worked a couple of days now. It's been pretty brutal. My PO cases our DPS so I don't get out til like 1030. My route has 700 stops and I had 9 trays of mail on a saturday while other routes had 3. Driving from the right in a regular cab truck was hell on a 6'1'' guy. Needless to say I am pooped!
OKLA It'll get better. I had 8 trays of mail yesterday. I put my small parcels that fit in the box with the mail because it's a lot easier for me that way. That's what makes me have more trays. Everybody else lines their small parcels (spurs) up in separate trays, so they don't have as many mail trays. I case my DPS too. It just takes time for you to get a good hang of it.
If you have a truck, it has to be covered, so you can’t put the mail in the bed without a camper shell or bed cover to go over it. You gotta have car insurance too, although they may not check.
Clarissa Epps That’s more for city carriers. I don’t know if there’s any walking rural routes. I imagine that walking on a rural route would take too much time.
Vince, what up man! Hey realistically how many packages/sprs do you handle per day? These clowns on here all exaggerate, "ya I do 500 packages and I have to walk" you know that bull. But u seem like a straight shooter.
Right now, during the holiday season, it’s from 110-190 scans. It can be more, but at my office, we get parcel help. That’s mixed with big packages and spurs. 500 a day is hard to believe. I guess it’s possible, but that would mean they’re making several trips and working super long hours with not enough relief help.
No LLVs! Ugh! I think my PM is kind of clueless. Im trying to go to another office because i really enjoy the job just not these ridiculous routes. City has 10,000 people we only have 5 Rural Carrier routes.
Ive volunteered in offices that make you deliver like this... Won't ever do it again. Not even if I'm starving. Im not even bad at it, just can't stand it!
@@VWhiteJr I know , other pro is that vehicle is very reliable,tell me how big that town/city how many hours they give you a week?what you think what is better CCA or rca?
Borivoje zyma I’m in Edmond, OK now as a Regular. There’s 94 rural routes here, so it’s better to go RCA than CCA. It took me about 2.5 years to go regular.
Vince White Umm...don’t think she meant driving in reverse. Lol. She meant pulling down your case the opposite way then driving on the driver’s side (which is dangerous because you’re driving into oncoming traffic.)
Im just blown away that MANY carriers are driving around like this all day while carefully getting close to mailboxes and avoiding lunatics wanting to pass you ASAP.
Kudos. I was ready to accept job offer but Im not investing in another car...and then driving like this or paying for some $$$ install. Great video!
Thanks, I don’t blame you. Many POV routes have gotten Mercedes postal vans now, so a lot of locations shouldn’t require you to have a POV.
@@VWhiteJr ive noticed quite a few in my area now use usps vans instead of pov. I wish the post office wld be clear in the job listings instead of "this position may require personal vehicle." Seems like it wld really help with finding quality applicants who want to do the job. Ive driven rural routes for years with Fedex and they are my favorite.
Just took my test this morning. Fingers crossed!
Swelldrew I hope you did well.
@@VWhiteJr i did. I actually got the job. Now I'm looking into a crown Victoria.
Swelldrew That’s good. Those are sturdy, well-built cars that has affordable parts.
They stress safety but they will let you sit in the middle to deliver the mail... A couple people at my office do this but I never would. Especially on the route I’m on. I just dished up for the conversion kit and mail tray for my Jeep. I’m safer and faster.
J.R Yeah, thousands of carriers across the country still straddle. It’s not ideal, but it works.
@@VWhiteJr I looked this video up to see of people still straddle lol.
Sherlock Moans They definitely do.
Thanks, Vince!
I wish cars had the bench seats and column shifter like in the past with these still. A real old one I can think of that could be good for shorter people is the Chevrolet Corsica. A subcompact sedan with this similar setup (has column shift but no counsel or bench).
I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. I took out the back bench seat and the two middle seats. I also put a board across my front two seats and I sit on that while driving. I don’t usually case my DPS, that goes on my left side. My cased flats go on my right side, small packages go on my dash in order. I have a lot of room for my large amazon packages in the back.
Shanplus3 Sounds like a good way to go.
is it hard for you to reach out of the window? I'm only 5ft tall so I'm concerned about being able to reach or straining so much that I hurt my back.
This is exactly how I was gonna do it. I have a 2002 Pontiac montana aka Chevy Venture. I start tomorrow, getting a board to lay across the seat. Removing all the rear seats. Used to be a city carrier for 14 yrs. Been gone 11 yrs and now I'm back for the contract rural route with half being cluster boxes. I left the P.O. in 2007 at 51k a year, the contractor is paying me 45k plus mileage, tires and oil change, uniform shirt. Couldn't turn that down. Thanks for sharing your experience Vince. Do either of u have a beacon on top of your vehicle or you just use your flashers?
B U It’s not hard for me because I’m 6 feet tall. With your height, I wouldn’t recommend straddling because it’d be too hard to stretch, drive, and reach the boxes at the same time. It’d be best for you to get something RHD/converted.
Watermelondrea I use a flasher that I plug into the 12-volt.
The postal service never ceases to amaze me on how scummy management is towards their employees. They PREACH safety as if Jesus himself were the Postmaster General but they don't do it for the employee's sake. It's to cover their own ass from having to be liable in the slightest degree for ANYTHING that could possibly go wrong. The very fact that this guy has to drive 50 MILES!!! day like that!!!....straddling and stretching to reach his pedals IS NOT SAFE or comfortable or healthy for any driver but it's certainly OK for the postal service to abuse him like that as long as he is blameable for when an accident or personal injury happens. The postal service is broke and they resort to unrealistic regulations which they know none of their carriers comply with 100% consistency but as long as the postal service can throw the responsibility of the "cost of business" onto their employees .. .. well that's all that matters to them. Worse comes to worse they just fire you xx Like 20 years of service meant absolutely nothing vs making one or two innocent mistakes that EVERY carrier makes on the daily because of the impossible standards USPS sets but you just so happen to be the unlucky one that get's caught or winds up injured or gets the wrath of big brother.... you … are … outtta there!!!!! and completely replaceable by a new sucker/hire whom they pay less for and treat like a 2nd class citizen.
The post office should be ashamed that employees like this have to drive an entire route like that! It's absolutely ridiculous. They're the 2nd largest employer in the damned country!
My guy he is fucking lucky, i just attempted that in my car, my fcking middle compartment is in the waay so i can't even reachh lol ontop of that im driving a fucking stick LOL
I was hoping it would be do able but i can't even reach loool
His car is just a 3 fused seat, I say hes lucky ass hell to have a car like that tbh. I can deal with driving on that side of the seat too if i had that type of seat but wows.
thanks man! i have a lincoln town car 1993 that I am considering using as an RCA, so your video was pretty much perfect for me hahah
Wes Barvainis Yeah, it can definitely be done.
Your video has been immensely helpful. Thank you!
You’re welcome.
Thank you Vince, you are a true champion
Thanks for the video. I got the job offer but after seeing this and being 4’10” short I don’t think I can drive like this.
More offices have the Mercedes right-hand-drive delivery vans now. I don’t know if the office you’re going to has them, but if they don’t, you should be able to find a POV that’s already converted, if you’ll still need one.
Try to find a late 1980's Chevrolet Corsica. (Even earlier in the beginning 80s was the Chevrolet Celebrity). They were subcompact sedans with the void in the middle and column shifter.
Screw that.
Roberto Martinez Gotta do what you gotta do lol.
I built my own right hand drive system for my 2020 crv, never wanna side saddle again
I definitely couldn’t do it now, if I had to go back to it.
I seen your videos for Huntsville and Hazel green. Im starting my job as a RCA in Madison. I have a ton of questions for you!
K S Whatcha got?
I'm thinking of running a dodge Durango Because of the roads are ruff
Evan Dckens I know two people that used to use a Durango on their routes.
thanks needed to see that
shortstoppin20 You're welcome, I'm glad it helped.
I have a job interview can they deny me if they feel like my car is not big enough.... I have a Nissan cube
shortstoppin20 I don't think they will. I've seen people with the small two-door Jeep Wranglers delivering mail. They have less interior space than the Cube. You can fold the rear seats down to create more space.
I like your car. I do not mind MPG in the favour of convenient and reliability.
I am wondering if I could use Grabber to put mails in mail box on left hand drive car.
Any thoughts?
Do they post offer car service for you car
No, it’s on us to keep up with the maintenance. They pay us mileage for that.
I have a 2004 ford taurus and want to get a right sided rig soon just waiting. The guy I talked to, from the east, said conversion kits are ridiculous in the US. Not sure if that's true. Pretty nervous straddling my taurus with a bench. I'm 5'8"
From what I’ve seen, conversion kits cost around $1.5-2k. Then you have to pay someone to install it. It’s worth trying it the cheap way and straddling. I think you’re tall enough to do it. Practice and see how it feels. It’ll be weird at first, but you’ll get used to it.
Can you bring someone to help you drive as you put the mail in the boxes?
Azombie2 No, you can’t do that.
Do you get reimburse for the gas?
Nina Meas Yes.
I got hired as an RCA but how the heck am I suppose to drive on the right side of an 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander ? I’m 5’3 so as u see I’m short ..Do they test to see if you can drive right side in your own car ?Do us as RCA sort out the mail before we receive the mail ? How long is orientation and what all is discuss and what do u do on the shadow days ?
You may have take out the center console.
I don’t think they test you driving your car. They didn’t test my POV. They’ll definitely train you to drive the postal vehicles, though.
Yes, you have to case your own mail. Orientation/Academy is about a week long. They show what to do and how to handle all different types of mail.
On your shadow day, you’ll just follow the person that you’ll sub under. They show you how it’s done in the office and you get to ride along with them on the route.
So who is liable if you get into a car accident driving from the passenger side? Also why dont they just let you use their mail truck so you dont have to worry about putting your life or someone elses at risk
RealNews The carrier would still be liable. I’d say that most people have RHD vehicles. There’s not enough mail trucks to go around. If there’s one available, they may let you use it.
Passenger vehicle is not built for 700 + stops 306 days a year.
You’re right, I don’t think any vehicles are meant for that, other than an LLV.
You still working there man? Btw great video! It helps a lot.
I am, but I’m using a Chevy Silverado now.
Nice video.. so I have a 2015 fusion you think I can use it or is it to small
It’ll definitely feel like it’s too small during this Christmas season, but most vehicles won’t fit everything during the busy time. I think you can still use it. You’ll just probably have to make a few trips.
Whats the most miles you ever drove while being an RCA?
Nina Meas In a day, around 70.
Has your vehicle ever overheated from the stop and go's?
It did right before the intake manifold busted. It’s hard to say if that’s from the stopping and going. The car had 296k miles on it when that happened.
I am a RCA driving a 2004 ford Taurus on route so a similar sized car to yours. Do you find yourself having to do several trips now that we have the Amazon contract? I am about ready to break down a get something else but can't find anything new that would work short of a cargo van. Everything these days has a center council. I am not too keen on the idea of spending 1500-2000 dollars on a conversion kit.
Joseph Doran No, the routes I do doesn't get that many parcels. It's only the really big ones that won't fit. Those are the ones that I give to someone that has an LLV/mail truck. You could get a used pickup truck like a Ford Ranger or a Chevy S10 with a bed cover.
I am in the process of applying for a rural route driver. I am excited but also a little leery. I am surprised you are doing that job with such a fuel consuming vehicle because it's more money out of your pocket ultimately. I have a prius but there is NO way I can do that straddle driving as I have a center console. I will most likely get an f150 or explorer and build some rhd controls. (seems easy enough as I am a mechanic). It really seems like an enjoyable job though.
Justin S It’s a very enjoyable job, for the most part. Sometimes, it burns a half a tank of gas on the route, but most of the time, it only burns between 1/4 and 1/2 a tank.
I also drive like this in an 03 Honda pilot. I've been an rca for 2 years now. Do you experience back pain.? This is a major downside for me. And I'm very close to having to get a different vehicle that can be converted, since the pilot can't be converted(at least the model I have anyway)
Travis Croft I do sometimes and get cramps sometimes too. It usually goes away when I get out and stretch when I have a package or something to get out for.
In order to do this do you already have to be working for the post office? If not how do I apply for this ? Thanks.
CryptoTrucker Yes, you have to be employed with the postal service. Go to usps.com, careers, select your state, and apply to RCA.
Okay so you are sitting in the middle, where are you putting your letter tray. I'm a new RCA, contemplating on a conversion kit.
OKLA I'm basically sitting all the way over in the passenger seat. I sit my trays of mail to the left of me in the driver seat. What kind of vehicle will you be using?
I've got a gmc sierra with a bed cap and or a ford ranger with a camper shell. You're an RCA? How many days are u workin?
OKLA My coworker uses a Ford Ranger. Anything will work that doesn't have a console in the middle. It's better to have a bench seat so you can stretch across. Some people can deliver out of cars with a console depending on how it's setup. I work around 5 days a week. You can call other offices when you're off to see if they need any carrier help.
I've worked a couple of days now. It's been pretty brutal. My PO cases our DPS so I don't get out til like 1030. My route has 700 stops and I had 9 trays of mail on a saturday while other routes had 3. Driving from the right in a regular cab truck was hell on a 6'1'' guy. Needless to say I am pooped!
OKLA It'll get better. I had 8 trays of mail yesterday. I put my small parcels that fit in the box with the mail because it's a lot easier for me that way. That's what makes me have more trays. Everybody else lines their small parcels (spurs) up in separate trays, so they don't have as many mail trays. I case my DPS too. It just takes time for you to get a good hang of it.
Funny how they harp on safety this and safety that.....yet some ppl gotta drive like this
Is this possible with a manual car?
It’s possible but more difficult.
Do they have any requirements In the vechile that you use?
If you have a truck, it has to be covered, so you can’t put the mail in the bed without a camper shell or bed cover to go over it. You gotta have car insurance too, although they may not check.
Do you get extra pay for maintenance?
Yes.
And how would u do taxes on a position like this?
Is walking an option?
Clarissa Epps That’s more for city carriers. I don’t know if there’s any walking rural routes. I imagine that walking on a rural route would take too much time.
R U still a RCA
No, I’m a regular now.
Vince, what up man! Hey realistically how many packages/sprs do you handle per day? These clowns on here all exaggerate, "ya I do 500 packages and I have to walk" you know that bull. But u seem like a straight shooter.
Right now, during the holiday season, it’s from 110-190 scans. It can be more, but at my office, we get parcel help. That’s mixed with big packages and spurs. 500 a day is hard to believe. I guess it’s possible, but that would mean they’re making several trips and working super long hours with not enough relief help.
I was kidding about the 500/day, mocking internet people. Ya like today we had 1400 for the PO and 5 routes. It was a booger!
OKLA Wow, that’s a lot. Are there any LLV’s or are all routes POV routes?
No LLVs! Ugh! I think my PM is kind of clueless. Im trying to go to another office because i really enjoy the job just not these ridiculous routes. City has 10,000 people we only have 5 Rural Carrier routes.
OKLA That sucks.
Ive volunteered in offices that make you deliver like this... Won't ever do it again. Not even if I'm starving. Im not even bad at it, just can't stand it!
Scott Hall Lol it’s not for everybody.
Bad thing is that car use to much gas.
Borivoje zyma I use about a quarter of a tank a day on my 25-mile route. That’s not too bad.
@@VWhiteJr I know , other pro is that vehicle is very reliable,tell me how big that town/city how many hours they give you a week?what you think what is better CCA or rca?
Borivoje zyma I’m in Edmond, OK now as a Regular. There’s 94 rural routes here, so it’s better to go RCA than CCA. It took me about 2.5 years to go regular.
Amazon packages will be hard too fit in that car
Kamala2111 They are a lot of times.
I used my grand marquis ..one of the biggest cars you can really find with the full seat now i use a explorer alot more room
Can't you just pull down in reverse and drive in your seat
Ax Corre No, that's too dangerous. The postal service wants you to minimize backing as much as you can.
Vince White Umm...don’t think she meant driving in reverse. Lol. She meant pulling down your case the opposite way then driving on the driver’s side (which is dangerous because you’re driving into oncoming traffic.)