What will you do?
You check that a delivery is complete, sort mail and parcels by destination and plan your route according to the delivery instructions. You drive a vehicle, distribute documents into letterboxes and hand over mail and parcels after checking identity, returning undelivered items to the right service. The job is also known as postman, mail deliverer or parcel courier.
- Check that the delivery is complete and correct
- Sort mail and parcels by destination
- Plan your route according to the delivery instructions
- Drive your vehicle and distribute documents into letterboxes
- Hand over mail and parcels after checking identity
- Return undelivered items to the right service
- Register the delivery data
Skills to develop
- Physical stamina for lifting, carrying and a full round
- A friendly, customer-focused attitude
- Accuracy in sorting and registering deliveries
- A good sense of orientation for planning routes
Your foundation for this occupation
Postal and parcel work starts with accurate sorting before you leave the depot. Learn house and apartment numbers, route changes and different mail services. The employer trains you in scanners and delivery procedures. Motorised rounds require the appropriate licence; cycle rounds bring different equipment and physical demands.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Practise preparing one neighbourhood in delivery order. Separate special items and check incomplete addresses. Distinguish ordinary letterbox mail, parcels and items requiring receipt or identity checks. Recognising a name is not the same as confirming that someone may receive a restricted item.
Check your work
Check return reasons and scan records before closing the round. Report unsafe access, damaged letterboxes and incorrect route data. A correctly recorded unsuccessful delivery is better than a false delivery status. Protect mail and address information during breaks and when equipment is unattended.
How can you grow?
Reliable processing and local knowledge can lead to covering multiple rounds, supporting new colleagues or sorting and team coordination. Establish whether the role mainly involves letters, parcels or both: walking distances, loads and work organisation differ considerably.
Frequently asked questions
How does a postal round differ from parcel delivery?
A postal round often combines many short stops with careful advance sorting. Parcels require more loading space and doorstep contact. Ask about the actual mix, transport and procedures for registered or other special items.