There are a wide variety of USPS jobs, most of which are highly sought-after since they offer good pay and benefits.
So what about Tractor Trailer Operators- is it another good job for USPS, and what are the duties and pay like?
Key Takeaways
Tractor Trailer Operator USPS In 2022
USPS Tractor Trailer Operators are responsible for operating heavy-duty tractor-trailers in over-the-road service, city shuttle service, or trailer spotting operations. Tractor Trailer Operators with USPS make an average salary of $59,243 per year, with hourly pay ranging from $22.26 to $29.97 per hour. It seems to be a relatively good job, with an overall rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on Indeed’s page for reviewing employers.
If you’re considering becoming a Tractor Trailer Operator with USPS or want to know more about the pay, duties, and schedule for Tractor Trailer Operators, be sure to check out the rest of the article!
What Is The Job Description For USPS Tractor Trailer Operators?
A job description for any position typically includes a summary of the essential responsibilities, activities, qualifications, skills, and benefits afforded for a given role.
Like most USPS jobs, the most accurate and updated job description will only be available on the internal job board USPS uses, called eCareers, which you can access and learn more about here.
That being said, however, there are some recent postings for Tractor Trailer Operators for USPS on some external job sites, so I was able to gather some information on the responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits for the job.
The responsibilities listed for USPS Tractor Trailer Operators are as follows:
- Regularly operates a heavy-duty tractor-trailer either in over-the-road service, city shuttle service, or trailer spotting
- Operates a tractor-trailer in conformity with time schedules and in accordance with instructions regarding the route
- Picks up and delivers bulk quantities of mail at postal installations, mailing concerns, railroad mail facilities, and airports
- Ascertains condition of tractor-trailer prior to leaving and returning to the garage, notes defects and mechanical failures in the course of the trip
- Makes decisions respecting changes in route in an emergency;
- Makes emergency decisions respecting loading mail or leaving it for a later trip
- In addition, may prepare daily trip reports; make minor repairs or adjustments to the vehicle in emergencies; load and unload mail; perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor
In addition to the key responsibilities, the job description provides a list of qualifications as well:
- CDL REQUIRED: Applicants must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) from the state in which they live
- Applicants must have a safe driving record, and at least two years of unsupervised experience driving passenger cars or larger vehicles and one year of full-time unsupervised experience (or equivalent) driving a 7-ton or larger truck, tractor-trailer, or a 16-passenger or larger bus
- The driving must have taken place in the U.S. or its possessions or territories or in U.S in the past 10 years and the applicant must have completed a Driving Notification and Compliance Certificate
- Applicants must be drug-free, which requires information from previous employers on the positive alcohol or drug tests and refusal to be tested within the prior two years
- TTO positions require a Class A Commercial Drivers’ License
- All U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent resident aliens, citizens of American Samoa or other territory owing permanent allegiance must undergo and pass the Inspection Service criminal background check
- The Inspection Service criminal background check is conducted using United States information resources only and involves a 5-year inquiry for any location where the individual has resided, worked or gone to school within the United States or its territories
- Applicants must have two-years of general driving experience with at least one-year full time, or equivalent, of driving 7-ton trucks or buses of 16 passengers or over
- Experience and training must show the ability to perform the duties of the position
- Applicants for these positions must complete an Assessment Questionnaire
- Applicants must be physically able to perform efficiently the duties of the position
- At the time of appointment, applicants must have a valid commercial driver’s license from the state in which they live with air brakes certification for the types of vehicles used on the job; applicants must also demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record
- Applicants selected under this qualification standard must successfully complete the required Vehicle Familiarization and Safe Operation training, including demonstration of the ability to safely drive a vehicle of the type used on the job
- Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service’s requirement to be drug free
- Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status
Is Being A Tractor Trailer Operator For USPS A Good Job?
The idea of a good job is something that’s subjective, however for the most part a good job is a job that’s considered to pay well, have a good schedule, positive workplace environment, have competent management, and opportunities for promotions and advancement.
While it’s difficult to tell all of this about a job without first working there, many sites have surfaced that specialize in providing this kind of information.
Indeed is one such site, which has created rating systems and pages for many employers so you can see how different aspects of the job stack up with reviews from real employees.
Indeed’s site on USPS can be found here, and details many of the pros and cons about the job.
Overall, USPS Tractor Trailer Operators have a 3.4 out of 5 star rating, which isn’t half bad.
The best rated areas are compensation/benefits and job security/advancement, whereas the worst rated areas are management and work/life balance.
What Are The Hours For USPS Tractor Trailer Operators?
While there doesn’t seem to be much information online about regular shifts, the general consensus seems to be that Tractor Trailer Operators work quite a bit.
According to some former employees on the USPS Reddit page, Tractor Trailer Operators work on rotating shifts and days off that can differ each week and are subject to change, since it’s not uncommon for you to be asked to come in early or stay late.
A sample schedule given was to expect to work Monday from 10 am to 7 pm, return Tuesday at 3 am and work to 11:30 am, work the same shift on Wednesday, and then have Thursday off.
Then you can expect to work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on varying shifts.
All of this is conjecture, however, and only based on one person’s experience- the only consistent piece of information out there about the schedule for USPS Tractor Trailer Operators is that the schedules are always changing!
How Much Do USPS Tractor Trailer Operators Get Paid?
While the amount you get paid will vary depending on your experience and how critical you are to the post office you’re working at, the general hourly range for USPS Tractor Trailer Operators is somewhere between $22.26 and $29.97 per hour.
You will typically be asked to work 40+ hours a week and can expect to receive overtime pay as well, so this is a particularly highly paid job at the post office.
The average yearly salary according to Indeed is $59,243 per year.
To know more about USPS, you can also see our posts on whether or not USPS delivers to door, if USPS truck has cameras, and USPS delivery instructions.
Conclusion
USPS Tractor Trailer Operators are responsible for operating heavy-duty tractor-trailers in over-the-road service, city shuttle service, or trailer spotting operations.
They are one of the best paid positions at USPS, with an average yearly salary of $59,243 per year and hourly pay ranging from around $22 to up to around $30 per hour.
The schedule for Tractor Trailer Operators with USPS tends to vary wildly week to week, but the most consistent aspects of the schedule is that you’ll work 40 or more hours a week and have 1 to 2 days off depending on seniority.
Being a Tractor Trailer Operator for USPS seems to be regarded as a pretty good job, with great pay, benefits, job security, and advancement opportunities, but needing some work as far as management and work/life balance goes.