Get Ruralinfo Knowledge Base

RCAs cover for full-time career Rural Carriers when the full-timer is out due to sick leave, vacation leave, days off, etc. Depending upon the size of the facility and the number of full-time Rural Carriers based there, an RCA might work anywhere from only one or two days a week up to over 40 hours a week.

The work can be demanding—but also rewarding. Becoming an RCA is the first step on the path to becoming a full-time, regular rural carrier with full benefits, since RCAs are eligible to bid for these positions after 1 year of continuous service.

As an RCA you can work as little as 1 day week or 60+hours a week, 7 days a week, sometimes with 10-30 days in a row without a day off... without being considered full time. You earn no PTO and have little to no benefits.

Depending upon the size of the facility and the number of full-time Rural Carriers based there, an RCA might work anywhere from only one or two days a week up to over 40 hours a week.

The Standard Training for Rural Letter Carriers program, course #10024378, is a combination of training including; DDC-USPS RHD & Delivery Vehicle eLearning and CD, #43601-06, 4 hours; USPS Defensive Driver Course Debrief, #43601-06CL, 1 hour, an 8-hour shadow day, four days of classroom instruction, and three days of ...

Variable Work Hours Work hours will vary depending on the office and route to which you are assigned. You must be willing to work weekends and some holidays and be available for on-call employment. You may be assigned to other carriers' routes, increasing the number of hours you work.

They are paid on the basis of actual hours worked if their weekly hours are in excess of forty (40), or whenever they are serving as auxiliary assistants. They receive no 'daily' overtime. They receive 'weekly' overtime over 40 hours. Examples: Joe Carrier is an RCA.