USPS Exam 421 Window Clerk Practice Questions and Answers

USPS Mission - ANSWER Provide, trusted, affordable, universal 24-Hour Clock - ANSWER Improve effectiveness through standardization & innovation. End-to-end process to ensure mail is Collected, distributed, and delivered. USPS runs on this. Delivery Methods - ANSWER Planes, trucks, cars, boats, bicycles, snow mobiles, mules. APC - ANSWER Automated Postal Centers Automated Postal Centers - ANSWER Self-serve kiosks, commercial retail outlets, banks, ATMs. Mail Arrival Profile - ANSWER Determines operational startup & staffing. CET - ANSWER Critical Entry Time Clearance Time - ANSWER Mail is cleared for dispatch. 18:00 - ANSWER Carriers in from street. 20:00 - ANSWER 80% of collection mail should be cancelled at the P&DC. 23:00 - ANSWER Out of primary processing. 24:00 - ANSWER Secondary Operations Complete 04:00-09:00 - ANSWER Distribute to DDC/DDU 07:00 - ANSWER 100% of DPS 2nd pass complete. Core Responsibility - ANSWER Security, Sanctity, Preserve, Protect - Instills customer confidence, projects positive public image, maintains competitive advantage, protects privacy. PolicyNet - ANSWER Online resource to find handbooks, manuals, publications. Directives - ANSWER Policies, Procedures, Regulations - Effects in four ways: productivity, revenue, legal liability, customer service. DMM - ANSWER Domestic Mail Manual Domestic Mail Manual - ANSWER DMM - Policies, procedures and regulatins for domestic mail. Information on extra services, postage prices, mail classes. IMM - ANSWER International Mail Manual International Mail Manual - ANSWER IMM - Mailing conditions for each country, also includes a list of countries. ASM - ANSWER Adminstrative Support Manual Administrative Support Manual - ANSWER Policies, procedures for adminstrative and support functions. Information covering audits, investigations, communication, facilities, equipment and privacy. POM - ANSWER Postal Operations Manual Postal Operations Manual - ANSWER Operations function of field organizations. Information regarding retail, philatelic, collection, mail processing, transportation, delivery, vehical operation. ELM - ANSWER Employee & Labor Relations Manual Employee & Labor Relations Manual - ANSWER Personnel policies and regulations. Employee placement, pay, benefits, training, health and environment, labor relations. F101 - ANSWER Field Accounting Procedures AS or MS - ANSWER Handbook ID for Administrative Support Manual (ASM) DM - ANSWER Handbook ID for Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) EL or P - ANSWER Handbook ID for Employee & Labor Relations Manual (ELM) M - ANSWER Handbook ID for Postal Operations Manual (POM) or Administrative Support Manual (ASM) PO - ANSWER Handbook ID for Postal Operations Manual (POM) Publications - ANSWER Primarily for public, marketing and mail guidelines. Postal Bulletin - ANSWER Official source of updates and amendments to current directives. Can be accessed through PolicyNet. Biweekly. Postal Forms - ANSWER Can be searched by title or number. Website also provides links to OPM, GSA, TSH, OSHA, OWCP. Publication 223 - ANSWER Information regarding directives and forms catalog. #1 Business Goal - ANSWER Strengthening customer relationship. Value, Exceptional Service, Reliability - ANSWER Will increase revenue, missed opportunity is missed revenue, quality end-to-end service. Building Customer Relationship - ANSWER Positive attitude, Listening, Communication, Adapting to change, Knowledge of products, Soliciting customer feedback. What the postal service offers - ANSWER Better value, presence in every community, USPS.com, competitive pricing incentives. Shipping Services - ANSWER Priority, Express, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, International Mail Parcel Select - ANSWER Entry points at DDU, SCF, NDC. Optional hold for pickup. Pricing and volume incentives. Parcel Return Service - ANSWER Consumer return merchandise. International Mail - ANSWER Service to over 180 countries. Includes FC, GXG, PM, PMEI. GXG - ANSWER Global Express Guaranteed Global Express Guaranteed - ANSWER 1-3 day delivery. Money-back guarantee to approximately 180 countries. Up to $100 insurance, can purchase additional up to $2499. Dimensions: Weight up to 70 lbs, 46" x 35" x 46", combination length and girth of 108" Priority Mail - ANSWER 1-3 day delivery. Includes tracking. Up to $50 insurance. Flat rate, regional, prepaid pricing. Max weight 70 lbs, max 108" length plus girth. PM subject to Balloon pricing zones 1-4, Dimensional pricing zones 5-8. Priority Mail Express - ANSWER 1-2 days. Money-back guarantee. 365 days a year. Includes proof of delivery signature (if requested), up to $100 insurance, delivery by 3:00pm. Delivery by 10:30am, Sundays, holidays for additional fee. Premier Service of USPS. Mailing Services - ANSWER First Class, Periodicals, Standard, Package Services First Class - ANSWER Up to 13 oz, 2-3 day delivery. Periodicals - ANSWER Newspapers, magazines, journals, newsletters. Standard - ANSWER Printed matter: Flyers, circulars, advertising, newsletters, bulletins, catalogs, small packages. Includes general merchandise such as large/small gifts. Retail only. Media - ANSWER Educations materials: Books, film, manuscripts, CD, DVD Library - ANSWER To/from libraries, schools Bound Printed Matter - ANSWER Permanently bound: catalogs, phone books. BMEU Extra Services - ANSWER Certified, Insurance, Registered, USPS Tracking, Signature Confirmation, Return Receipt Online Services - ANSWER Buy stamps, Track and Confirm, COA, FWD, Holds, schedule redelivery, postage, package pickup, order supplies. Click-N-Ship - ANSWER Ability to print labels with postage, pay postage by CC, calculate and compare rates, standardize and store addresses, find zip codes, purchase insurance. Employee Engagement Programs - ANSWER Identify opportunities. Business Connect/Customer Connect/Rural Connect Package Pickup - ANSWER Schedule online carrier pickup. Pick Up On Demand - ANSWER Schedule a timed pickup for additional fee. USPS Mobile - ANSWER GPS location app for locating USPS facilities. Direct Mail - ANSWER Mailing tool that is cost effective, promotes business, generates sales. EDDM - ANSWER Every Door Direct Mail - 5000 or fewer pieces, must qualify as a flat. Thickness greater than .0007, max 3.3 oz. Must have proper indicia. Postage is paid in advance - cash, check for payment. PS3602-R Every Door Direct Mail - ANSWER Cost-effective way to reach potential customers near your business. Create mailpieces however you like, select postal routes and pay for postage online. Bring your mailing to your local Post Office™ for delivery to every household on chosen routes. 5000 or fewer pieces, must be a flat, thickness min .007", max 3.3 oz. Must have indicia. Postage paid in advance. PS3602-R - Postage Statement. Cash/check for payment. Premium Forwarding Service - ANSWER Fee service offering temporary weekly reshipment services. Length of 2 weeks to one year (6 month renewal). Self-Service Kiosk - ANSWER Located in Post Office lobbies. They are available even when the Post Office counter is closed. Designed to process 80% of transactions. mPOS - ANSWER Mobile Point of Sale Mobile Point of Sale - ANSWER Allows customer service representatives to process many simple transactions away from the Full-Service counter, a strategy known in the retail industry as "line busting." Consists of an Apple iPod Touch, integrated barcode imager/credit card reader, wireless receipt printer and wireless label printer, allowing Post Offices to improve customer experience and reduce cost to serve. Stamps by Mail - ANSWER Ability to order stamps and have them mailed directly to customer. Order forms/online. Stamps by Phone - ANSWER Ability to order stamps via phone and have them mailed directly to customer. Stamps by Fax - ANSWER Ability to order stamps via fax and have them mailed directly to the customer. Forever Stamps - ANSWER 1 oz FC letter stamp. Semi-Postal Stamps - ANSWER Charity stamps. Additional amount is donated to charity. Strategic Partners - ANSWER Fed Ex, UPS, Amazon HAZMAT - ANSWER Hazardous Materials DMM Publication 52 - ANSWER Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail PACT - ANSWER Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking - 2009 HAZMAT Question - ANSWER Is there anything liquid, fragile, perishable or potentially hazardous such as lithium batteries or perfume? HAZMAT Regulations - ANSWER Found in DMM, IMM, Publication 52, Handbook EL-812. ORM-D - ANSWER Other Regulated Materials-Domestic: Marking for mail or shipping in the US that identifies other regulated materials for domestic transport only. Packages bearing this mark contain hazardous material in a limited quantity that presents a limited hazard during transportation, due to its form, quantity, and packaging. Surface transport only. No International. Usually consumer commodities. HAZMAT Categories - ANSWER Flammable, Corrosive/Reactive, Biological, Toxic, Other common Declared HAZMAT - ANSWER Declared by mailer, properly marked, properly packaged. Undeclared HAZMAT - ANSWER Suspected of containing prohibited HAZMAT. Non-mailable HAZMAT - ANSWER Markings of non-mailable materials, non-mailable quantity, improperly prepared, leaking, alcohol. No stains on packaging. Do not accept: Improperly reused/recycled boxes, air transport that does not meet requirements, no HAZMAT to International/APO/FPO. HAZMAT Procedure - ANSWER Inspect, ask questions, refer to postmaster or supervisor if needed. If in doubt ask supervisor or postmaster. If cannot determine contents, do not accept. Give Notice 107 - Some Things Were Never Meant to be Mailed - Let's Keep the Mail Safe. If markings found: Report, isolate, contact mailer, file report with inspection service. Poster 138 - ANSWER HAZMAT "Keep the Mail Safe" poster. HAZMAT Handling - ANSWER Transport in reliable MTE, Stage in isolated area, Radioactive 10 feet apart, Place and secure on top/center of cart, do not leave unattended. HAZMAT Identification - ANSWER Affix placard to MTE transport. HAZMAT Packing Requirements - ANSWER DMM - Sufficient cushion, secure closures, adequate package reinforcement, both delivering and return address, hazard marked on address side. Tobacco Requirements - ANSWER NO tobacco except: Intra AL/HI (PME, PM), business/regulatory purpose (PME), certain individuals (PME/PM), consumer testing/public health. All must have PS3811 and Label 11-HFPU. PS3811 - ANSWER Return Receipt - Proof of delivery. Can be combined with: Signature Confirmation Special Handling Restricted Delivery USPS Tracking Insurance up to $500 Parcel Airlift Service (PAL) Label 11-HFPU - ANSWER Hold For Pick Up Anonymous Mail - ANSWER All mail weighing over 13 oz, bearing only stamps and not presented to a retail counter. Anonymous Mail Handling - ANSWER Identify, Return, Minimize risks. Take to AMU in facility. Piece must have Label 127 affixed, as well as DDD2 placed over mailing address. Identifiable Mail - ANSWER Can be traced to sender or POE (Point of Entry). Includes PVI, meter strips, PC postage, Click-N-Ship, eStamps, SSK postage, permit imprint, AVSEC stamp. POE - ANSWER Point of Entry AMU - ANSWER Anonymous Mail Unit Label 127 - ANSWER Surface Transport Only label DDD2 - ANSWER Anonymous mail blue label placed over mailing address. "Important Customer Information" DDD1 - ANSWER 13 oz rule sticker placed on collection boxes and mail receptacles. Domestic Mail - ANSWER Service to US, its territories, possessions and APO/FPO and UN. DMM 100 - ANSWER Customer Guide for Mailing DMM 300 - ANSWER Domestic Mail Guide Shipping Services - ANSWER Services that are competitive in pricing with other shipping companies. Mailing Services - ANSWER Services that are market dominant with no competition. Domestic Mail Services - ANSWER Includes FC, Periodicals, STD, Package Services, Extra Services First Class Mail Service - ANSWER Personal/business, under 13 oz, sealed against inspection, FWD up to 12 mos (kept on record 18 mos) Periodicals - ANSWER Magazines/newspapers, must public at least 4 times a year and be of printed materials. Standard Mail - ANSWER Printed matter, flyers, advertising, newsletters, catalogs. Mailers must perform workshare. 50 lb or 200 pcs, less than 16 oz. Must pay annual presort fee. Matter that is neither mailed or required to be marked as FC, nor entered as periodicals. Package Services - ANSWER Standard Post, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, Library Mail. Processing Categories - ANSWER Domestic mail: Letters, flats, machineable parcels, irregular parcels, outside parcels, all based on physical dimensions. Zone Charts - ANSWER Used to calculate postage based on where you are shipping from. Oversized - ANSWER Standard, over 108" to 130". Balloon - ANSWER Priority Mail zones 1-4, Standard all zones. Less than 20 lbs but measures over 84" - 108" will be charged 20 lb price. Big, light packages. (HxLxW) x .785 / 194 - ANSWER If over 1728 cubic inches, formula for odd-shaped package balloon calculation. (HxLxW) / 194 - ANSWER If over 1728 cubic inches, formula for rectangular package balloon calculation. Machineable Parcel Dimensions - ANSWER Height - Min 3 in, Max 17 in Length - Min 6 in, Max 27 in Thickness - Min 1/4 in, max 17 in Weight - Min 6 oz, Max 25 lbs Irregular Parcel - ANSWER Small Parcels that include one of the following: Length less than 6 in, Height less than 3 in, Weight less than 6 oz. Also includes rolls or tubes up to 26 in, merchandise samples not individually addressed, unwrapped, paper-wrapped, sleeve-wrapped articles which are not letter-sized or flat-sized and articles enclosed in envelopes that are not letter-size, flat-size or machinable parcels. Very small packages. Outside Parcel - ANSWER Large parcel exceed the following dimensions: Height more than 17 in, Width more than 17 in, Length more than 27 in, Weight more than 25 lbs. Also includes books or printed matter over 25 lbs, rolls/tubes longer than 26 in, metal boxes, tires, shrubs, etc. Nonmachineable Characteristics - ANSWER Irregular parcels, outside parcels. Domestic Mail Mailability - ANSWER Height min 3.5 in, Length min 5 in, Thickness min .007 in, max 1/4" Weight max 70 lbs, Combined length and girth 108" (130" for STD) Address orientation must be correct International Mail Categories - ANSWER First Class International, First Class Package International, Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Express International, Global Express Guaranteed. Air Mail/Par Avion - ANSWER Marking required on all First Class International mail First Class International Letters - ANSWER Up to 3.5 oz, light colored envelope. Length min 5 1/2" First Class International Package - ANSWER No more than 4 lbs. Label 19 - ANSWER Par Avion/Air Mail label for international pieces. First Class International - ANSWER Less than 16 oz, no customs form required. May have dutiable PS2976 - Customs Declaration. Max value $400, if over use PMEI or PMI. PS2976 - ANSWER Customs Declaration form (Green) International Nonmachineable - ANSWER Less than 3.5 oz, aspect ratio, polybag, clasps, strings, etc., lumpy or delivery address parallel to shorter dimension. M-Bags - ANSWER Used for printed matter, no minimum weigh but pay 11 lb price. Max 66 lb. Needs PS3700 - Postage Statement - International Mail or on Tag 158 PS3700 - ANSWER Postage Statement - International Mail Tag 158 - ANSWER M-Bag Addressee tag Priority Mail International - ANSWER International service with 6-10 business day delivery. Limited indemnity coverage. Small flat rate box/envelope with 4 lb limit, has no