From TRENTON, N.J. FBI Combs Route of Mail Carrier With Anthrax; Woman Served Less 300 addresses

AP/TBO.com ^ | Oct. 19 , 2001 | Lori Hinannt Associated Press Writer

[Ciexyz]

Postal carriers have their routes adjusted periodically to ensure that they carry a maximum amount in an allotted time. That doesn't mean to say they don't have a little extra time at the end of the day, but most of the carriers I know complain that their offices expect them to do more and more in less time. And they have more time on the street since their mail is coming to them pre-sorted in trays from the processing center, so they don't have to sit down in the morning and case it (to get it together for delivery).

The Post Office is in serious financial trouble now and in general, they're not hiring career employees. So the carriers in an office have to take up the slack for carriers that are off on maternity leave, sick leave, injury comp, etc. Some of the offices are really strapped.