Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service.

This job has 26 core tasks. We went through 15 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Services actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

1. TASK 01

   Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.

   AI DOES

   Answers routine shipping and mailing policy questions via chatbot or lookup tools

   YOU DO

   Handle unusual cases, frustrated customers, and judgment calls that go beyond standard policy

2. TASK 02

   Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.

   AI DOES

   Drafts contact messages, compares courier options, and pre-fills shipping forms

   YOU DO

   Confirm details, handle unusual packages, and decide which service fits best

3. TASK 03

   Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.

   AI DOES

   Reads and summarizes production order details like item types, sizes, and quantities

   YOU DO

   Spot errors and flag unusual or unclear instructions before printing starts

4. TASK 04

   Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.

   AI DOES

   Suggests routing paths, flags errors, and reads addresses via optical character recognition

   YOU DO

   Watch for jammed machines, odd items, and routing exceptions that don't fit the normal rules

5. TASK 05

   Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.

   AI DOES

   Reads addresses digitally, checks postage amounts, and flags obvious errors

   YOU DO

   Physically inspect each item's condition and make judgment calls on edge cases

6. TASK 06

   Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.

   AI DOES

   Looks up shipping rates, suggests best delivery methods, and helps fill out labels or forms

   YOU DO

   Physically handle packages and make final judgment calls on fragile or unusual items

7. TASK 07

   Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.

   AI DOES

   Looks up postage rates and calculates costs from a weight you enter

   YOU DO

   Physically handle and weigh each package yourself

8. TASK 08

   Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.

   AI DOES

   Spots patterns in defect logs and suggests likely causes

   YOU DO

   Physically examine output and decide the right fix for the machine

9. TASK 09

   Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.

   AI DOES

   Sorts incoming requests, generates mailing lists, and drafts response letters

   YOU DO

   Handle physical packing, verify item condition, and manage mailing equipment

10. TASK 10

    Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.

    AI DOES

    Powers self-service kiosks and suggests postage options based on package details

    YOU DO

    Handle cash, read customer needs, and manage tricky or unusual mailing situations in person

11. TASK 11

    Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.

    AI DOES

    Reads and recognizes addresses on envelopes via optical character recognition to pre-sort batches

    YOU DO

    Physically handle, carry, and deliver mail to the right spots

12. TASK 12

    Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.

    AI DOES

    Helps route or log digital mail records

    YOU DO

    Handle physical mail and operate stamping equipment in person

13. TASK 13

    Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.

    AI DOES

    Tracks container locations digitally

    YOU DO

    Physically handle and move containers safely

14. TASK 14

    Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.

    AI DOES

    Monitors machine sensors or flags errors on a screen

    YOU DO

    Physically handle and clear materials from the machine

15. TASK 15

    Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.

    AI DOES

    Controls automated folder-inserter machines in some settings

    YOU DO

    Load, adjust, and troubleshoot physical mail equipment on the spot