Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators.

This job has 14 core tasks. We went through 10 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators 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

   Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.

   AI DOES

   Searches address databases and matches names to correct delivery addresses automatically

   YOU DO

   Handle edge cases where records are missing, conflicting, or need a human judgment call

2. TASK 02

   Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.

   AI DOES

   Reads addresses, matches routing rules, and controls sorting machines with little human input

   YOU DO

   Handle exceptions, damaged items, and unusual addresses that machines misread

3. TASK 03

   Check items to ensure that addresses are legible and correct, that sufficient postage has been paid or the appropriate documentation is attached, and that items are in a suitable condition for processing.

   AI DOES

   Reads addresses with cameras, checks postage electronically, and flags unclear or damaged items

   YOU DO

   Make the final call on tricky handwriting, unusual packages, and borderline postage situations

4. TASK 04

   Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.

   AI DOES

   Reads barcodes, sorts by destination, and routes mail through automated systems

   YOU DO

   Handle odd-shaped packages, fix machine errors, and make judgment calls on unclear addresses

5. TASK 05

   Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.

   AI DOES

   Reads addresses and barcodes to route mail to the right destination automatically

   YOU DO

   Handle odd-shaped mail, damaged labels, and edge cases machines miss

6. TASK 06

   Train new workers.

   AI DOES

   Generates training guides, quizzes, and step-by-step instruction materials

   YOU DO

   Show new workers how to handle real mail, run machines, and answer questions on the floor

7. TASK 07

   Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.

   AI DOES

   Monitors machine performance data and flags errors or slowdowns

   YOU DO

   Stay present at the machine to load, adjust, and fix problems in real time

8. TASK 08

   Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.

   AI DOES

   Helps route or flag unusual items using image recognition on conveyor systems

   YOU DO

   Handle the physical pieces and make real-time calls about damaged or tricky mail

9. TASK 09

   Move containers of mail, using equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains".

   AI DOES

   Optimizes routing paths for automated guided vehicles in some facilities

   YOU DO

   Operate forklifts and handle real-world physical obstacles safely

10. TASK 10

    Open and label mail containers.

    AI DOES

    Helps design smarter label systems or routing logic in software

    YOU DO

    Physically open, inspect, and label real containers on the floor