postbærer

A postbærer is a worker employed by a postal operator whose primary duty is to deliver mail and packages to homes and businesses along a defined route. They may also collect outgoing mail, obtain signatures for restricted deliveries, and report undeliverable items to the sorting center. In some systems, parcel deliveries require placement in a mailbox, at a door, or in a secure parcel locker.

They typically start early and work according to a route-based schedule. Urban routes may involve walking or cycling, while rural routes often require driving longer distances. Deliveries must protect recipients' privacy and security; carriers may verify identity for certain items and maintain records of attempts. Weather, traffic, and safety considerations influence workloads and timing.

The postbærer's equipment includes a mailbag or sacks, official ID, a handheld scanner or mobile device, and sometimes access keys for buildings or a company vehicle. Training covers mail handling, route navigation, safety, privacy, and customer service; certification or on-the-job training is common in many countries.

The postbærer's work is governed by national postal laws and, in many places, collective agreements. The role has evolved with digital communication and a growth in parcel volumes due to e-commerce, leading to an increasing emphasis on efficient routing, tracking, and secure handling of shipments.