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NALC Drive Out Agreement: All You Need to Know

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) is a labor union representing over 290,000 active and retired postal employees in the United States. Among the benefits that the union offers to its members is the Drive Out Agreement, which is designed to provide relief to carriers who are required to drive their own vehicles while on the job.

What is the Drive Out Agreement?

The Drive Out Agreement is a contractual agreement between the NALC and the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows letter carriers to use their own vehicles for delivery purposes, when the USPS is unable to provide a suitable vehicle. This agreement is usually invoked when the USPS is unable to provide a vehicle due to inclement weather conditions or vehicle breakdowns.

Under the agreement, carriers who use their own vehicles for delivery are eligible to receive a mileage reimbursement, which is set by the USPS. In addition, carriers are eligible for certain expenses such as gas, oil, and maintenance costs.

How does the Drive Out Agreement work?

The Drive Out Agreement is typically invoked by the USPS, when unable to provide a suitable vehicle. Once the agreement is in place, the letter carrier is responsible for using their own vehicle to deliver mail and packages along their assigned route. The carrier must comply with all safety regulations and policies while using their vehicle for work purposes.

To be eligible for mileage reimbursement under the Drive Out Agreement, the carrier must keep accurate records of their mileage, as well as any expenses they incurred while using their vehicle for work purposes. These records must be submitted to the USPS for review and approval.

What are the benefits of the Drive Out Agreement?

The Drive Out Agreement provides numerous benefits to both letter carriers and the USPS. For letter carriers, using their own vehicles for work purposes can be more convenient and comfortable, as they are already familiar with their vehicle`s features and functions. In addition, carriers can avoid the hassle and inconvenience of having to use a USPS vehicle for delivery, which may not be suitable for their needs.

For the USPS, the Drive Out Agreement provides a cost-effective alternative to leasing or purchasing vehicles for all its letter carriers. This agreement allows the USPS to allocate its resources more efficiently, and better utilize its existing fleet of vehicles.

Conclusion

The NALC Drive Out Agreement is an important contractual agreement that provides relief to carriers who are required to use their own vehicles for delivery purposes. This agreement is designed to be beneficial for both letter carriers and the USPS, by providing a cost-effective alternative to leasing or purchasing vehicles for all its letter carriers. If you are a letter carrier and plan to use your own vehicle for delivery purposes, be sure to keep accurate records of your mileage and expenses, and submit them to the USPS for approval to be eligible for reimbursement.