Guide to Serving as a Contract Delivery Provider for the U.S. Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) relies on a network of contractors to help deliver mail, especially in rural or difficult-to-access areas. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to become a USPS delivery contractor as an individual or organization.
Step 1: Fill out PS Form 5436
To get started, you'll need to complete and submit PS Form 5436 (Mailing List Application – Mail Transportation Services). Accurately fill in your information, including business details, transportation equipment, and the type of route or contract you are interested in.
Step 2: Send the form to the proper USPS office
Once you've filled out the form, send it to the appropriate USPS office based on your ZIP code. You can find a list of area offices on Page 6 of the Mail Transportation Contracting Guide.
Step 3: Wait for USPS to notify you of available bids
After submitting your application, wait for the USPS to notify you of available bids or contract opportunities for which you can submit proposals.
Step 4: If awarded a contract, adhere to USPS standards and schedules
If you are successful in securing a contract, you will be responsible for transporting mail or packages according to USPS standards and schedules.
Additional considerations
- Your operation must comply with USPS regulations and standards. Contracts often require vehicle maintenance, route optimization, and adhering to USPS delivery guidelines.
- Larger or more complex contracts may require you to manage multiple routes or a team.
- For specialized security or transportation roles, additional clearances or certifications may be necessary, especially for sensitive cargo.
Registering as a federal contractor
If you represent an organization, register as a federal contractor with SAM (System for Award Management) on the SAM.gov website. Obtain a DUNS number if you are registering as an organization to bid on a government contract. Apply on the Dun & Bradstreet website.
Finding contract opportunities
Visit the FedBizOpps website to see contractor solicitations for the USPS. Check with your local contracting office for opportunities after submitting a Mailing List Application.
Types of contracts
To determine the type of contract you need, check the USPS Mail Transportation Contracting Guide (Publication 33). Highway contracts are the most common, and they can be held either by transportation companies or by individual owner-operators working out of their own vehicles.
Basic requirements
To meet the basic requirements of a highway contractor, you must be at least 21 years old, live in or adjacent to the county where you will be working (if you're an individual), and do business in or adjacent to the county you'll be servicing (if you're a corporation).
Getting started
To work as a contract delivery service with the USPS, you can do so either as an individual or as an organization. Use the USPS Supplier Registration system for organizational contracts. Search for individual delivery contractor jobs on general job websites like Indeed or SimplyHired.
Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD
This article was co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD, an Egyptologist and writer with over 20 years of experience in public education.
- In order to become a USPS delivery contractor, it is essential to first register as a federal contractor with SAM (System for Award Management) if you are an organization.
- For individuals or organizations interested in USPS education, the USPS Mail Transportation Contracting Guide (Publication 33) provides information about the types of contracts available, including highway contracts that can be held by transportation companies or individual owner-operators.
- To secure a USPS contract, it's crucial to ensure your operation complies with USPS regulations and standards, manage multiple routes or a team if the contract is larger or more complex, and maintain vehicle maintenance, route optimization, and adherence to USPS delivery guidelines.
