Sacramento Processing & Distribution Center                                March 31, 2015

UNITED STATES______________________________________________________

POSTAL SERVICE

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TRANSPORTING POSTAL EQUIPMENT USING THE EXTENDED WALKIE RIDER IN PLANT

SCOPE:      This procedure provides a safe working environment while facilitating 

                          efficient mail processing within the plant.  This policy shall be observed

                          by all employees and supervisors at all times and applies to all PIT

                          drivers.                           

PURPOSE: To provide a standardized policy and safety regulation regarding the  

                           operation of the extended walkie rider.

POLICY:      All PIT drivers are to operate the extended walkie rider in the

                           Sacramento P &DC in the following manner prescribed herein.

1. PIT drivers will check and sign out an assigned extended walkie rider from the Registry room PIT center to obtain key.At the end of the operator’s tour or when no longer needed, the key will be returned and time logged in the appropriate PIT log book at the PIT center.

2. When offloading trailers a forkliftwill be necessary for at least the first 4 end pallets/postal packs due to the pitch of the dock plate in order for a safe offload.

3. Transport the tallest mail container piece closest to the operator with the shortest piece at the end of the fork. All operators should initially check all types

   of mail containers insuring proper working condition and safely secure before transporting.

4. The operators should also continually check the condition of the mail containers in tow during transit. The operators hand must be on the rest bar at all times for safe operation.

5. The following mail container loads are permitted:

6. Pallets………………Maximum load (2), maximum height is 48’.If the load is higher than 48”, the operator will need to drive with forks behind, as if they were pulling the load.

7. Postal Packs……. …Maximum load (2).

8. Loaded Hampers….Maximum of (3)

9. Empty Hampers…… Maximum load (3), may be triple stacked.

10. Wire Containers…… Maximum load (2), no double stacking.

11. The following allowable mail container combinations are allowed during transport:

• Pallet……………..1 pallet, 1 postal pack; 1 pallet, 1 hamper; 1 pallet, 1 wire container.

• Postal Packs…….1 postal pack, 1pallet; 1 postal pack, 1 hamper; 1 postal pack, 1 wire container.

• Hampers………….1 hamper, 1 pallet; 1 hamper, 1 postal pack; 1 hamper, 1 wire container.

• Wire Containers…1 wire container, 1 pallet; 1 wire container, 1 postal pack; 1 wire container, 1 hamper.

1. The following mail containers should not be transported usingan extended walkie rider:

2. Double stacked postal packs.

3. Cages, all types.

4. Over-the-road (OTRs)/ Bulk Mail Containers (BMCs).

5. FSS Caster & ACT dolly carts.

6. ERGO carts.

7. U carts.

8. Hand dolly trucks.

1. These safety procedures are not all inclusive.Extended walkie rider operators are required to follow all USPS safety guidelines and applicable manufacturers’ operating manual when operating any Powered Industrial Truck (PIT).

      ___________________________

Karen Padden

Senior Plant Manager (A)

Sacramento Processing and Distribution Center