Better Think Twice Before Tipping Your Mail Carrier
Most of us have or have had a favorite mail carrier. We know them on a first name basis. Heck, we may even now the name of their pet that's waiting patiently for them to return home. With this, we would like to do something nice for them this Christmas. Well, you might want to put a hold on that generous thought. It could get them in trouble.
You may have a list of different people that help you throughout the year and you would like to tip them for the generous and friendly efforts. If your favorite United States Postal employee is included on that list, mark their name off.
According to the the USPS, it's against federal regulations for any mail carrier to accept cash or any sort of cash equivalent, such as checks or gift cards. Sounds crazy, but it's true.
All postal employees, including carriers, must comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch... cash and cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, must never be accepted in any amount.
Now, UPS and Fedex drivers don't fall under these regulations, so feel free to tip away.
But, as we get back to the carriers of our letters from Grandma, we can do this. According to USPS regs, customers are able to give their mail carriers small gifts that are worth $20 or less, as long as they're not gift cards or anything that can be exchanged for cash.
So know you just have to figure what that gift could be and how your going to wrap it. Good luck!