ISCO-08 4412
Mail carriers and sorting clerks
14.4%
ADI · 329th of 433 · 95% interval 8.2–21.1
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 14.4% of the task time of mail carriers and sorting clerks, and finish 2.3% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.
ADI · partial or full14.4%
329th of 433 · interval 8.2–21.1
ADI3 · full delegation2.3%
114th of 433 · interval 0.0–5.3
ADIs · share of time20.4%
311th of 433 · interval 16.3–24.9
Evidence95
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 2.9 million.
Task weight by level
How the tasks rate
L0No meaningful role · 58.8%L1Augmentation · 26.7%L2Partial delegation · 12.1%L3Full delegation · 2.3%
Barriers
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
95 task statements, heaviest first
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Weight | Level | Sonnet · Haiku | Share | Human time | Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear jams in sorting equipment.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | 2.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 8 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | 2.3% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 2.3% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 3 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 2.3% | L0 | L0L2 | 20% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Open and label mail containers.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 2.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 3 min | Physical presence |
| Check items to ensure that addresses are legible and correct, that sufficient postage has been paid or the appropriate documentation is attached, and that items are in a suitable condition for processing.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 2.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 22% | 1 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Move containers of mail, using equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains".Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 2.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | 2.0% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 2.2 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Scan labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 1 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Load and unload mail trucks, sometimes lifting containers of mail onto equipment that transports items to sorting stations.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 1.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 1.7% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Deliver mail to residences and business establishments along specified routes by walking or driving, using a combination of satchels, carts, cars, and small trucks.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.7% | L0 | L0L0 | 6% | 8.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Sort mail for delivery, arranging it in delivery sequence.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 1.1 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Return to the post office with mail collected from homes, businesses, and public mailboxes.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 28 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Obtain signed receipts for registered, certified, and insured mail, collect associated charges, and complete any necessary paperwork.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 6 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
Show the other 80 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Weight | Level | Sonnet · Haiku | Share | Human time | Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meet schedules for the collection and return of mail.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 4.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Rewrap soiled or broken parcels.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 1.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 5 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Bundle mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 38 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 8 min | Access to systems |
| Maintain accurate records of deliveries.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 12 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Cancel letter or parcel post stamps by hand.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 1.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 1 min | Physical presence |
| Hold mail for customers who are away from delivery locations.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.4% | L1 | L1L1 | 25% | 10 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Leave notices telling patrons where to collect mail that could not be delivered.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.4% | L0 | L0L2 | 19% | 2 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Register, certify, and insure parcels and letters.Postal Service Mail Carriers · supplemental task | 1.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 8 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Return incorrectly addressed mail to senders.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.3% | L0 | L0L2 | 22% | 4 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 2 min | Physical presence |
| Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 6 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 48% | 6 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | 1.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 4 min | Physical presence |
| Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | 1.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 2 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Sign for cash-on-delivery and registered mail before leaving the post office.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.2% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 8 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | 1.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 18 min | Physical presence |
| Record address changes and redirect mail for those addresses.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 10 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | 1.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 35% | 18 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | 1.1% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 2 min | Physical presence |
| Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 8% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Travel to post offices to pick up the mail for routes or pick up mail from postal relay boxes.Postal Service Mail Carriers · supplemental task | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.1% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 25 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Turn in money and receipts collected along mail routes.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.1% | L0 | L0L2 | 19% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 3 min | Physical presence |
| Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 22% | 25 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | 1.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 20% | 25 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 22 min | Physical presence |
| Answer customers' questions about postal services and regulations.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 1.1% | L2 | L2L3 | 72% | 8 min | Trust and care |
| Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.0% | L1 | L1L1 | 25% | 8 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Clear jams in sortation equipment.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 6% | 12 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.0% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 9 min | Access to systems |
| Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 18 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.9% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 0.9% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 18 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 0.9% | L3 | L3L3 | 88% | 10 min | Access to systems |
| Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.Postal Service Clerks | 0.9% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 4 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 0.9% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 22 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 0.8% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 2 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.Postal Service Clerks | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 3 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Train new workers.Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators · supplemental task | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 3.0 h | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Receive letters and parcels, and place mail into bags.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.8% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 9 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 6 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Complete forms that notify publishers of address changes.Postal Service Mail Carriers · supplemental task | 0.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 9 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.Postal Service Clerks | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 2.1 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Sell stamps and money orders.Postal Service Mail Carriers · supplemental task | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 11 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 0.8% | L2 | L2L3 | 72% | 18 min | Access to systems |
| Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.Postal Service Clerks | 0.8% | L2 | L2L3 | 78% | 6 min | Access to systems |
| Put undelivered parcels away, retrieve them when customers come to claim them, and complete any related documentation.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.7% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 8 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Provide assistance to the public in complying with federal regulations of Postal Service and other federal agencies.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.7% | L1 | L1L2 | 35% | 10 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.Postal Service Clerks | 0.7% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Transport mail from one work station to another.Postal Service Clerks | 0.7% | L0 | L0L0 | 0% | 12 min | Physical presence |
| Provide customers with change of address cards and other forms.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 0.7% | L0 | L0L1 | 14% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Feed mail into postage canceling devices or hand stamp mail to cancel postage.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 16 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Respond to complaints regarding mail theft, delivery problems, and lost or damaged mail, filling out forms and making appropriate referrals for investigation.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 20 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 0.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 16 min | Physical presence |
| Rent post office boxes to customers.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 12 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Report any unusual circumstances concerning mail delivery, including the condition of street letter boxes.Postal Service Mail Carriers | 0.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 10 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Walk, ride bicycles, drive vehicles, or use public conveyances to reach destinations to deliver messages or materials.Couriers and Messengers | 0.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages.Couriers and Messengers | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 9 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Cash money orders.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person.Couriers and Messengers | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 4 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.Couriers and Messengers | 0.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 1.1 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Plan and follow the most efficient routes for delivering goods.Couriers and Messengers | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Sort items to be delivered according to the delivery route.Couriers and Messengers | 0.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 25 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hazardous goods.Couriers and Messengers | 0.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 10% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Deliver messages and items, such as newspapers, documents, and packages, between establishment departments and to other establishments and private homes.Couriers and Messengers | 0.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 32 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.Couriers and Messengers | 0.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Provide customers with assistance in filing claims for mail theft, or lost or damaged mail.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 18 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Order retail items and other supplies for office use.Postal Service Clerks · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L2L3 | 75% | 30 min | Access to systems |
| Unload and sort items collected along delivery routes.Couriers and Messengers | 0.4% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Check with home offices after completed deliveries to confirm deliveries and collections and to receive instructions for other deliveries.Couriers and Messengers | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 7 min | Access to systems |
| Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service · supplemental task | 0.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 10 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Perform general office or clerical work, such as filing materials, operating duplicating machines, or running errands.Couriers and Messengers · supplemental task | 0.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Use telephone to deliver verbal messages.Couriers and Messengers · supplemental task | 0.4% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 5 min | Access to systems |
| Collect, seal, and stamp outgoing mail, using postage meters and envelope sealers.Couriers and Messengers · supplemental task | 0.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 32 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Perform routine maintenance on delivery vehicles, such as monitoring fluid levels and replenishing fuel.Couriers and Messengers | 0.3% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Against other measures
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 14.4% | 24 |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.235 | 40 |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | -0.951 | 24 |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 26.867 | 19 |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.257 | 63 |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0.003 | 34 |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Same sub-major group (44)
Neighbouring occupations
| Occupation | ADI | % |
|---|---|---|
| Coding, proof-reading and related clerks 4413 | 100.0 | |
| Personnel clerks 4416 | 100.0 | |
| Clerical support workers not elsewhere classified 4419 | 100.0 | |
| Library clerks 4411 | 57.1 | |
| Filing and copying clerks 4415 | 52.9 | |
| Scribes and related workers 4414 | 47.2 |
Dashed line: mail carriers and sorting clerks (14.4%).
Cite this record
Text
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Mail carriers and sorting clerks (ISCO-08 4412), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/4412
BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Mail carriers and sorting clerks (ISCO-08 4412)}
}Machine-readable
The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/4412.json.