On March 12, 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the February Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) which established the Private Transportation Index at 269.698, a decrease from the November 2023 Index of 270.407. Therefore, based on the February 2024 CPI-W release, the Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for rural carriers will decrease 0.5¢ to 94.5¢ per mile. This EMA rate will be effective April 6, 2024 (Pay Period 09-2024).
Rural Carriers
In accordance with the provisions of Article 9, Section 2.J.3 of the USPS/NRLCA National Agreement, effective April 6, 2024 (Pay Period 09-2024), the Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will decrease to 94.5¢ per mile, or a minimum of $37.80 per day, whichever is greater.
Auxiliary Rural Carriers, Rural Carrier Reliefs, Rural Carrier Associates, Rural Carrier Part Time Flexibles, and Auxiliary Assistance
Employees providing auxiliary assistance or serving auxiliary routes under the provisions of Article 9, Section 2.J.5, will receive EMA of 94.5¢ per mile or $10.05 per hour, whichever is greater. This EMA should not exceed the amount provided in the special EMA chart for route stops and miles.
This was the eighth opportunity for an EMA adjustment under the terms of the 2021-2024 USPS/NRLCA National Agreement. The next quarterly adjustment will occur after the release of the May 2024 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) and will be effective the second full pay period after release of that index.
The full EMA schedules will be posted on the Rural Carrier EMA Rate Schedule page when available.
