The NRLCA has received calls from carriers that indicate management has been using the carriers’ personal cell phone to communicate service directions while the carrier is delivering the mail. Until such time as the USPS provides cellphones, pays for cellphone service, and includes the use of cellphones in the evaluated system this is inappropriate.
In addition, some managers are using the MDD (scanner) to communicate non-safety related directives to carriers. This is in violation of their own directive.
On March 20, 2015 postal service headquarters sent the following message to the field regarding text messaging to rural carriers on the MDD (Mobile Delivery Device). This directive has not changed.
Text messaging to rural carriers is limited to safety related messages and alerts.
MDD Communications: Messaging To Rural Carriers On The Route