I drive for a private contractor and I am not employed by the USPS.
USPS does require background checks and random drug and alcohol tests.
I have no idea what it takes to get hired by the USPS nor do I have any desire to work for them.
I only plan on working until the end of Dec but I will fill in for the other two drivers when they take time off for as long as I am campable.
This is the longest mail route with the most stops the company has and its hard for them to find someone to step in and cover one of the drivers for a few days.
Full time its 4 days one week and three the next so you actually only work 6 months out of 12. Way better than the 9 months you work working 9-5 M-F.
The other driver that I am sharing the schedule with is going to retire and is just burning up vacation time the days that I drive.
Me coming back helps out quite a few people including me. ;)