It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but for the delivery drivers transporting Santa’s gifts across the country, ’tis definitely the busy season! In an effort to relieve their mail carriers and drivers from the stresses of working on overdrive, generous families began leaving snacks and small gifts along with a note. . .and their kindness is making waves on social media.
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The box or basket of snacks at the doorstep is a perfect gesture for those in a career that’s super important and often under appreciated during the holiday season. If you want to participate, here are some quick guidelines on what mail carriers and delivery drivers are allowed to accept:
USPS: Carriers are permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas. However, cash and cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, must never be accepted in any amount. Furthermore, no employee may accept more than $50 worth of gifts from any one customer in any one calendar year period.
Fed Ex: “Gifts of cash or cash equivalents such as gift cards or gift certificates must never be accepted. Employees are allowed to except a nominal gift valued at up to $75, no cash.” – Steve Barber, FedEx Global Communications
UPS: “At UPS we train our drivers to politely decline tips, however, when a customer insists, we allow our folks to accept nominal gratuities. We do not suggest an amount or range for monetary gratuities. Our drivers do receive heartfelt and sincere gifts of baked goods, knitted items and even invitations to holiday parties. Ultimately we let them use their own judgment about whether or not to accept or decline a gift.” – Justin Luther, UPS Public Relations
In general, snacks and drinks are a great gift to give that are allowed under most mail carriers tipping policies.
Do you tip your mail carriers and delivery drivers? Let us know in the comments below!
