Mail Madness
Photos by LOREN BENOIT/Press Colton Anderson delivers mail to a customer on 11th Street in Coeur d’Alene on Thursday.
LOREN BENOIT/PressColton Anderson organizes mail as he walks along 11th Street in Coeur d'Alene on Thursday.
Colton Anderson sorts through mail inside his U.S. Postal Service truck Thursday afternoon in Coeur d’Alene.
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
COEUR d'ALENE — Colton Anderson faced several obstacles just to finish his mail delivery job on time on Thursday.
First, the chain on one of his tires broke, setting him back.
The boots, gloves and other extra clothing he had to wear just to avoid frostbite slowed his walking speed and mail-handling abilities.
There was also the usual number of residents running (more like sliding) after him down the sidewalk with their outgoing mail after they didn't place it in their box on time.
But what chapped Anderson's hide more than anything was not being able to access some mailboxes because the sidewalks or driveways hadn’t been shoveled or maintained.
"Back to the post office it goes," said Anderson, referring to what happens if he can't deliver.
Anderson said as much as 10 percent of the stops on his route haven't been accessible during this week's frigid weather. He said the postal service, like most employers, errs on the side of caution to avoid as many injury claims as possible for employees.
"People get mad if their mail isn't delivered, but we need to follow proper safety protocol," he said while trudging between Coeur d'Alene homes on his walking route. "I've got to make sure that I stay safe, but I don't have a lot that affects me much."
Anderson said weather conditions like this week’s can delay him a half an hour to an hour over his shift. He said while the postal service allows for some flexibility, it is preferred to have the mail delivered on time if at all possible.
"The time that they get and expect can be different," he said. "They do understand how the weather affects you."
Anderson said bundling up slows him compared to donning a T-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes.
"I'm wearing a lot of Under Armour (sports gear) underneath," he said. "The bigger boots are also harder to work in."
Anderson said many carriers try to take vacation during the bitter cold, but that's easier said than done due to the holidays being the busiest time of the year for the postal service.
Coeur d'Alene resident Angelina Seibert, who lives on Anderson's route, said she has had her frustrations with previous carriers, but admits she needs to cut them some slack during these difficult times.
"They've got a crappy job during the winter," she said. "We need to give them a break."