USPS · Situational Judgment

You are loading your mail vehicle in the parking lot and notice another carrier's vehicle has its lights left on. What do you do?

Correct answer

Let the carrier know before they leave so their battery doesn't drain — a small action that prevents a problem

  1. A Ignore it — it's not your vehicle
  2. B Let the carrier know before they leave so their battery doesn't drain — a small action that prevents a problem
  3. C Turn off the lights yourself without telling them
  4. D Report it to the postmaster as a safety violation

Why this is the answer

This scenario tests team orientation and common sense. Notifying your colleague about the lights left on is a simple, helpful action that prevents a vehicle problem. It costs you nothing and demonstrates the kind of team-minded behavior USPS values. Neither ignoring it nor escalating to the postmaster is the right balance — direct, collegial notification is appropriate.
Source: USPS 474 VEA, Team Orientation