DPS (Delivery Point Sequence)
DPS, or Delivery Point Sequence, is a mail sorting system used by postal services to arrange mail in the exact order of the carrier's delivery route. Think of it like having all the mail pre-arranged in the same order that the mail carrier will deliver it on their route, house by house. This system saves postal workers significant time because they don't have to manually sort the mail before starting their route. It's similar to how a GPS arranges stops in the most efficient order, but for mail delivery. When people mention DPS in postal job descriptions, they're talking about working with this automated sorting system or delivering mail that has been arranged this way.
Examples in Resumes
Managed daily DPS operations for a team of 15 mail carriers
Achieved 99% accuracy in DPS mail sorting and delivery
Trained new employees on DPS procedures and route management
Coordinated Delivery Point Sequence system maintenance with technical team
Typical job title: "Mail Processing Clerks"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Mail Processing Clerks
Professional Organizations
Online Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where the DPS system malfunctions during peak mail processing time?
Expected Answer: A senior worker should discuss backup procedures, coordination with maintenance teams, implementing manual sorting if needed, and how to manage staff to minimize delivery delays.
Q: What strategies have you used to improve DPS accuracy rates?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods for quality control, training programs for staff, maintenance schedules, and how to monitor and improve sorting accuracy.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure efficient mail flow through the DPS system?
Expected Answer: Should describe daily operational procedures, basic troubleshooting, and how to maintain proper mail flow through the sorting system.
Q: What steps do you take when you find incorrectly sequenced mail?
Expected Answer: Should explain verification procedures, error reporting processes, and how to correct sequence errors while maintaining delivery schedules.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is DPS and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that DPS is an automated sorting system that arranges mail in delivery order and why this saves time for carriers.
Q: How do you properly handle DPS mail trays?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of proper mail handling procedures, tray labeling, and maintaining sequence order during transport.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic understanding of DPS operations
- Mail handling and sorting procedures
- Following established safety protocols
- Basic machine operation
Mid (1-3 years)
- Troubleshooting common DPS issues
- Training new employees
- Quality control procedures
- Equipment maintenance coordination
Senior (3+ years)
- Managing DPS operations
- Process improvement implementation
- Team supervision
- Emergency procedure management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of mail handling safety procedures
- Inability to follow sequential processes
- Poor attention to detail
- Lack of physical stamina for mail handling
- No experience with automated sorting systems
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Remote Hiring Playbook: Building High-Performing Distributed Teams
Workforce Solutions Aggregators: The Next Big Thing You Didn't Know You Needed
Speak Their Language: How Localized Job Descriptions Unlock Regional Talent
