Driving (TTO, MVO, PVO)

What are Driving Positions?

USPS driving positions haul mail between processing facilities, airports, and distribution centers. These are not delivery routes like CCA or RCA — you're driving trucks and transporting bulk mail. Many are career or near-career from day one.

Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO)

Drives tractor-trailers (18-wheelers) hauling mail between processing facilities, airports, and distribution centers. Both long-haul and local routes. Requires a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) Class A.

Motor Vehicle Operator (MVO)

Operates mail trucks (not tractor-trailers) for scheduled routes. Picks up and delivers bulk mail between facilities. Requires a clean driving record. Does not typically require a CDL.

Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO)

A newer position created under the Delivering for America plan. Operates various postal vehicles. Does not require a CDL in most cases. Being rolled out region by region — availability varies.

Where to Apply

All driving positions are on the eCareer Portal. They are NOT on jobs.usps.com.

• Search keywords: "tractor trailer", "motor vehicle operator", "TTO", "MVO", "PVO"
• Check under the Transportation functional area in the dropdown
• Remember: max 30 results shown. Hit "Reset" before each new search.

Pay and Benefits

• TTO: ~$26-30/hr starting (varies by location and experience)
• MVO: ~$24-28/hr starting
• PVO: ~$26-29/hr starting
• (Verify current rates on USPS postings — these change with contract negotiations)
• Many driving positions are career or near-career from day one — full benefits available

Requirements

• TTO: CDL Class A required, clean driving record, must pass road test
• MVO: Clean driving record required, may need specific license depending on vehicle type
• PVO: Clean driving record, no CDL required in most cases
• All positions: Must pass background check, drug test, and physical/medical assessment
• Safe driving record is critical — DUIs, multiple moving violations, or accidents can disqualify you

Assessment Exam

• TTO: Exam 944
• MVO/PVO: May vary by posting — check the specific job listing
• These exams are different from the VEA assessments used for carriers and clerks

Schedule

• TTO routes can be early morning, overnight, or varied — mail moves around the clock
• Generally more set schedules than CCA/RCA
• May include weekends and holidays
• Long-haul TTO routes mean extended time on the road, but schedules are more predictable

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Career or near-career from day one (many positions) — full benefits
• Higher starting pay than most entry-level USPS positions
• Set routes and more predictable schedules (especially TTO)
• If you already have a CDL, you're ahead of most applicants — fewer people applying means less competition
• Independent work — it's you and the road, less micromanagement

Cons

• CDL required for TTO — expensive to get if you don't have one ($3,000-$7,000 for CDL school)
• Long hours on the road
• Overnight shifts common for TTO
• Driving in all weather conditions — snow, rain, ice, you're still going
• Physical loading/unloading of mail at stops

Tips from Experience

• If you already have a CDL, TTO is one of the best ways into USPS — career from day one with good pay and less competition
• If you don't have a CDL, look at MVO and PVO positions first — they don't require one
• Your driving record matters more here than any other USPS position. Clean it up before applying if you have violations.
• PVO is newer and still being rolled out — check if positions are available in your area
• These positions are on the eCareer portal, not jobs.usps.com — a lot of people miss them because they only check the main site