Can I be a contractor?

Postal regulations and policies prohibit the Postal Service from entering into any contract with a postal employee, except in the following circumstances:

• The lease of an employee’s vehicle in connection with his/her employment;
• The licensing of a patent invention that is the sole property of the employee; or
• Lease agreements for real property under certain conditions.

By understanding when employees may contract with the Postal Service, you can ensure that you and your team do not violate laws, regulations, or policies that apply to Postal Service employees in outside-work activities.

And that’s smart business.

Contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) with any questions.

Political Activity on Duty

• The Hatch Act prohibits a Postal Service employee from engaging in political activity while on duty; while wearing a badge, uniform, or other insignia; while in a postal or Government building; or while in postal vehicle or using a privately-owned vehicle in the discharge of official duties.

Engaging in political activity while on duty will offend many of our customers and affect their shipping decisions.

Refraining from conduct that will offend our customers and violate the Hatch Act is smart business.

Contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) for more information about the Hatch Act.