"Residual" Routes

[PTF'ed]

I have a question for Alan or anyone else who thinks they know what a "residual" route is.  (I know I sure thought I did.  Been bidding on them since 1990.)  

So, that's my question.  Or quiz.  Or query.  Define "residual," please....

Thanks for the efforts.  

-- PTF'ed  

[James Pillow]

A "residual" route is a route that opens up when a regular carrier bids on a newly vacant or newly created regular route. For example, if the carrier on Rt 12 bid on route 10 (where the carrier took an early out) or route 16 (a route just converted from an aux route to a regular route) then route 12 would be the residual.

[PTF'ed]

James -

THANK YOU!  That is EXACTLY what a "residual" route is, based on my knowledge since 1990.  

Are you a steward?  If so, may I quote you as a reference and give your contact info?  You're also welcome to mine, of course.    

I'm being denied a route that I bid on -- the vacant route that was posted -- because they're calling it a "residual" route that's subject to being withheld due to DPS flats supposedly coming to our office.    

(On a side note, however, I checked the zips for that on the USPS's own site, and it doesn't even look like THAT is true, either!  We'd have to be within 50 miles "as the crow flies" of a zip currently scheduled for implementation, and we're not.)  

Thanks again, James.  I'm really scrambling to try & get some support.  I know I'm right, but out here, right doesn't seem to count for much!

I'd really like some other opinions as well on the definition of a "rural" route from the rest of you, whether you agree or not.  

- PTF'ed Pat
HouserPat(at)yahoo(dot)com

[PTF'ed]

Sorry!  That's "residual" route, not "rural."  Too long on the pute.  Brain's frazzled.  

PTF'ed

[James Pillow]

You should contact your state steward or assistant state steward ASAP. While I appreciate the compliment, citing a local steward won't help you.Management is supposed to be giving them the most updated maps and lists of offices that are within 50 miles of your office. As I understand the MOU on FSS flats, they are allowed to hold residual routes to protect regular carriers who could have their routes phased out, but they should make sure that your office is or is not within 50 miles of an office getting them before they tell you that. Get in touch with your state steward ASAP before the time limits run out.

[just alan]

PTFed, The correct term is "buffer route", which is what current routes left over from a bid are called for the time being. We are holding 5 in my office for carriers that are getting FFSd who may become excessed. My office will not be getting FFSd for a long time as we have no city routes and management is concentrating on offices that do.

[just alan]

PTFed, The correct term is "buffer route", which is what current routes left over from a bid are called for the time being. We are holding 5 in my office for carriers that are getting FFSd who may become excessed. My office will not be getting FFSd for a long time as we have no city routes and management is concentrating on offices that do.

[PTF'ed]

Alan -

Including the original, posted route?  

Thanks,
PTF'ed Pat