# Best auto for a rural postal carrier **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [November 13, 2015, 7:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695 "2015-11-13T07:07:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Rod-Knox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2018, 2:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/61 "2018-11-21T14:00:17Z")
The ones I installed used a belt from the factory wheel over to the add on wheel and a master/slave cylinder to actuate the brakes and a bicycle brake cable to operate the accelerator. I first got involved with the hardware through a customer who needed a vehicle to teach the disabled how to drive with hand controls and the instructor needed to be able to take full control from the passenger seat. After installing that first unit the supplier referred postal carriers, etc to me. I made a quick search just now and saw similar units > **[Teco Machine Postal Right Hand Steering Conversion Donalsonville Ga](https://www.tecomachine.com/)** > > We custom build right hand steering conversions for rural postal service vehicles for rural letter carriers. > Donalsonville Ga. Teco Machine Southern Logic but I don’t recall the source for those I installed. The equipment I dealt with was extremely well made and although several holes were drilled into the floor if the unit was removed there would be no obvious indication of the removal. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2018, 6:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/62 "2018-11-21T18:58:15Z")
Thanks. That’s the one or similar to what I had found. Interesting. ---
**Author:** ![bscar2](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bscar2/32/2468_2.png) [@bscar2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar2)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2018, 12:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/63 "2018-11-24T00:03:25Z")
> [@bing](#): > > Well we lost another customer folks. Boy do people get angry in a hurry these days. People need to chill out a little bit. I’m afraid to even hold the door open for someone, and I’m in Minnesota. A lot of times if someone doesn’t get the exact answer they want, they’ll get huffy and act offended. Sadly, we cannot guess what the answer is they are looking for all the time- especially if they’re like Susanne and don’t really ask a question to begin with. She posted a product she’d bought(possibly spam) then I guess she was expecting us to know that she wanted to know what vehicle she should get for HER job without actually asking for advice, then got offended when we didn’t give her the advice she wasn’t asking us to give her. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2018, 5:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/64 "2018-11-27T17:58:18Z")
Well, to be fair, I did see the not so obvious question buried in the post: > [@Susanne\_Boyd](#): > > I don’t plan on using this car forever. It’s just what I already own, so I’m on the watch for a different one as soon as possible. What’s missing is the direct question afterward- do you have a suggestion I should be looking for? Some will make the inference, some will not… ---
**Author:** ![Aaron\_Brandy\_Kipfmiller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@Aaron\_Brandy\_Kipfmiller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Aaron_Brandy_Kipfmiller)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2018, 2:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/65 "2018-12-02T14:26:37Z")
I have been rural carrier for over 5 years and have been using a Honda CRV. I used seat belt extenders and drove sitting in the middle almost in the passenger side but I am short and petite. The CRV works great however mine is on its last leg. I am buying a Honda Element tomorrow. Will let you know how that goes. ---
**Author:** ![Gregory\_Champey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7993a0/32.png) [@Gregory\_Champey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Gregory_Champey)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2018, 1:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/66 "2018-12-03T01:18:51Z")
Its definitely possible and it happens every day. I drive a 2006 chevy impala. It has a bench seat and I drive it from the right side using controls on the left to deliver out of the passenger window ---
**Author:** ![Gregory\_Champey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7993a0/32.png) [@Gregory\_Champey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Gregory_Champey)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2018, 1:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/67 "2018-12-03T01:29:08Z")
Postal rural carriers are “trained professionals” and are taught to drive this way. They are covered by Postal bylaws to be allowed to deliver this way. How is it reckless? If you only had a left hand and left foot you would have to drive that way. Handicapped people that have no legs drive with gas and brake pedal shifters on the wheel. Do you always keep both hands on the wheel? ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2018, 1:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/68 "2018-12-03T01:44:29Z")
I saw one carrier once that had what looked like a metal seat on a slide and all he’d have to do is slide himself over to the passenger side to deliver the mail, then swing back again to drive. Ford has the police units so maybe GM can fill one of their empty plants with some right hand drive units. Must be a little market for them.😁 ---
**Author:** ![Megan\_West](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Megan\_West](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Megan_West)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2019, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/69 "2019-01-25T17:51:59Z")
Actually, RCA’s have a separate union from CCA’s and are considered “actual postal workers”. The USPS manages our paychecks like any other employer, we are offered insurance plans and are given an EMA each time we run a route. Our union protects us in the event of an accident. The box truck drivers that bring bulk mail from the plant to the rural offices are independent contracts. ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2019, 7:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/70 "2019-01-25T19:57:13Z")
> [@Megan\_West](#): > > Actually, RCA’s have a separate union from CCA’s and are considered “actual postal workers”. _ **Best auto for a rural postal carrier** _ **Thanks. So, in summary, which car is the best car for rural mail delivery?** _ **CSA** _ 🌴🕶🌴 ---
**Author:** ![DS426](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee59a6/32.png) [@DS426](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DS426)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 2:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/71 "2019-10-16T02:08:48Z")
As a Rural Carrier in Kentucky, I drive a Ford sport Trac. It’s compact enough to reach every thing from the passenger seat and roomy enough to fit everything required for the job. Also, it has a bed cover to keep parcels dry from the weather conditions. And to those who say it’s “unsafe” or “unfeasible” to drive this way, you’ve obviously never delivered as a rural carrier LOL! We do it every single day! ---
**Author:** ![Whitey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/whitey/32/24680_2.png) [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 1:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/72 "2019-10-16T13:00:04Z")
> [@DS426](#): > > And to those who say it’s “unsafe” or “unfeasible” to drive this way, you’ve obviously never delivered as a rural carrier LOL! We do it every single day! My father smoked cigarettes everyday. By your logic, that made it safe, even though it killed him. ---
**Author:** ![oldtimer-11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e79b87/32.png) [@oldtimer-11](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldtimer-11)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 3:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/73 "2019-10-17T03:46:35Z")
The most vehement opinions about a job come from people who know nothing about doing it. People in rural areas are used to dealing with mail and newspaper carriers and the way they drive, tractors and hay wagons on the road and in a lot of areas Amish or Mennonite buggies. The biggest problem they have is with the impatience of “city folk” who drive through their area. ---
**Author:** ![Alexis\_Garner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Alexis\_Garner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Alexis_Garner)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2020, 10:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/74 "2020-01-25T22:27:29Z")
I’m a fulltime Rural Carrier and drive a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. I removed the console and my husband made a seat insert so that it is now a bench seat. I drive from the middle and honestly, the only reckless drivers I see are the idiots that think if they have a wreck with me they are somehow going to get rich. The post office does not insure our vehicles. We do. Just to be clear state min is all that’s required so, in plain southern english, ain’t nobody gone get rich! Also, if the non postal person causes the wreck they are still responsible by law. The post office is out for themselves and have no problem getting rid of a carrier for any reason they see fit so we are very diligent about safety. I have a family that I love and want to get home to. There are so many people that just don’t care and have no idea of the dangerous nature of our job but yet they think it’s a good idea to come up behind us flying so fast it almost sucks the paint off the side of the truck without any concern for my life! Just a last little thing to add to my rant, the way we drive is perfectly legal for us because we are TRAINED PROFESSIONALS. Also, my state offers laws to protect mail carriers, even though no one still really pays attention to us. > **[Mississippi SB2305 | 2017 | Regular Session](https://legiscan.com/MS/text/SB2305/id/1459895)** > > Bill Text (2017-03-20) Move Over Law; include rural mail carriers. \[Approved by Governor\] (idk about other states, however I’m sure there are similar laws in place if you take the time to find them) ---
**Author:** ![Alicia\_Szott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/cdc98d/32.png) [@Alicia\_Szott](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Alicia_Szott)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 11:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/75 "2020-02-20T11:52:53Z")
Continuing the discussion from [Best auto for a rural postal carrier](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695): Honda crv 2014 and older! I drive on the right and sit in the middle of my car… nothing has been altered… been doing it for 12 years ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 2:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/76 "2020-02-20T14:07:12Z")
I would have said a right-hand-drive JDM Integra Type R, but then I’m kind of an idiot sometimes. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Rod-Knox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/77 "2020-02-20T17:47:29Z")
I can’t imagine trying to deliver mail from a left hand control car. It’s been way too long to recall the total cost but I have installed right hand drive kits on a few vehicles which can be removed and installed on another similar vehicle and the original vehicle won’t be wrecked once the junk is removed although there would be some holes in the floor and under the dash. But it’s obvious that quite a few people are able to handle that situation safely for years so more power to them. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 5:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/78 "2020-02-20T17:56:10Z")
I recently saw a story about a place importing right hand drive vehicles from Japan . At the asking prices you could actually buy two so you would have a back up vehicle . The city just bought 2 small right hand trucks for the water meter readers to use so they don’t have to step out into traffic . After a short learning curve both of the readers say they like the concept. ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 5:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/79 "2020-02-20T17:57:45Z")
> [@shadowfax](#): > > I would have said a right-hand-drive JDM Integra Type R, but then I’m kind of an idiot sometimes. 😉 Fax, I’m in total agreement with at least half of that statement! 🤭 _ **CSA** _ 🌴 🕶 🌴 ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2020, 6:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695/80 "2020-02-20T18:32:30Z")
> [@VOLVO\_V70](#): > > At the asking prices you could actually buy two so you would have a back up vehicle . Yeah. I dunno if it’s still happening but in the old days when someone wanted a JDM-only import, they’d bring it over quasi-legally (you’re allowed to bring them over, just not drive them), then cut them in half and weld the front half to the back half of the American version, then register it under the American vin. Not exactly legal, but I don’t remember hearing of anyone getting caught. A guy in my car club got into that with a CRX SiR, which was not available here. He found one of the Frankencars a few states over and bought it sight unseen, then drove it back. Handled like crap 'cause the welding job was poor, and it was a total wiring nightmare for everything behind the front seats. Always struck me as a really stupid idea. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695.md?page=3) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-auto-for-a-rural-postal-carrier/91695.md?page=5)