City Carrier Assistant (CCA) Postal Academy Practice Test

Carriers are trained to prioritize the integrity and safety of mail and packages. When dealing with damaged items, the recommended approach is to use tape or plastic for repairs. This method provides a temporary fix that can keep the contents safe during transit, preventing further damage and ensuring that items can be delivered to the recipient in the best possible condition.

Using tape or plastic materials helps to secure any open or torn areas and can protect the item from environmental factors like moisture or dirt that may further compromise it. It's important for carriers to act responsibly and make efforts to keep mail intact until it can reach the intended recipient.

In contrast, using glue might not provide the necessary strength or flexibility that tape offers and could lead to further complications. Sending items back to the sender might not be appropriate unless the damage is so severe that it cannot be repaired in any way. Redoing the mailing addressing is irrelevant to physical damage and does not address the issue of maintaining the item’s integrity. Thus, utilizing tape or plastic is the most effective and practical solution for repairing damaged mail items.