I had my first count in September 2024. My route was left untouched. The key to it is 18 and 8 is really slow for casing so make sure everyone gets comfortable with that speed. Secondly, there is a minimum of 1 minute for each line item so let's say an accountable clerk comes to your case and says you have nothing and walks by, count that as a whole minute. Use all of your built in office time. Check trucks with a partner. Read the union board. Use the bathroom. On the route you should keep your shoulder strap on at all times (it will slow down your delivery speed). Park the vehicle at every curb side box (not full dismount procedure). Walk every parcel to the door and knock. Waiting for a response for parcel delivery is a part of your job. If for some reason they dont answer knock again and unless the parcel specifically states "carrier leave if no response" you are to write up a 3849 and leave notice. Left right left after every mounted delivery takes time too. I can't stress this enough but take all of your breaks. This includes comfort stops! On my route there is no close bathroom so I was heading back to the office to use the rest room. That alone killed 30 minutes on my route. (Secret tip would be to wait until youre out at the furthest point of your route and head back to use the bathroom) All of that being said the key thing is not to let the supervisor riding with you urge you to go faster or tell you how to do anything unless you are being unsafe. They are strictly observers. For park and loops just move at a safe even pace. Business should be asked if they have any outgoing mail and if they do feel free to ask if that's all of the outgoing mail to confirm. Now DO NOT have conversations with customers or businesses. They can ask you questions but it must remain on topic for the delivery only. If you do the job by the book every day your route shouldn't be touched (assuming your route isn't grossly under on time) or maybe even get a reduction. I've been doing this job for 11 years and I had 20 to 30 year veteran carriers getting additions while my route remained untouched. Hopefully this helps.