What is a common reason for mail delays that a mail clerk should monitor?

Inaccurate postage on items is a critical factor that can cause mail delays, and it is essential for a mail clerk to monitor this issue. When items are mailed with insufficient or incorrect postage, they may not be accepted by postal services or may be delayed until the correct postage is applied. This can especially impact time-sensitive mail, resulting in extended delivery times. Monitoring for accurate postage not only ensures that items are processed and delivered promptly but also reduces the likelihood of returned mail or additional fees for the sender.

Monitoring changes in mailing addresses is important as they can contribute to delays, but inaccurate postage has a more immediate and direct impact on whether an item can even enter the mail system. Similarly, while poor customer service interactions might affect the public's perception of the mailing process, they do not directly influence the physical handling of mail. Unsorted mail stacks can also cause delays but are a more logistical issue than the immediate concern of ensuring that each item has the correct postage to proceed without disruptions.