I have left a couple of books in my mailbox once for my carrier to take.  He just left them there and shoved all of my other mail in there with it.  My question is - if I don't have any priority mail and don't request a carrier pickup, is my carrier supposed to pickup mail that I left?  And if so, is that stated anywhere on usps.com?  Anyone had experience with this?

there is another thread about this topic but my understanding is that they do not have to pick up packages unless you schedule a priority pick up with them as well.  In fact, I remember reading on a thread here that they don't have to pick up any mail and only deliver.  seems odd to me but this is why I drop off my mail in the blue box on my way to work....just to be safe!

Correct, they do not have to pick up outgoing mail from your mailbox.  It depends on the PO and the individual mail carrier.

Best thing to do is call your local PO and ask them if it's okay to leave outgoing mail in your mailbox without scheduling a pickup for a Priority package.

Also Jesse, if they're not right near their truck, most of them will pick up envelopes but not packages, so that they don't have to schlep them through the rest of their route.

Thanks everyone.

Here's the other thread on the subject:

http://www.paperbackswap.com/forum/view_topic.php?t=90229

So I guess the answer is - there is no real answer!  I guess if you're unfortunate enough to have someone that won't take your outgoing mail then it is what it is I suppose. 

As a letter carrier I will tell you the deal. If carriers are delivering mail to a box they HAVE to pick up *outgoing.

Better check with your supervisor on this, Lisa. It's up to the delivery office whether on not they pick it up. As others across the country will tell you, they have carriers who don't pick up their outgoing mail, and the delivery PO BACKS THIS POLICY. You and I both may follow the usual procedure (of picking up outgoing mail), but other offices around the country operate differently. Our customers should count their blessings!

"if they're not right near their truck, most of them will pick up envelopes but not packages, so that they don't have to schlep them through the rest of their route."

This makes a lot of sense. If they are in their truck they just toss the outgoing package in the back. If they are on foot, they may not be able to carry all the packages (due to size or weight) back to the truck.