When the mail room clerk receives mail, it must be...

• A. Logged
• B. Shredded
• C. Opened
• D. Sealed

Answer: (A)

Keeping a log of mail as it arrives is essential for accountability and tracking. Recording details such as the date and time received, the sender, the intended recipient, and any special handling notes creates a clear receipt record. This log helps prevent items from getting lost, makes it easy to locate mail later, and supports security and investigations by providing a traceable trail of who received what and when.

Shredding the mail would destroy that record and the information it contains, so it isn’t the required step at receipt. Opening the mail is not the action that creates the official record of receipt, though it may be done later under proper procedures. Sealing is not the action needed at the moment of receipt since the mail typically arrives sealed by the sender and may be opened according to policy. In short, logging upon receipt is the best, standard practice because it establishes a reliable, auditable trail.