What are the USPS Mailbox Requirements
The USPS has specific requirements for all residential mail boxes. The United States Postal Service Domestic Mail manual sets rules and regulations concerning residential curbside mailboxes.
Who Can Use A Mailbox?
Only authorized person may place mail or packages into the mail receptacle. No part of the mail receptacle may be used to deliver anything that does not contain postage. This includes items attached to the box, hung from the box or inserted into the mail box.
Residential Mailboxes
Curbside residential mailboxes are U.S.P.S. approved and will add curb appeal to any home which is used for the purpose of receiving material in which postage is paid.
Curbside Mailboxes
All home owners should keep the area around their mailboxes clear of anything than will obstruct the safe delivery of mail. If the USPS employee cannot safely reach in and deliver the mail, the postmaster may withdraw delivery to that mailbox.
Any mailbox which is to be installed at the edge of the roadway and allows it to be served by a mail carrier from a vehicle, rural route or highway must be approved by the United States Postal Service. Every curbside mailbox must display the name and address of home owners assigned by the local authorities. The numbers must be at least one inch high and in a contrasting neat and clear letters color.
If the mail boxes are grouped and the address cannot be placed on the flag side of the mailbox, then the house number should be mentioned on the door. No advertising of any kind can be placed on the mailbox post.
What should be Mailbox Sizes?
There are some rules and regulations regarding mailboxes. It should be of three different sizes:
- Small T1 (C1) size is approximately 5 by 6 inches (wide and tall) and 18 ½ inches long,
- Medium T2 (C2) size is approximately 6 by 7 inches (wide and tall) and 19 inches long,
- Large T3 (C3) size is approximately 8 inches by 11 ½ inches (Wide and Tall) tall by 22 ½ inches long.
Here “T" stands for Traditional and the "C" for Contemporary.
Building Your Own Curbside Mailbox
All custom built mailboxes should meet the same standards and guidance as approved mailboxes. Custom built mailboxes should have a flag on the outside and must have strength, durability same as comparable to approved mailboxes. Be Aware, when building your own mailbox and post. There are hundreds of motorists killed in collisions with manual built curbside mailboxes. Reason being some posts are mounted in concrete or constructed of indestructible materials.
Wall Mount Mailboxes
The USPS does not have any rules for wall mount mailboxes. But you should notify your local mail carrier about the mailbox installation to ensure proper placement and check for any local codes and regulations governing placement of the mailbox. It should operate easily and nothing should obstruct the opening and closing of the lid.
Posted on August 14, 2018
