Why Cluster Box Units Make Sense for Your Neighborhood

In any neighborhood, you'll need to choose an appropriate mail delivery system. While many neighborhoods and residential communities use conventional curbside mailboxes, this isn't the only option from which you can choose. When planning a neighborhood or HOA-managed development, one key detail often overlooked is the mail delivery system. While curbside mailboxes are traditional, Cluster Box Units (CBUs) offer a smarter, more efficient solution. Here's why so many communities are choosing CBUs—and why you should too.

1. Easier and More Cost-Effective to Install

Most developers will agree that CBUs are easier to install than conventional curbside mailboxes. If you're developing a neighborhood with 30 homes, you can either install 30 curbside mailboxes or two CBUs. 

Glossary Pull: CBU (Cluster Box Unit)
A USPS-approved, centralized mailbox system that consolidates mail delivery into one secure location, serving multiple homes from a single unit.

Installing 30 individual curbside mailboxes takes significantly more time and coordination than two properly placed CBUs. With each CBU housing 8–16 compartments, your installation footprint and time are dramatically reduced so you'll spend less time and energy installing them when compared to curbside mailboxes.

2. Faster Mail Delivery = Lower USPS Costs

Mail couriers can deliver mail faster and more efficiently to CBUs than curbside mailboxes. Research shows the United States Postal Service (USPS) would save $4.5 billion per year if all homes and residential complexes had CBUs rather than curbside mailboxes. 

FAQ Pull: How do CBUs improve delivery efficiency?
Carriers can deliver mail to 16 homes in one stop with a CBU, versus 16 individual curb stops—cutting delivery time, fuel use, and labor.

CBUs allow mail carriers to deliver to dozens of homes at a single point, rather than stopping at each house. making them a fast and efficient mail delivery system. 

3. Flexible Installation: Freestanding or Wall-Mounted

There are both freestanding and wall-mounted CBUs. Freestanding CBUs are characterized by their ability to stand freely when installed. Wall-mounted CBUs, on the other hand, must be mounted into a wall, such as an exterior brick wall. Regardless, you can find CBUs in both freestanding and wall-mounted models.

Glossary Pull: Freestanding vs. Wall-Mounted CBUs
Freestanding units are pedestal-mounted outdoors. Wall-mounted CBUs are installed flush into exterior walls—ideal for high-density complexes.

Whether you're developing garden-style apartments or single-family homes, CBUs come in freestanding and wall-mounted options to match your layout and architecture.

4. Higher Mail Security

You can rest assured knowing that CBUs offer a high level of mail security. Each individual mail compartment features a lock. Each mailbox compartment in a CBU is individually locked, providing residents with secure access and deterring theft or vandalism. 

FAQ Pull: Are CBUs more secure than curbside mailboxes?
Yes. CBUs include tamper-resistant locks, weatherproof construction, and centralized surveillance—especially in HOA common areas.

As a result, only the homeowner or tenant and mail courier can open his or her mail compartment. No one else can open it unless they have the homeowner's or tenant's key.  CBUs are made from reinforced materials like heavy-duty aluminum or steel.

5. Built-In Parcel Lockers

In addition to individual mail compartments, CBUs often feature parcel lockers. What is a parcel locker exactly? Basically, it's a large storage compartment that's used to deliver packages to households. If a package won't fit in a CBU's individual mail compartments, the mail courier can drop it off in a parcel locker.

Glossary Pull: Parcel Locker
A secure compartment in CBUs designed for oversized packages that won’t fit in standard mail slots. Residents are notified with a parcel key.

Modern CBUs include oversized parcel lockers for package delivery—a must in the age of Amazon and e-commerce. This prevents overstuffed boxes or missed deliveries.

6. Customizable Styles and Sizes

Finally, CBUs are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Long with freestanding and wall-mounted models, you can choose from colors such as black, dark bronze, sandstone and postal gray, CBUs are available in finishes that match your community aesthetic. 

FAQ Pull: Can CBUs match our neighborhood’s color scheme?
Absolutely. CBUs come in a range of powder-coated colors, with trim options and decorative pedestals to complement any design vision.

CBUs are also available in multiple sizes, including 8-unit, 12-unit, 16-unit and more.

About Forsite

Welcome to Forsite! You’ve found your best source custom street signs and community wayfinding signs. We manufacture and install upscale site amenities throughout the United States.

Forsite can provide all of your signage needs for your Master Planned Community or  Residential Development. We help our customers to create a uniform, upscale appearance and increase property values by "bundling" themed packages of decorative street signage, mailboxes, post and wall mounted lighting, and wayfinding signage

You can count on the experts at Forsite to help improve the quality of your community today. Contact us today to get started by talking to one of our experienced team members at 855-537-0200.