Blog
How Do Cluster Box Units (CBUs) Work?
Monday September 16, 2019
Cluster Box Units (CBUs) have become an increasingly popular alternative to conventional curbside mailboxes. A form of centralized mail delivery, they consist of "clusters" of multiple mailbox compartments, each of which is intended for a specific household or residence in the surrounding area. Unless you're familiar with CBUs, though, you might be wondering how they work. In this post, we're going to reveal the basics of CBUs, revealing why they've become so popular in recent years.
The Complete Guide to Centralized Mail Delivery Systems
Monday September 02, 2019
Don't limit yourself to choosing traditional curbside mailboxes for your neighborhood or residential community. While the United States Postal Service (USPS) allows curbside mailboxes to be used for single-unit residences, an alternative solution is to use a centralized mail delivery system. Since their origins back in the mid- to late 1960s, centralized mail delivery systems have become increasingly common -- and for good reason. Unless you're familiar with them, though, you might be wondering whether a centralized mail delivery system is a smart choice for your neighborhood or residential community.
STD-4C Mailboxes: How They Differ From the Old STD-4B Standard
Monday August 19, 2019
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been encouraging homeowners and business owners to use centralized mail delivery systems for decades. In 1967, the USPS introduced the first residential curbside Cluster Box Units (CBUs). A form of centralized mail delivery, CBUs streamlined the delivery of mail by providing mail couriers with a single drop-off point for multiple residences. Since then, the USPS has released specifications for other forms of centralized mail delivery systems, including STD-4B and the newer STD-4C.
Cluster Box Units vs STD-4C Mailboxes: What's the Difference?
Monday July 15, 2019
Cluster Box Units (CBUs) and STD-4C mailboxes are two popular alternatives to traditional curbside mailboxes. A form of centralized mail delivery, they allow couriers to drop off and pick up mail at a single unit rather than accessing each tenant's curbside mailbox. While CBUs and STD-4C mailboxes are similar in this regard, however, they aren't necessarily the same. If you're thinking about purchasing either of these centralized mail delivery systems for your neighborhood or residential community, you should familiarize yourself with the differences between CBUs and STD-4C mailboxes.
Traditional Mailboxes vs Contemporary Mailboxes: What's the Difference?
Friday June 07, 2019
When shopping for curbside mailboxes for your neighborhood or residential community, you may discover some labeled as "traditional" or "contemporary." Traditional styles are the most common, accounting for the majority of residential mailboxes in the United States. But in recent years, an increasing number of contemporary mailboxes have emerged, offering a viable alternative for community developers and homeowners alike. So, what's the difference between traditional and contemporary mailboxes?
USPS Color Requirements for Curbside Mailboxes: What You Should Know
Monday May 20, 2019
When purchasing curbside mailboxes for a neighborhood or residential community, you'll need to choose an appropriate color. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is pretty flexible regarding the color of curbside mailboxes, but there are still a few things you'll need to know. By complying with the USPS's color requirements, you can avoid the headache of having to replace or repaint your mailboxes in the future.
Guidelines to Follow When Installing Apartment Mailboxes
Monday May 13, 2019
There are now over 2 million apartment buildings in the United States, according to a Rental Housing Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. If you're faced with the task of developing or renovating an apartment building, you might be wondering what type of mailboxes you should use. With multiple residences per each apartment building, traditional curbside mailboxes aren't practical. Instead, you'll need to choose a more convenient and easily accessible type of mailbox that complies with the United States Postal Service's (USPS's) guidelines.
How to Discourage Mail Theft in a New Neighborhood or Community
Monday April 08, 2019
If you're developing a new neighborhood or residential community, you might be wondering what precautions you can take to protect residents from mail theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), approximately 400,000 Americans have their mail stolen in any given year. For residents, mail theft isn't just frustrating; it poses a risk to their credit and reputation. After taking a resident's mail, a thief may steal his or her identity, using the resident's Social Security number and other personal information to open new credit cards. As a developer, though, there are a few ways you can discourage mail theft in a new neighborhood or residential community.
5 Tips on Cleaning and Maintaining Cluster Mailbox Units
Saturday March 02, 2019
As the United States Postal Service (USPS) continues to encourage the use of cluster mailbox units (CBUs), you can expect to see more of these centralized mail delivery systems in apartments, neighborhoods and other residential communities. CBUs streamline mail pickup and delivery by couriers by allowing them to collect and drop off mail for many residents at a single location. Rather than visiting each resident's unit to drop off mail, for example, a courier can visit the community's CBU, which contains a secure mailbox for each resident.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Curbside Mailboxes in Your Residential Community
Friday February 22, 2019
After purchasing curbside mailboxes for your residential community, you'll need to install them. While this sounds easy enough, though, there are certain steps you must take to ensure the mailboxes are safely and securely installed. Unfortunately, some developers and property managers are guilty of making one or more of the following mistakes when installing their curbside mailboxes.