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An Introduction to the Different Types of Mailboxes

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is responsible for delivering mail to over 160 million addresses per year. Some of these addresses consist of homes or apartments, whereas others consist of businesses and commercial properties. Regardless, they all have a mailbox where USPS couriers can drop off mail. There are many different types of mailboxes, however. While you might be familiar with traditional curbside mailboxes, you might be surprised to learn about the alternative mailboxes supported by the USPS.

Does the USPS Allow Wall-Mounted Mailboxes?

Mailboxes are an important part of all neighborhoods and residential communities. Without them, residents won't be able to send or receive mail -- at least not without visiting a local post office. If you're developing a neighborhood or residential community, though, you might be wondering whether wall-mounted mailboxes are allowed. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has rules regarding the use of mailboxes, but that doesn't necessarily mean they prohibit the use wall-mounted mailboxes.

Should You Replace or Refurbish Damaged Curbside Mailboxes?

When working to improve a residential community, you might be wondering whether to replace or refurbish the damaged curbside mailboxes. Curbside mailboxes can become damaged over time. When exposed to rain, wind and ultraviolet (UV) sunlight, they'll degrade. There's also the possibility of motorists striking them, resulting in even more severe damage. The United Postal Service (USPS) won't deliver mail to damaged curbside mailboxes. Fortunately, you can either replace or refurbish them. Which option should you choose when renovating a residential community?

5 Safety Rules to Follow When Installing Mailboxes Along a Highway

When installing curbside mailboxes along a highway, you must conscious of whether they pose a risk to residents and motorists. Highways are main roads that connect major U.S. cities. Therefore, they often have a higher legal speed limit than smaller secondary roads. Both the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the U.S. Federal Highway Transportation Authority (FHWA) allow curbside mailboxes to be installed along highways. When doing so, however, you should follow some basic safety rules.

What Are the Testing Requirements for Curbside Mailboxes?

Since being founded in the early 1970s, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has worked to standardized mailboxes. There are certain rules manufacturers must follow when designing and producing curbside mailboxes, some of which involve testing. Testing is done to ensure that new curbside mailboxes are able to meet the USPS's quality standards. If a new curbside mailbox isn't tested -- or if it fails any of the required test -- the Postmaster General (PMG) won't approve it. What are the testing requirements for curbside mailboxes exactly?

6 Things You Didn't Know About the USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is responsible for delivering mail to over 160 million addresses in the United States. It was created in the late 1700s following the Postal Service Act. Since then, the USPS has worked vigorously to deliver mail to countless homes and businesses. While you're probably familiar with its purpose, you might be surprised to learn the following facts about the USPS.

Where to Obtain Replacement Keys for Cluster Mailboxes (CBUs)

How to Prevent Curbside Mailboxes From Leaning

It's not uncommon for curbside mailboxes to lean over time. Even if you originally installed a mailbox vertically and upright, it may eventually lean either forward, backward or to the side. When this occurs, it can harm the adjacent homes' curb appeal while potentially increasing the risk of injury for mail couriers and motorists. You can prevent your curbside mailboxes from leaning, however, by taking a few basic precautions.

Are Your Curbside Mailboxes Weatherproof?

When choosing curbside mailboxes for a neighborhood or residential community, you should check to see whether they are waterproof. Curbside mailboxes are regularly exposed to rain, sleet and snow. Over the course of many months or years, exposure to these elements can cause damage. Thankfully, some curbside mailboxes offer a higher level of protection against the weather than others. By choosing weatherproof curbside mailboxes, you can rest assured knowing that they will last a long time.

What Type of Posts Should I Use for Curbside Mailboxes?

When installing new curbside mailboxes in a neighborhood or residential community, you'll need to choose the right type of posts. The post, of course, is the support system on which a curbside mailbox is mounted. Although there are exceptions, most curbside mailboxes are used in conjunction with a post. But there are different types of posts available, some of which work better than others. So, what type of posts should you use for your neighborhood's or residential community's curbside mailboxes?