Commercial Mailbox Buyer's Guide
If you are in the market for commercial mailboxes, you have come to the right place. Commercial mailboxes are a necessary component of any business or community, providing a secure and convenient way to receive and send mail. With a wide range of styles, sizes, and features available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide to buying commercial mailboxes, we will help you understand the different types of commercial mailboxes, things to consider before buying, and the different laws regarding USPS-approved commercial mailboxes.
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Already know which mailbox you need? Contact us or request a quote today.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Commercial Mailbox
When it comes to purchasing a commercial mailbox for your business, there are several important factors to consider. From size and capacity to durability and security, it's crucial to choose a mailbox that will meet the needs of your business and ensure the safe and efficient delivery of your mail. We will discuss the top things to consider before buying a commercial mailbox.
- Weather and Elements – Outdoor mailboxes will be exposed to a variety of weather and elements. Depending on where you live, this might be heavy rain, extreme temperatures, snow, ice, or sun exposure. U.S. Mail Supply has mailboxes for any climate.
- Number of Boxes – The size and design of the mailbox you need may depend on the number of boxes required. You will need to determine how many residents, employees, students, etc. will be receiving mail. Another thing to consider is how many parcel/package slots you will also need in addition to letter slots.
- Indoor or Outdoor – Wall-mounted or surfaced-mounted mailboxes will be required for indoor use and post-mounted or column-mounted will be required for outdoor use.
- Security – Many people are opting for locking mailboxes in order to secure their letters and packages. This may be a solution you wish to pursue to add security and privacy for those using the mailbox. Please note that USPS carriers do not accept mailbox keys and there are specific regulations for USPS-approved locking mailboxes. Mailboxes with a lock must have slots large enough to accommodate your daily mail volume.
- Style – There are several different popular styles of mailboxes which include mail slots, wall mounts, post mounts, column mounts, and multi-tenant. Outdoor pedestal-mounted units are typically called cluster box units and indoor surface or wall mounted are called STD-4C mailboxes.
- Installation – Will your mailbox be installed indoors or outdoors? The popular types of installation are surface-mounted, recessed-mounted, and pedestal-mounted. USPS has regulations for each mailbox installation type and you will likely need to contact your local postmaster for approval.
- Materials – U.S. Mail Supply’s mailboxes come in stainless steel and heavy gauge aluminum with anodized aluminum finishes or powder coat finishes. Steel is rust-resistant and aluminum is rust-proof. Both materials are long-lasting and durable.
Who Will Deliver Your Mail?
Mail delivery is regulated by Federal law and different laws apply depending on who is delivering your letters and packages. If the United States Postal Service is delivering your mail, then you will need to choose from a USPS-Approved mailbox. If your mail is being delivered by another courier such as UPS, FedEx, Amazon, etc. then you will need a private delivery mailbox.
- USPS Access – Mail that is delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) requires a USPS-approved mailbox. USPS-approved mailboxes must meet strict regulations and be approved by the Postmaster General (PMG) prior to being sold. Only USPS employees are allowed to deliver mail.
- Private Access – Private access mailboxes are mailboxes or mailbox units that are only accessed by third-party mail carriers such as UPS, FedEX, Amazon, etc. These are typically mailboxes that would have package and parcel delivery.
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How Many Commercial Mailbox Compartments Do You Need?
When it comes to choosing the right number of commercial mailbox compartments, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you'll need to think about the size of your business or organization. A smaller operation with only a few employees or tenants may only need a handful of compartments, while a larger business with dozens or even hundreds of people may require a more extensive mail system.
Another important factor to consider is the volume of mail you receive on a daily or weekly basis. If your business receives a high volume of mail, you'll likely need more compartments to accommodate all of the incoming packages and envelopes. On the other hand, if your business receives relatively little mail, you may be able to get by with fewer compartments.
It's also worth thinking about the layout of your commercial space and how the mailbox compartments will fit into the overall design. You'll need to make sure that you have enough room for the mailbox system, as well as any other equipment or furnishings you may need.
Overall, the number of commercial mailbox compartments you need will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your business, the volume of mail you receive, and the layout of your commercial space. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right number of compartments to meet the needs of your business.
Types of Commercial Mailboxes
There are two main types of mailboxes offered by U.S. Mail Supply: indoor and outdoor. The different types include wall-mounted, surface-mounted, recessed-mounted, and pedestal-mounted. Both indoor and outdoor mailboxes can be USPS-approved or private delivery. The types of USPS-approved commercial and residential use mailboxes are:
- Cluster
- Wall Mounted Horizontal (STD-4C)
- Front loading Horizontal (STD-4B+)
- Vertical
- Locking Residential Pedestal
- Mail Package Drop Box
- Letter Drop Boxes
- Delivery Vault Drop Box
To learn more about these different types of mailboxes please visit our article about the 8 USPS-approved mailbox types for commercial and residential use.
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Commercial Mailbox Custom Numbering & Lettering
Custom numbering and lettering for commercial mailboxes can be a useful and effective way to help identify and organize your mailboxes. With custom numbering and lettering, you can easily assign a unique number or letter to each mailbox, allowing for efficient sorting and distribution of mail. This can be especially useful for businesses with multiple mailboxes, as it allows for quick and easy identification of each mailbox.
One of the benefits of custom numbering and lettering for commercial mailboxes is that it allows for a professional and organized appearance. By using standardized numbering and lettering, you can create a cohesive and polished look for your mailboxes. This can help to improve the overall appearance of your business, and can make a positive impression on customers and clients.
Adding custom numbering and lettering to your mailbox solutions can be fun and add style. We can add custom engraving or decals. Typically, we can have 12 characters per line, up to 2 lines per door.
Custom numbering and lettering can also be useful for security purposes. By using unique numbers or letters for each mailbox, you can help to prevent unauthorized access to your mail. This can help to protect sensitive and confidential information, and can provide added peace of mind.
Contact us today to learn more about our customization.
What Is Standard USPS-STD-4C?
STD-4C or Standard-4C refers to the set of standards and regulations set by the United States Postal Service regarding the specifications of cluster mailbox units used in new construction in the United States. These standards and regulations are for any centralized, wall-mounted mailboxes, whether located inside an office high-rise, a family subdivision, or an outdoor centralized kiosk. STD-4C replaces all previous regulations such as 4B+ and 4B. We supply mailboxes that are USPS STD-4C compliant and non-compliant so make sure to double-check which mailboxes you are shopping for.
What Is Standard USPS-STD-4B+?
STD-4B+ boxes are for the replacement of existing STD-4B units. The United States Postal Service does not authorize the installation of STD-4B or STD-4B+ for new construction and will not install Arrow locks on this equipment. You may only order replacement parts. STD-4B+ are security-enhanced versions of horizontal and vertical boxes for indoor and protected outdoor locations. All new construction must comply with the newer STD-4C standards.
