What Are the USPS Mailbox Space Requirements?
A mailbox seems like such a simple thing. A receptacle that opens and closes, allowing the carrier to drop in an individual’s mail. Not a terribly elaborate system to be sure. Yet, the United States Postal Service has a series of strict regulations regarding mailboxes. There’s nothing arbitrary about these rules. They created these regulations to ensure the mail carrier’s safety and convenience while ensuring you receive your mail intact. Here’s a quick summary if you were wondering what the USPS mailbox space requirements are and whether there are any other stipulations to know.
Size Matters
Let’s start by learning how big (or small) a mailbox can be before the carrier refuses to deliver mail. Not everyone has a mailbox, for one thing. Some folks have mail slots in their doors, and these come with their own requirements. Per the USPS requirements, mail slot openings must be at least 1 ½ inches x 7 inches, and 30 inches above the floor. Horizontal mail slots require a flap on top, for added protection, while vertical slots need a hinge opposite the door’s hinges. Curbside and wall-mounted mailboxes must be able to handle mail that’s 7 inches high, 13 inches wide, and 16 inches deep.
Location, Location, Location
A mailbox’s location is a big deal. Fundamentally, your carrier must be able to safely and easily access it. Specific measurements come into play again for curbside boxes. The mailbox’s bottom must be no more or less than 41 to 45 inches above the road, and 6 to 8 inches behind the curb. These measurements allow the carrier to park beside and reach the mailbox from their vehicle. The local post office must pre-approve an apartment building or office space’s standard cluster box unit. It should likewise meet the above measurement standards for delivery while remaining accessible to individuals with disabilities. As for the size of the boxes in the cluster, the maximum allowable size is 13.63 inches by 7.7 inches on the sides, 12 inches tall, and 16.5 inches deep.
A Leg To Stand On
It’s important to consider what materials make up the mailbox’s pole or other support system when taking your initial measurements. As the USPS site suggests, the support system must be stable but also ready to give way if a vehicle hits it. Wooden supports must be no more than four inches by four inches, while metal pipes must have a diameter of no more than two inches. While you may feel the urge to make the support extra secure, don’t go overboard. Cement, concrete, and thick steel pipes are supports that run the risk of damaging vehicles and injuring or even killing drivers and passengers. What’s more, don’t bury the pole any deeper than 24 inches, to allow it to safely give under impact.
This post asked and answered the question, what are the USPS mailbox space requirements? However, check with your local post office for further details on their requirements or contact us for a consultation.