What Does “Postmaster General Approved” Mean?
As the title suggests, the United States postmaster general is the head of the United States Postal Service. The role’s duties include overseeing the daily activities of the US mail service, managing operations, budgeting, determining policies, and otherwise working to ensure the USPS is an efficient government agency. Among these duties, the postmaster general is called upon to ensure certain equipment related to the postal service has been tested and meets certain standards. Sometimes this approval refers to mailboxes and their construction, as well as safety issues. So, what does “postmaster general approved” mean regarding cluster box units for multi-tenant properties?
Compliance
When it comes to cluster box units, USPS compliance standards must be met, otherwise the carrier can refuse to deliver the mail. If a mailbox is improperly installed, poorly designed, shoddily constructed, or fails to meet several standards, it is considered noncompliant. We’ll go into greater detail later in this article, but compliance is the overarching theme. If it’s not approved by the postmaster general, a box is considered noncompliant.
Convenience
A cluster mailbox must provide ease of access. The carrier must be able to deliver the mail with little fuss, and the tenants should have no issues retrieving their mail. Postmaster general–approved cluster mailboxes are designed to allow the carrier to approach the box, whether on foot or in their vehicle, and open and close the receptacle easily. Therefore, the box must be positioned at a certain height and be free from obstructions. The property owner and their contractor are responsible for seeing that it meets these standards.
Liability
The importance of picking a postmaster general–approved cluster mailbox cannot be over-stressed. Picking an approved mailbox is not just a matter of compliance and convenience, it can protect you from a legal standpoint as well. Postmaster-approved mailboxes have been tested and proven themselves to resist breaking and entering by thieves and vandals. If a mailbox is damaged or broken into and the mail inside is stolen, ruined, or destroyed, it can leave the property owner liable for damages or theft. Especially if the box wasn’t approved by the postmaster general regarding security measures.
What To Watch For
If you’re in the market for a cluster mailbox, be sure to note whether the box is approved by the postmaster general. The manufacturer or seller should be able to provide this simple information, but you can also check with your local post office or the USPS website for a list of currently approved mailbox models.
That’s the answer to the question, “What does ‘postmaster general approved’ mean?” If you’re in the market for a luster mailbox or other mail delivery materials, contact us today for a consultation!