New England — Is your mailbox conveniently located?  Is it in need of repair?  Is your house number clearly indicated on the box?  Is it a sufficient size for the volume and type of mail you receive?

Each year, the Postal Service designates the third full week of May as Mailbox Improvement Week to encourage customers with box-on-post delivery to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes.  Attractive, well maintained mailboxes contribute to the appearance of your community.

Replacing rusted hinges or remounting loose posts will help ensure safe and timely delivery of your mail. Or consider upgrading to one of the newer larger capacity boxes. Today’s newer mailboxes are wider and taller to accommodate delivery of items you’ve ordered online and reduce the need for notices left and trips to the Post Office to retrieve a package.

For information on where to purchase these new Jumbo boxes go to https://www.usps.com/packagemailbox/

Generally, customers should install mailboxes with the bottom of the mailbox at a vertical height of between 3 1/2 to 4 feet from the road surface.  However, because of varying road and curb conditions and other factors, the Postal Service recommends that customers contact the postmaster or carrier before erecting or replacing mailboxes and supports.  Mailboxes should be placed so the carrier can safely and conveniently serve them without leaving the vehicle.  Customers must remove obstructions, including vehicles, trash cans, and snow, that impede efficient delivery.

Your participation in Mailbox Improvement Week will be greatly appreciated by your carrier and the Postal Service.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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