Customers must use only approved traditional, contemporary, or locked full/limited service curbside mailboxes for new installations or replacements. When new delivery is established or extended, Postmasters must ensure that customers use delivery equipment that is approved by the postmaster general. However, a customer may use a custom-built curbside mailbox if the local postmaster gives prior approval and the mailbox conforms generally to the same requirements as approved manufactured curbside mailboxes relative to the flag, size, strength, and quality of construction.
Carriers on motorized city routes may continue to serve mailboxes that are designed primarily for use by customers receiving door delivery and that have been erected and served under previous regulations (see Exhibit C on the following page). However, carriers should advise customers that they may use only approved curbside mailboxes when replacing these types of mailboxes. A list of approved manufacturers of traditional curbside mailboxes appears on pages 21–25.
For motorized city routes, and where the use of street names and house numbers is authorized on rural and contract delivery service routes, the mailbox must display the number on the side of single mailboxes or on the door of grouped mailboxes. If the mailbox is on a street other than the one on which the customer resides, the street name and house number must be on the mailbox. When rural and contract delivery service route customers box delivery route customers have assigned box numbers, the numbers must appear on the side of single mailboxes or on the doors of grouped mailboxes, visible to the approaching carrier. The street number, box number, and any other address information must be inscribed in contrasting color in neat letters and numerals not less than 1 inch in height. In all instances, placing the owner’s name on the box is optional.
Motorized city, rural, and contract delivery service route customers should be encouraged but not required to group mailboxes whenever practical, especially where many mailboxes are located at or near crossroads, service turnouts, or similar locations. Customers should also paint mailboxes and supports/posts and keep them rust-free. Advertising on mailboxes and mailbox supports is prohibited.
In areas where snow removal is a problem, the Postal Service suggests using a semi-arch or extended arm-type support (see Exhibit D), which allows snowplows to sweep near or under mailboxes without damaging supports and provides easy access to the mailboxes by carriers and customers.
Exhibit D
Generally, mailboxes should be installed at a height of 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry. Mailboxes are set back 6–8 inches from the front face of the curb or road edge to the mailbox door. However, because of varying road and curb conditions and other factors, the Postal Service recommends that customers contact their local Post Office before erecting or replacing mailboxes and supports.
