Each year, the Postal Service™ designates the third full week of May as Mailbox Improvement Week to encourage customers on city motorized, rural, or contract delivery service routes (formerly highway contract box delivery routes) to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes. Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and streets in suburban areas. Mailbox Improvement Week, May 19–25, calls attention to the need for providing mailboxes that are:
1. Approved by the postmaster general.
2. Designed to protect the mail from weather.
3. Safe to use.
4. Conveniently located.
5. Neat in appearance.
Additional information is available on the Delivery and Retail Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/delret/L4CityDelvry_GROWTH.htm.
Mailboxes that meet these five important requirements help delivery and collection operations and improve service to the entire route. There are three approved styles of curbside mailboxes:
1. Traditional design (see Exhibit A).
2. Contemporary design (see Exhibit B).
3. Locked, full, or limited service.
USPS-STD-7B governs the design and specifications of curbside mailboxes and includes provisions for improved quality of the product.
Postmasters should send Notice 209, Mailbox Improvement Week, to all rural and highway contract box delivery route customers the week before Mailbox Improvement Week to alert them of the event. You can order Notice 209 from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) through one of the following methods.
Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message. (Wait 48 hours after registering before placing your first order). For complete TTOE ordering instructions, visit the Materials Customer Service Web site at: http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/_doc/ops_ttoeins.doc or call National Materials Customer Service at 800-332–0317, option 4.
Use the following information to order Notice 209:
PSIN: NOT209
PSN: 7610-03-000-9145
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: 496
Bulk Pack Quantity: 300
Minimum Order Quantity: 50
Price: $.0242
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 23–28.
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.
Customers must place mailboxes on motorized city, rural, and contract delivery service routes so a carrier can safely and conveniently serve them without leaving his or her vehicle. The mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the carrier’s travel direction in all cases where traffic conditions make it dangerous for the carrier to drive to the left to reach the mailboxes, or where doing so would constitute a violation of traffic laws and regulations. Postal Operations Manual (POM) 632.6 specifies postal regulations regarding locations for apartment houses and other multiple unit dwellings. On new rural and contract delivery service routes, all mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of the route line of travel. Mailbox placement must conform with state laws and highway regulations. City motorized, rural, and highway contract box delivery route carriers are subject to the same traffic laws and regulations as other motorists. Customers must remove obstructions, including vehicles, trash cans, and snow, that impede safe and efficient delivery. Except when a mailbox is temporarily blocked, carriers must have access to the mailbox without leaving the vehicle unless authorized to dismount.
The Postal Service does not regulate mailbox supports in any way except for purposes of carrier safety and delivery efficiency. Posts and other supports for curbside mailboxes are owned and controlled by customers, who are responsible for ensuring that posts are neat and adequate in strength and size. Heavy metal posts, concrete posts, and miscellaneous items of farm equipment, such as milk cans filled with concrete, are examples of potentially dangerous supports. The ideal support is an assembly that bends or falls away when struck by a vehicle. Post or support designs may not represent effigies or caricatures that disparage or ridicule any person. Customers may attach the box to a fixed or movable arm. POM 632.5 specifies postal regulations regarding construction and placement of mailboxes and supports on motorized city, rural, and contract delivery service routes.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has determined that wooden mailbox supports no larger than 4 inches by 4 inches, or a 2-inch diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe, buried no more than 24 inches, should safely break away if struck by a vehicle. According to FHWA, the mailbox must also be securely attached to its post to prevent separation if struck. See Exhibits E (page 24) and F (page 25) for examples of mailbox mountings and supports suggested by the FHWA.
There are many things to consider when selecting your curbside mail receptacle. Your mailbox may be where your Postal Service carrier places your mail at the time of delivery, but what about your packages?
A mail receptacle that can accommodate small packages will protect them from inclement weather and offer a safe haven for packages that may otherwise be left at your doorstep.
A mail receptacle large enough for packages to be placed inside can also be a convenient area for your carrier to pick up your outgoing packages through the USPS free Package Pickup program. By saving a trip to the Post Office, you conserve gasoline, helping your wallet as well as the environment.
USPS-STD-7B (Supersedes all previously published lists of approved manufacturers)
ADDRESS ART
PO BOX 90018
INDIANAPOLIS IN 46290-0018
www.addressart.com
Applicables 1 (Accessory)
Applicables 2 (Accessory)
Applicables 3 (Accessory)
Applicables/Purdue (Accessory)
Applicables/IU (Accessory)
Applicables/US Flag (Accessory)
ALPHA PRODUCTS
5570 WEST 70TH PLACE
CHICAGO IL 60638-5326
www.alphaproductsinc.com
MV1215 (Locking)
AMERICAN POSTAL MANUFACTURING
500 W OKLAHOMA AVE
MILWAUKEE WI 53207-2649
www.mailproducts.com
1812 (Contemporary)
N1926045 (Contemporary)
ARCHITECTURAL MAILBOXES
20741 MANHATTAN PLACE
TORReNCE CA 90501-1829
www.architecturalmailboxes.com
5100 (Locking)
5500 (Contemporary)
6200 — (Locking)
7500 — (Contemporary)
ARMADILLO ENCLOSURES
PO BOX 462199
ESCONDIDO CA 92046-2199
www.armadillomailbox.com
1000F (Traditional)
1000R (Locking)
BOBI COMPANY
32 HILLCREST AVE
COLLINGSWOOD NJ 08108-1315
www.bobi.com
BO37000A (Locking)
BO39000A (Locking)
BO22000 (Locking)
BO25000 (Locking)
Exhibit E
Exhibit F
BRANDON INDUSTRIES
1601 WILMETH RD
McKINNEY TX 75069-8250
www.brandonindustries.com
M1 (Contemporary)
M2 (Contemporary)
M3 (Contemporary)
M4 (Contemporary)
M5 (Contemporary)
Brightlight Solutions
201 SW 25th Ave
Cape Coral FL 33991-1236
www.brightlightsolutions.net
1000 (Contemporary)
DAVIS TOOL
215 SW WOOD ST
HILLSBORO OR 97123-5627
www.lockingmailbox.com
1022-X (Locking)
1025-X (Locking)
1123-X (Locking)
1125-X (Locking)
DVAULT COMPANY INC
9457 S UNIVERSITY BLVD STE 280
LITTLETON CO 80126-4976
www.dvault.com
DVCS0015 (Locking)
DVU0050 (Locking)
ENERGY TECHNOLOGY LABS
2351 TENAYA DR
MODESTO CA 95354-3925
www.energytechlabs.com
Secure Mail Vault (Locking)
EPOCH DESIGN
17617 NE 65 ST STE 2
REDMOND WA 98052-4979
www.epochbydesign.com
Mail Boss-7104 (Locking)
ESTES DESIGN and MANUFACTURING
470 S MITTHOEFFER RD
INDIANAPOLIS IN 46229-3058
www.estesdesigns.com
EPS2640437 (Contemporary)
EPS2640319 (Contemporary)
Euroasia products
3956 town center blvd #166
orlando fl 32837-6103
www.euroasiaproducts.com
UWWRX060401 (Contemporary)
UBBDX060403 (Contemporary)
UBBXX060404 (Contemporary)
USBXX060407 (Contemporary)
FLEXIBLE COMPOSITES Company
2629 MOUNT JORDAN RD
SANDY UT 84092-3357
www.flexiblecomposites.com
CMB-001 (Traditional)
FLORENCE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
5935 CORPORATE DR
MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675
www.auth-florence.com
MB2000 (Locking)
FLorida aluminum products
359 douglas rd
oldsmar fl 34677-2973
www.creativemailboxdesigns.com
ME (Contemporary)
FORT KNOX MAILBOX OF OREGON
1196 ORT LANE UNIT E
MERLIN OR 97532-8802
www.fortknoxmailbox.com
Large Standard Mailbox (Locking)
The Fortress (Locking)
FUORISERIE IMPORTS
61 PEARL ST STE 503
BROOKLYN NY 11201-8344
www.ecco-products.com
ECCO 3 (Traditional)
GAINES MANUFACTURING
12200 CIRKHAM RD
POWAY CA 92064-6806
www.gainesmfg.com
Keystone (Contemporary)
HOME IMPRESSIONS
420 THIRD AVE
HICKORY NC 28601-4916
(800) 535-5480
MB-950BSN Seville (Traditional)
MB-550 Georgian (Traditional)
MB-158 Tuscany (Traditional)
MB-950BRBC Seville (Traditional)
MB-170 Mainstreet (Traditional)
MB-541 Northpointe (Traditional)
MB-970AB Westminster (Traditional)
MB-950WBC Seville (Traditional)
MB-370 Ventura (Traditional)
MB-320 Hamilton (Traditional)
MB-801 Ironsides (Traditional)
MB-384BC Alta Vista (Traditional)
MB-386C Monterey (Traditional)
MB-388B Hillcrest (Traditional)
MB-382T Fremont (Traditional)
MB-386OBR Monterey (Traditional)
MB-380B Sierra (Traditional)
MB-981B Reliant (Locking)
IMPERIAL MAILBOX SYSTEMS
3901 NORRIS LN
MILLBROOK AL 36054-2433
www.imperialmailboxsystems.com
001-01 (Contemporary)
001-04 (Contemporary)
001-06 (Contemporary)
001-07 (Contemporary)
001-08 (Contemporary)
001-09 (Contemporary)
002-00 (Contemporary)
JAMESTOWN ADVANCED PRODUCTS INC
2855 GIRTS RD
JAMESTOWN NY 14701-9666
www.jamestownadvanced.com
56 (Traditional)
49 (Traditional)
54 (Traditional)
23 (Traditional)
JANZER
9 CHELTEN WAY
TRENTON NJ 08638-5000
www.janzer.com
StoneyBrae (Traditional)
KAPS
6357 MYRTLE GROVE RD
WILMINGTION NC 28409-4526
(910) 395-2254
1981 (Small Mailbox Tray Accessory)
1982 (Medium Mailbox Tray Accessory)
1983 (Large Mailbox Tray Accessory)
KAY JAY NOVELTIES
PO BOX 96
NASELLE WA 98638-3780
kayjay@wwest.net
FF0100 (Accessory)
LETTER LOCKER
21483 Waalewaale RD
APPLE VALLEY CA 92307-1025
www.LetterLocker.com
Supreme Letter Locker (Locking)
Standard Letter Locker (Locking)
Mailcase
4455 S 700 E Ste 303
Salt Lake City UT 84107-3076
(801) 859-2679
92107 (Locking)
MAIL SYSTEMS NW
12365 SW TOOZE RD
SHERWOOD OR 97140-7205
http://www.mailsystems.com
Belaire 14 (Locking)
Belaire 16 (Locking)
Belaire BR16 (Locking)
Belaire 20 (Locking)
Senator 16 (Locking)
Senator 18 (Locking)
Senator 24 (Locking)
Senator XL (Locking)
MAILBOX SOLUTIONS
10965 SW COMMERCE CIRCLE STE F
WILSONVILLE OR 97070-9629
www.MBXS.com
SteelHead (Locking)
Columbia (Locking)
POSTAL VAULT
4620 ROYAL LN
DALLAS TX 75229-4203
www.postalvault.com
PV101 (Locking)
PV201 (Locking)
PV300 (Locking)
PV400 (Locking)
SALSBURY INDUSTRIES
1010 EAST 62ND ST
LOS ANGELES CA 90001-1598
www.mailboxes.com
4850 (Contemporary)
4855 (Contemporary)
4325 (Locking)
4350 (Locking)
4375 (Locking)
4550 (Locking)
SECURITY MANUFACTURING
815 S MAIN ST
GRAPEVINE TX 76051-5535
www.securitymanufacturing.com
Trailmaster (Locking)
SOLAR GROUP
107 FELLOWSHIP RD
PO BOX 525
TAYLORSVILLE MS 39168-0525
www.thesolargroup.com
ST-10 (Traditional)
ST-15 (Traditional)
E-16 (Traditional)
ST-20 (Traditional)
ST-11 (Traditional)
ES15 Estate (Traditional)
ST-16 (Traditional)
PL-10 (Traditional)
CENTURY 2000 (Contemporary)
CL-1 (Contemporary)
E-11 (Contemporary)
RSK (Locking)
A15 (Contemporary)
Gentry (Contemporary)
PED (Locking)
SPRING CITY ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING Company
PO BOX 19
SPRING CITY PA 19475-0019
www.springcity.com
Estate (Contemporary)
STEP 2
PO BOX 2412
STREETSBORO OH 44241-0412
www.step2.com
5402 (Contemporary)
5452 (Contemporary)
5317 (Locking)
5605 MailMinder (Accessory)
VEEDERS MAILBOX
10050 MONTGOMERY RD #324
CINCINNATI OH 45242-5322
www.veedersmailbox.com
LGVMB-G (Traditional)
LGVMB-SS (Traditional)
SMVMB-B (Traditional)
SMVMB-SS (Traditional)
WHITEHALL PRODUCTS
8786 WATER ST
MONTAGUE MI 49431-1204
www.whitehallproducts.com
Whitehall (Contemporary)
Capitol (Contemporary)
Y ALL GOT MAIL
3088 RAGSDALE DR
MILAN TN 38358-3420
yallgotmail@charter.net
Y’All Got Mail (Accessory)
During Mailbox Improvement Week, postmasters and managers or their designees must review all cluster box units (CBUs), neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBUs), and outdoor parcel lockers (OPLs) in their delivery areas to identify any hazards or irregularities, and they must record the results of the review.
Note: NDCBUs are not approved for use in new delivery or as replacement units for existing NDCBUs — even when privately purchased. Postal Service officials must not install Arrow locks in new NDCBUs or initiate delivery to NDCBU units installed as replacements.
Upon completing the reviews, keep a copy in your local office and send consolidated copies to the designated growth coordinator for each district. Use PS Form 8143, Equipment Checklist and Followup Review, in conducting and recording the reviews. PS Form 8143 is available in this Postal Bulletin (see Exhibit G on page 55), PS Form 8143 is also available on the PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/; click on Forms. Employees conducting the reviews must complete PS Form 1624, Delivery/Collection Equipment Work Request, for any equipment that poses a safety hazard to postal customers or employees. You can order PS Form 1624 from the MDC using touch-tone order entry (see page 21 for MDC ordering instructions) or download it from the PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/. The relevant ordering information for PS Form 1624 is as follows:
PSIN: PS1624
PSN: 7530-01-000-9392
Unit of Issue: SE
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 10,000
Minimum Order: 100
Price: $.0290
Employees must use the CBU and parcel locker equipment checklist and followup review procedure when examining the condition of CBUs, NDCBUs, and OPLs. You must:
1. List the 5-digit, USPS-marked postal ID number of the unit. This is usually visible on the front or side of the body or pedestal. If a postal ID number is not available, list the unit location, equipment type, and manufacturer in the left-hand column. If you are able to access the back of the unit, list the unit’s vendor-supplied serial number. You must distinguish the type listed as an NDCBU or CBU.
2. Assign each checklist item one of the following ratings:
a. OK — Equipment does not need attention for this item.
b. X — Equipment needs attention for this item.
c. NA — Item does not apply to this particular piece of equipment.
3. When examining the equipment, use the instructions below to complete PS Form 8143:
a. Check equipment. All delivery and collection equipment should be straight, vertical, and firmly mounted. For safety concerns, please ensure that customer compartments are facing away from the street (refer to the safety note below) or are oriented such that safe collection and delivery of the mail may occur. Visually verify that four bolts/nuts are firmly in place securing the pedestal to the concrete pad and to the delivery equipment. Apply hand pressure to the top edge of the unit from the front side. While the unit may flex under the load, verify that the pedestal stays firmly mounted to the concrete and that the unit does not separate from the pedestal.
Note: For safety concerns, please ensure that customer compartments are located such that customers do not have to stand in the street to access their mail or that letter carriers must stand in the street to deliver mail. Consider all factors of equipment location including setbacks from streets that may allow customer compartments to face the road, but be of such a distance so as not to affect the safe delivery and collection of mail.
b. Check visible welds. Make note of cracked, broken, or rusted welds. For NDCBUs and OPLs only, tap the pedestal with a lightweight hammer, especially along the seams, to check for corrosion from the inside out or perforated corrosion.
c. For CBUs and NDCBUs, observe whether the carrier access door is locked and secure. Open it and observe whether it is bowed or warped and whether the door and locking bar operate smoothly. With the carrier access door open, check whether restraining devices prevent the door from blowing closed. These devices, which may have to be set manually, should be serviceable.
d. Ensure that the Arrow lock operates smoothly and easily and that the mounting hardware is tight. For NDCBUs, CBU parcel doors, and OPLs, the protective cover that shields the Arrow lock from customer tampering must be serviceable and firmly attached.
e. For OPLs, the cover that protects the Arrow lock from theft must be secured with the proper quantity of tamper resistant screws.
f. Ensure that all customer access doors are present, closed, and locked with no visible damage or signs of forced entry. Check that customer door numbers are legible.
g. Ensure that the exterior surface of the unit is free from rust and graffiti.
h. Examine the unit. Check it for defects or damage and whether it reflects a proper Postal Service image.
i. Check whether the unit and any protecting structure appears watertight and in good repair. Check whether there are any noticeable watermarks inside the unit or any wet mail.
j. Note any other conditions that require attention. Also, look for signs of vandalism such as pry marks on doors and locks.
4. Record the results of the inspection on the checklist.
5. Submit the completed PS Form 1624 for each unit reviewed to the maintenance office responsible for Centralized Delivery Equipment installation or repair in the area.
Carriers must note equipment deficiencies and report them to the postmaster, supervisor, or designee. The postmaster or designee must then submit PS Form 1624 reporting the equipment defects. In addition, carriers should complete PS Form 1767, Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition, or Practice, for items that pose an immediate threat to safety, such as an improperly secured or leaning NDCBU/CBU. You can order PS Form 1767 from the MDC using touch-tone ordering procedures (see page 21). The relevant ordering information for PS Form 1767 is as follows:
PSIN: PS1767
PSN: 7530-01-000-9422
Unit of Issue: SE
Quick Pick #: 141
Bulk Pack Quantity: 1000
Minimum Order: 25
Price: $.0625
The postmaster or supervisor must immediately notify by telephone the office responsible for repair of reported hazards. The postmaster or supervisor must follow up to ensure that the work is satisfactorily completed and documented. The office responsible for repair should use its local buying authority to accomplish the repairs.
In January of 1999, the Postal Service announced that NDCBUs cannot be installed for delivery of mail beginning in FY 2000. As previously stated, there are no waivers granted for this policy. Place all orders for CBUs and OPLs against the national contracts listed below. Use eBuy to place all orders.
For eBuy ordering instructions, go to the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov. In the left-hand column, click eBuy, then Training. You may also call 800-USPS-HELP for additional help.
USPS-B-1118G
FLORENCE MANUFACTURING Company
5935 CORPORATE DR
MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675
Telephone: 800-275-1747
Telephone: 785-323-4400
Fax: 800-275-5081 (toll-free)
Fax: 785-323-4470
www.auth-florence.com
Unit is anodized, painted aluminum.
Contract #1CDSEQ-05-B-3001 — Place orders through eBuy.
Note: You must use eBuy to purchase supplies from this contract supplier.
QUALARC
11300 TRADE CENTER DRIVE STE A
RANCHO CORDOVA CA 95742-6219
Telephone: 888-800-0153
Fax: 916-635-0228
www.qualarc.com
Decorative CBU Accessories:
Regency — 1201, Tall Pedestal Cover
Regency — 1202, Short Pedestal Cover
Regency — 1200, Top Cover
Regency — Flame & Ball, Top Cover Finials
Note: CBU accessories are optional equipment that is intended to enhance the aesthetic appearance of commercially purchased units.
FLORENCE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
5935 CORPORATE DR
MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675
800-275-1747
785-323-4400
800-275-5081 (toll-free fax)
785-323-4470 (fax)
www.auth-florence.com
Unit constructed of extruded aluminum and stainless steel.
Contract #1CDSEQ-05-B-3001 — Place orders through eBuy.
Note:
1) You must use eBuy to purchase supplies from this contract supplier.
2) Unit is anodized, painted aluminum — pedestal is anodized, painted stainless steel.
Contract No. 1CDSEQ-05-B-3001, available on eBuy.
USPS–B–1116B
FLORENCE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
5935 CORPORATE DR
MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675
Telephone: 800-275-1747
Telephone: 785-323-4400
Fax: 800-275-5081 (toll-free)
Fax: 785-323-4470
www.auth-florence.com
Contract #1CDSEQ-05-B-3001 — Place orders through eBuy.
Note: You must use eBuy to purchase supplies from this contract supplier.
FLORENCE MANUFACTURING Company
5935 CORPORATE DR
MANHATTAN KS 66503-9675
Telephone: 800-275-1747
Telephone: 785-323-4400
Fax: 800-275-5081 (toll-free)
Fax: 785-323-4470
www.auth-florence.com
Replacement Pedestal — NDCBU Universal
Replacement Pedestal — OPL
Replacement Pedestal — American Locker CBU
Replacement Pedestal — American Locker OPL
Contract #1CDSEQ-05-B-3001 — Place orders through eBuy.
Pedestal is anodized aluminum. Does not fit Superior units.
USPS-STD-4C
USPS-STD-4C was fully implemented on October 6, 2006.
All new multi-unit construction with building permits submitted before October 6, 2006, retain the option of using apartment-style receptacles built to the specifications of USPS-STD-4B+.
All multi-unit construction with building plans submitted on October 6, 2006, or later are required to use Wall-Mounted Mail Receptacles built and approved to the specifications of USPS-STD-4C.
The receptacles offer:
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