You can’t look into the USPS without finding articles and
opinion pieces revolving around ways to assist with their financial struggles.
There have been a multitude of proposals, from eliminating Saturday delivery to
adding postal banking to all post offices. Another idea that has been thrown
around is the idea of eliminating door-to-door delivery. What this means is
that in future developments, all mailboxes will be cluster box units. In some
cases old developments may even be encouraged to make the switch. If you aren’t
familiar with CBUs, we’re here to explain all the fantastic advantages that
come with them.
Most American citizens are aware of the USPS financial
situation. Due largely in part to declining mail volumes and a law requiring
the Postal Service to pre-fund retiree health benefits, the USPS rarely makes a
profit. In fact it turned a profit this financial quarter for the first time in
five years. However, without further reform, it is unlikely that this is a
trend that will continue. With this in mind, one must consider the amount of
money the USPS would save by switching to CBU delivery. CBUs allow letter
carriers to make fewer stops, thereby saving time and money. Instead of walking
around an entire block to deliver the mail, a letter carrier would be able to
stop at just one CBU and service the entire block. This would make mail
delivery much faster.
CBUs are also much safer than traditional mailboxes. The
typical door-to-door mailbox has no type of lock or security. This opens you to
the possibility of mail and identity theft. Citizens are particularly vulnerable
around tax season, when thieves are seeking tax documents and checks. They may
go through all mailboxes on the block, or just mailboxes with the outgoing mail
flag up. CBUs require a key to gain access which creates an extra barrier
between thieves and your mail.
Another advantage of CBUs is that they remove headaches for
ordinary citizens. With a typical residential mailbox, you have to maintain it.
You must make sure the post is secure and that the mailbox is painted. You have
to mow and shovel around the post. Depending on where you are, you may even
have to shovel a path to your mailbox or risk the letter carriers refusing to
deliver your mail. With a CBU, all those hassles disappear. All you have to do
is walk (or drive) to the CBU, take your mail, and go.
Residential mailboxes go through a lot of use, and often
they will show it. CBUs are designed to be
This final advantage we want to discuss today admittedly
will not apply to all CBUs, but it will apply to some. Many CBUs do not have
only tenant mail compartments, but parcel lockers as well. This eliminates the
need for you to make a trip to the post office to pick up your packages. It
also means your packages won’t be left on the porch for all to see. Packages
are secured in a durable parcel locker, accessible only by key.
There are many reasons why CBUs are a great option. If you
encounter them at your next home, give them a chance before you write off these
high quality units.
