How To Choose The Right Commercial Mailbox

Finding the right mailbox for your commercial business or residential area can seem overwhelming. That’s why today we’re going to break down the 5 things you need to take into consideration when shopping for centralized mailboxes.

1. Keep Parcels In Mind

Amazon Prime sent 5 billion packages in 2017, and that’s only Amazon. With so much ecommerce business in the modern world, parcel delivery is something you have to consider when choosing CBUs.

You can choose to invest in CBUs with parcel lockers built in, or you can buy individual parcel lockers that are separate. Parcel lockers, whether built-in or not, are designed to hold most parcels easily and securely. These parcel lockers easily hold larger parcels, though oversized parcels will likely be unable to fit.

Adding one parcel locker per ten tenant compartments is now required for new construction, so keep that in mind.

2. Make Sure Mailboxes Have Security Features

Ensuring that all mail arrives to tenants safely needs to be your highest priority. Our CBUs are constructed from stainless steel and durable aluminum t0 prevent theft and vandalism.

You’ll want to invest in mailboxes that include lock cams, reduced pry points, wrapped hinges, security locks developed by the USPS, and closed master doors. All of these features will help prevent theft.

3. Consider Price

Cluster box units are a single secure unit. This makes them both easy and inexpensive to install compared to other mailbox options.

They also require less space than other types of mailboxes, because you are able to create one space along a wall or outside to have these units installed.

4. Buy For The Elements

Make sure the mailbox you choose is weather resistant. You’ll want a mailbox that is also resistant to corrosion and rust. Even if your mailboxes will be relatively protected from the elements, having these extra protections will make your mailbox last longer, saving you more money.

5. Getting Replacement Parts Is Easy

Tenants are going to lose their keys and there is no avoiding it, so make sure you invest in a CBU that makes replacing keys and locks easy.

For example, we provide 3 keys with our mailboxes making it very easy for you to replace them should a key be lost.

Since 2006, new construction and major renovations require STD-4C compliant mailbox systems. What this means is that 4C horizontal mailboxes and parcel lockers must be installed during new construction and major renovations, pending a discussion with your local Growth Manager. These mailboxes are flatter than previous models and incorporate stand-alone parcel locker options. At least one parcel locker must be present for every ten tenant compartments, but are not required for units containing less than ten tenant compartments.

While new construction requires the use of 4C units, mailboxes that are being replaced may be able to use 4B+ or vertical units. It’s best to check with your local postmaster before you complete a renovation project.

What is a Major Renovation?

A major renovation occurs anytime the wall is being modified where existing wall-mounted units are installed. In other words, if the rough opening of the wall is being changed, this would constitute as a major renovation.

If that rough opening will be remaining the same, you are not required to convert to STD-4C mailboxes.

STD-4C Requirements

There are certain mailbox specifications that must be met in order for you to comply with the USPS guidelines.

·        12”W x 15”D x 3”H is the minimum size requirement

·        1 parcel locker required for every 10 tenant compartments

·        ADA compliant

·        Increased security requirements

·        Improved tenant compartment lock design

·        Testing requirements to see if unit is suitable for indoor/outdoor use

You can find the full details on the USPS website.

Residential Applications

While the USPS prefers the most efficient mode of delivery, not all new residential developments must comply to the centralized delivery system standard. When building, connect with the local USPS Growth Manager to go over the specifics of your project.

Homes being built in more rural areas, for example, are not likely to be required to meet the CBU guidelines. There is no strict mandate when it comes to the size of the development property, so be sure to touch base with a Growth Manager.

The Postal Service will consider input from all parties involved in the planning process before issuing a final decision about mailboxes and mailbox placement.

Mailbox Approval

Email Delivery.Growth@usps.gov to identify your coordinator and get in contact them before you finalize any of your building plans.

The USPS will not start mail delivery until your coordinator has approved not only the mode of delivery but the location of the mailboxes. While they will work with you during all stages of development, we recommend speaking with them early in the process.

Why You Should Choose CBUs

CBUs are being used more and more in new developments, and there’s a good reason for it! Today we’re going to list why you should love CBUs, whether you’re a developer or just a resident.

·        CBUs in a larger development are faster and easier to install than individual residential units. Installing several CBUs simply takes less time, less work, and therefore, less money.

·        CBUs require less maintenance simply because there are less mailboxes to maintain. They are also more durable and long-lasting than typical residential units.

·        CBUs will create more neighborhood interaction. People will meet neighbors they may never have met because of this central meeting place.

·        With online shopping becoming more popular, package deliveries are only going to rise. Many CBUs have parcel lockers, taking away some of the complications of package delivery and reducing the chance of package theft.

·        CBUs allow residents to have access to their mail 24/7 in a secure setting. Unlike traditional mailboxes, CBUs are locked unless the key is used.

·        CBUs mean more reliable delivery times, and faster delivery times. It’s much faster for a Postal worker to go to several CBUs than to go to dozens of residential units.

·        CBUs save the post office money, as it takes less labor and therefore less money to deliver to them.

·        The road risks associated with mailboxes go away. Mailboxes will no longer be destroyed by snow plows, and people will not be injured while in the road retrieving mail.

·        If you’re looking for a uniform design for your neighborhood, this is the way to do it and stop owners from choosing their own mailboxes.

Advantages of CBUs

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

more resistant to use and the elements, especially if they are made for outdoor use. A CBU will not require painting and regular maintenance. Not only is this good for the mailbox, but it is good for mail and parcels too. With extra protection parcels and mail are less likely to get wet and damaged from the elements.

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.  

Decorating Your Mailbox: Christmas

Looking for a way to spruce up your mailbox for the holiday season? We have some great tips for decorating your mailbox for Christmas!

Residential Mailboxes

·        Add a Christmas themed mailbox cover to your mailbox. Many retail locations sell these, making this a very simple way to decorate.

·        Wrap lights around the mailbox post, or even on the mailbox itself. Remember that your letter carrier must be able to get access to the mailbox when you are doing this! The colors of lights you use depend on the theme of your yard. Multi-colored, white, and blue lights are all popular for Christmas decorations.

·        Use elements of a wreath, or even a wreath itself! Adding swags of pine to the sides or on top of your mailbox will give it a very festive look. With some mailboxes it may even be possible to hang a small wreath on the mailbox itself.

·        Attach outdoor decorations to the top of your mailbox. There are many small decorations that you may choose from. Try decorations such as wrapped presents, santas, and more.

·        A very easy way to make your mailbox more festive is to wrap some garland around your mailbox post. It will add extra festive color to your yard.

·        Attach a bow to your mailbox. This can be on the post, or the face of the mailbox itself. Just remember to keep the mailbox accessible!

Cluster Box Units

What you can do with CBUs is a bit more limited and depends on what authority you have when it comes to the units. Once you know what you are able to do, here are some tips!

·        For CBUs that have flat tops, you can easily place Christmas themed items along the top. If it is outdoors the decorations should be weather-resistant. This idea works best for indoor units, on top of which you may place any type of Christmas knickknack.

·        Some CBUs are more decorative and may have slanted tops. Depending on the top, you may be able items to the tops such as bows.

·        Some companies have created holiday decals. These decals can stick to all sorts of surfaces. Place them along the sides of your CBUs!

·        Many CBUs have shorter posts. If yours has a longer post, you can attach garland or lights to it like you would a residential mailbox!

We hope that these ideas were helpful! Happy Holidays! 

CBUs VS Door-to-Door Delivery

Recently, there has been a great deal of discussion regarding which method of delivery is better. On one hand, there is door-to-door and curbside delivery, which has been around for many years. On the other hand, there is cluster box unit delivery, which is already common in apartments, but not in neighborhoods with individual homes. Yet door to door delivery is something that has been phased out in other countries, and could be phased out in America as well. Today we are going to look at the pros and cons of making a switch to CBUs.

Cluster Box Units (CBUs)

A cluster box unit, also known as a CBU, is a single structure that holds multiple individual’s mail. This type of mail delivery is very common with apartments. A letter carrier gets access to the entire unit and is able to deliver multiple people’s mail in one place. This way, a mail carrier can deliver a handful of people’s mail at once instead of walking from door to door. This unit is placed in a centralized location to be accessed by many people.

Door-to-Door and Curbside

Both door-to-door and curbside delivery has been commonplace for a very long time. Door-to-door and curbside both see letter carriers delivering mail to individual homes. The only difference is with door-to-door, they must walk to each door while with curbside, letter carriers can often drive from mailbox to mailbox. Curbside is fairly common in more rural areas with rural letter carriers, but is also in cities.

Pros

The biggest pro to switching to CBUs is that it will save a great deal of money. According to the USPS, CBUs will cost $160 per address a year, versus curbside which is $224 and door-to-door which is $353. That is a huge cost difference. This is because letter carriers are using less gas, their vehicles are lasting longer, and mail delivery takes less time.

Another great pro for CBUs is security. With standard residential mailboxes, there is no type of lock. Mail can easily be accessed by any individual that thinks to open the mailbox. This can lead to stolen mail and sometimes even stolen identity. With a CBU, the only people with a way in are the letter carriers and the individual’s who have a key for their mailbox.

Cons

A big flaw with CBUs is that while many people can walk a block to retrieve their mail, individuals who are elderly or disabled often have a much harder time. This is even truer in inclement weather, such as rain and snow. It could lead to this demographic getting hurt, though some have proposed that if CBUs are installed there should be exceptions for the disabled and elderly.

Another flaw is that CBUs have an initial cost that is fairly expensive. Not only that, but it is not entirely clear who would be responsible for maintaining the CBU. This includes not only keeping snow away from them, but keeping them in working order.

One of the biggest concerns that have arisen in other countries is the actual placement of the CBUs. Many believe that CBUs will end up being placed in areas that are unsafe for individuals to access. This is an issue that has been raised many times in Canada as CBUs are installed. Many people worry about safety from passing cars, or the neighborhood itself.

So as you can see, there are pros and cons to installing CBUs instead of using door-to-door delivery or curbside delivery. If the cons of cluster box units are considered and addressed, they can be a great cost efficient method of handling mail delivery.

Mailbox Shopping Guide

Looking to buy a new mailbox? We’ve compiled this nice, handy guide to help you out.

Residential mailboxes:

The most basic step is to decide if you want a wall mount mailbox or a post mount mailbox. Depending on where you live, there may be regulations stating exactly where your mailbox must be placed.

Next, choose a style of mailbox you like. Choose something simple, something styled, or something unique. We recommend you choose a type of mailbox that fits well with the type of home you have.

Follow instructions when installing your new mailbox. The USPS has some posted guidelines HERE.

Commercial mailboxes:

First, you need to figure out who is going to be distributing mail to your mailboxes. Is it the USPS, or someone else within the building? Commercial mailboxes may come with a postal lock or a private master lock. Always be sure the units you are looking at are USPS approved.

Now you have to calculate how many tenant doors you need. This is the big determining factor in what options you have. You need to know this, and also how much space you have for your unit(s).

Next decide if you want your unit to be wall mounted, or if you need a pedestal. Wall mounted units can accommodate more tenants than a pedestal unit. Pedestal units generally can serve only 16 tenants, maximum. Pedestal boxes can be easily installed outdoors to concrete.

Determine what type of unit you want in terms of style. Do you want something standard, or something decorative? Do you want to include a parcel locker, or handle package delivery with another method? Once you choose a unit all that’s left to do is buy and install!

Looking for a commercial mailbox? We have plenty of options at DirectClustermailboxes.com! You can check out our main site, PostalProducts.com, to find a link to residential mailboxes.

Decorative CBUs

Have you ever considered using decorative cluster box units instead of the more standard ones? They offer the same security as standard CBUs, but with a more attractive design. All these decorative CBUs are powercoated over durable stainless steel. Today we’re going to feature several of our different designs for your consideration.

12 Door Decorative High Security Cluster Box Unit

This stylish CBU will add appeal to new developments, and are a great way to upgrade old ones! It is available in black, bronze, green, grey, and white. It features 12 tenant doors and one parcel compartment.

16 Door Decorative High Security CBU

This beautiful CBU is easy to install, with the mounting pedestal included! Make your building look upscale with these quality decorative CBUs. This item includes 16 tenant doors plus two parcel compartments.

These two items are the main designs for our decorative CBUs. For most of our decorative mailboxes, the bases and tops are sold separately. You can follow this link to see our full selection. Consider adding some elegance and flair to your cluster box units!