While the name implies the rules affect commercial enterprises, the new regulations apply to residential deliveries installed in a commercial setting.

This would include multiple boxes within a single structure such as those providing delivery services to four or more residences.

Multi-family housing units are considered commercial enterprises and there are specific security requirements for their use.

The new regulations currently are optional guidelines but are mandatory for new construction or if the older multi-delivery mailboxes are being upgraded during remodeling or construction.

New regulations stipulate the type of materials that can be used in commercial mailboxes and the durability requirements, as well as steps needed to make them waterproof and weather resistant.

Depending on the number of individual mailboxes within the mailbox unit, a separate access panel is required for easy access by the mail carrier to deliver mail to multiple recipients without having to access each mailbox individually.

Regulations specify the strength of the mailboxes as well as how they are to be mounted, especially if they are pole mounted, and what security steps need to be taken to prevent access by unauthorized persons.

How they are attached to poles or walls is included in the security mandates to prevent them from being removed in their entirety.

The types of locks required on individual locking mailboxes is also defined to prevent theft and each box must be secured by a unique lock configuration to prevent one key from allowing access to multiple mailboxes.

There are a number of steps included in the new regulations to reduce the possibility of mail theft that often leads to identity theft.

Without the proper security steps in place, the U.S. mail service can cease delivery to the mailbox, requiring recipients to have to go to the post office to retrieve their mail.

Requirements and regulations exist for both mailboxes in general as well as those specific to the make, installation, display and environment. The list below pertains mostly to the general criteria, though some pertain to specific circumstances.

1. Use of Mailboxes: Only authorized personnel, such as mail carriers and homeowners, can legally deposit articles displaying adequate postage in USPS-approved mailboxes.

2. Appearance: Residential mailboxes must feature the homeowner’s name or address in minimum 1-inch-high numbers and consist of letters that are clearly discernible and colored in contrast to the color of the box.

These figures must be on the flag-side if possible. No advertisements whatsoever are allowed. No disparaging, obscenities, defamatory or prejudicial images, caricatures effigies or remarks are permitted.

3.Size: All must facilitate the accumulation of mail growth when homeowners are away for extended periods of time.

• Small (T1/C1): 5inw x 6int x 18½inl
• Medium (T2/C2): 6inw x 7int x 19inl
• Large (TC/C3): 8inw x 11½int x 22½inl

4. Construction: Mailboxes must be strong, durable and made from USPS-approved materials.

5. Position: Curb boxes must be 6-8 inches from curb and 42-46 inches from ground top of mailbox. The flag (if there is one) must extend no closer than 6 inches to the curb.

6. Area and Delivery: The area surrounding the mailbox must be clear and unobstructed. Mailboxes must facilitate easy, convenient and lawful deliveries at all times. This includes placement on right-side of the road, in line with traffic.

The meaning behind the implementation of federal mailbox regulations deals with the fact carriers must be able to safely and conveniently deliver the mail without getting out of their vehicles. Thus, mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of travel of the carrier in cases where the carrier would be in danger if they drove to the left to get to the box. This is also true in cases where the carrier would violate a traffic law to get to the box.

The federal mailbox regulations state the box should be installed at a vertical height of 3.5 to 4 feet from the road’s top. They should be placed 6 to 8 inches from the face of the curb.

In addition, US Postal mailbox regulations dictate what type of box a homeowner can install. There are three standard mailbox sizes and two main mailbox styles the US Postal mailbox regulations will accept. The styles are called traditional (T) and contemporary (C). The T1 and C1 mailboxes are 18.5 inches long, 5 inches wide and 6 inches tall. The T2 and C2 mailboxes are 19.5 inches long, 6 inches wide and 7 inches tall. The T3 and C3 mailboxes are 22.5 inches long, 8 inches wide and 11.5 inches tall.