4 Commercial Mailbox Features Not Found on Residential

What makes a commercial mailbox “commercial?”

What is the difference between a residential mailbox and a commercial mailbox?

Without additional context, most people might mistakenly conclude that a residential mailbox simply serves residential mail, while a commercial mailbox handles business or commerce mail. But there’s much more to it than that.

Commercial Mailbox Regulations

Residential mailboxes are not subject to the same scrutiny or regulations as commercial mailboxes. The United States Postal Service (USPS) regulates the use of commercial mailboxes and dictates the specifications for their manufacturing, installation, and use.

Homeowners typically purchase residential mailboxes and can choose the type that best suits their needs. In contrast, a developer or property manager usually selects commercial mailboxes to meet the diverse needs of multiple users.

To assist buyers of business mailboxes, the USPS sets specific standards that ensure high security, ergonomic use, and quality for diverse users, including height restrictions to support accessibility needs.

This article covers four key areas where USPS-approved business mail systems differ from residential ones, including:

• Parcel Lockers for Small Packages
• Heavy-Duty Construction
• Mounting and Installation Guidelines
• Multiple Mailbox Configurations

Parcel Lockers for Business Mail

First, commercial mailboxes often include parcel lockers, allowing postal carriers to deliver small packages safely and securely in a separate, larger compartment. The carrier places a key in the tenant’s mailbox to access this compartment. While some large residential mailboxes can accommodate packages as well as mail, most struggle to do so with the same level of package security that a USPS-approved commercial mailbox provides.

Heavy Duty Mailbox Construction

Second, while great strides have been made in utilizing the highest quality raw materials for the construction of residential mailboxes (especially by The MailboxWorks’ mailbox designers), commercial mailboxes take heavy-duty construction to a completely new level.  Fabricated with heavy-duty extruded aluminum with welded seams and 360-degree wrap around stainless steel hinges, vandal proof commercial mailboxes are designed for secure, continuous, uninterrupted use over long periods of time.

Installation Options for Business Mailboxes

Third, due to the varied needs of property managers and developers, business mail systems come with a range of mounting and installation options, each designed to meet USPS standards.

• Upon a post or pedestal outdoors
• Into an outdoor enclosure or mail stand
• Wall mounted for rear access by the postal carrier
• Wall mounted for front access by the postal carrier
• Plus various other mounting options

Residential mailboxes, on the other hand, are designed for only four specific mounting applications, which may be at the homeowner’s discretion:

• Wall mounted residential mailboxes
• Through wall mailbox installation (mail slots)
• Curbside post mounted residential mailboxes
• Column mounted residential mailboxes

The MailboxWorks recommends that you always check with your local postmaster first if you are installing a new residential mailbox or moving your existing mailbox location.

Standard Commercial Mailbox Configurations

Finally, while residential mailboxes are designed primarily for individual homeowners, business mail systems typically offer multiple mailbox units. This allows property managers and developers to select from a variety of configurations.

Many business mailbox systems include multiple tenant doors, parcel lockers, and an outgoing mail slot. This cluster mailbox setup fosters tenant interaction, offering a community hub experience that’s distinct from the solitary walk to a residential mailbox.

Why Commercial Mailboxes are Essential for Property Managers

Transitioning from residential to commercial mail systems provides essential advantages for property managers and businesses. By choosing a commercial mailbox system, you ensure greater security, durable construction, and multiple configurations to meet various tenant needs. Moreover, these systems not only streamline mail handling but also provide a reliable, USPS-compliant solution. As a result, they make a valuable investment for properties of any size.

If you’re ready to enhance your property’s mail system, explore our range of USPS-approved commercial mailboxes today. Visit our website or contact us to discover secure, long-lasting options that suit your specific requirements.

Categorized in: Commercial Mailboxes, Locking Mailboxes, Mailbox Tips & General Information