Easy Guide to 4C Mailbox Installation Steps

For the uninitiated, the installation of 4C horizontal mailboxes can appear to be a daunting process but it doesn’t have to be.

Buying and installing USPS STDs 4C compliant mailbox systems is really quite straightforward if one simply takes the time to carefully consider these three pre-planning steps prior to the commercial cluster mailbox installation:

1. Ask the mailbox experts if you need help
2. Decide how you want your 4C cluster mailboxes mounted
3. Review USPS 4C mailbox regulations first

1. Ask the Commercial Mailbox Experts

First, avoid ordering the wrong cluster mailbox units for your project by contacting a 4C commercial mailboxes expert at a reputable reseller, such as The MailboxWorks.

Unlike Internet-only stores that drop-ship mailboxes without inspecting them, our experts at The MailboxWorks provide hands-on guidance. They understand every aspect of the products we sell and recommend the most versatile 4C mailbox suites for your project. Additionally, we assist with mailbox configuration and offer installation options to fit your needs.

We also offer professional commercial mailbox installation. With just a few details about your project, we can provide a complimentary quote for the most economical and efficient way to complete your project. For more information, call us at 1-866-717-4943.

2. How Will Your 4C Mailboxes Be Mounted?

Second, consider the actual installation of 4C mailboxes; will they be rear access or front access, and should they be recessed or surface mounted?

UPDATE: 4C Pedestal Mailboxes have been discontinued as of November 30, 2020. The USPS Cluster Box Unit (CBU) Mailbox is now the standard for all multi-family mail delivery.

Rear Access Mailboxes – Some project managers install 4C mailboxes with rear access to make it easier for postal carriers to retrieve mail. Postal carriers can access the unit from the rear through a master door. If the rear access is in a private locked room, they can use an open back for added convenience. Military and government complexes often install 4C mailboxes with rear access through a secure room. University and college campuses requiring private mail distribution also use this setup. These mailboxes ensure secure handling and delivery of sensitive correspondence.

Front Access Mailboxes – Others prefer front-access 4C mailboxes for their convenience. These units include a master door with a USPS postal lock that allows postal carriers to access all mailbox compartments simultaneously. According to USPS Standard 4C (STD-4C) regulations, all major renovation and new construction projects require USPS-approved 4C mailboxes. These regulations ensure compliance with postal standards for mail delivery systems.

Some installation venues lack the wall clearance needed to recess commercial mailbox units fully into the wall. For these cases, a special 4C collar provides an easy-to-install solution. This collar ensures a polished and finished look for surface-mounted 4C mailbox units.

3. Adhere to USPS 4C Mailbox Requirements

The third and most important pre-planning step when installing 4C mailboxes is to review USPS installation guidelines for 4C horizontal mailboxes before starting the project.

The US Post Office has established firm guidelines for the installation of 4C horizontal mailboxes to ensure access for all patrons, regardless of handicap or stature.

Here’s a quick review of the key five USPS 4C requirements you must know:

1. First, a minimum of one of the 4C horizontal mailbox compartments must be positioned less than four feet from the finished floor.
2. Second, no interior bottom shelf of any parcel locker compartment can be positioned less than 15 inches from the finished floor.
3. Third, none of the tenant compartments in the Florence 4C mailbox units can be located higher than 67 inches above the finished floor.
4. Fourth, no interior bottom shelf of a tenant compartment can be positioned less than 28 inches from the finished floor.
5. And fifth, the USPS Arrow lock must be located between three and four feet from the finished floor.

Simplify Your Mail System with 4C Mailbox Installation

Installing a 4C mailbox system is a straightforward process that enhances the functionality and security of your mail service. These steps help you set up your new 4C mailboxes correctly. They provide a durable and compliant solution for any building or community. By choosing the right location and securing the unit properly, you can ensure ease of use and improve postal efficiency.

Opting for a 4C mailbox system means committing to a secure, ADA-compliant, and aesthetically pleasing mail solution. Whether you’re upgrading an existing setup or implementing a new one, the installation process is key to enjoying the full benefits of these modern mailboxes.

For a seamless transition to a 4C mailbox system, MailboxWorks offers a range of options and accessories to fit your specific needs. Upgrade your mail service with confidence by choosing 4C mailboxes. For assistance with selection and installation, visit our website or contact us at 1-866-717-4943.

You can also view the USPS 4C mailbox installation requirements here.

For more information on commercial mailboxes see our web page on How to Buy Mailboxes.

Categorized in: Mailbox Installation & Upgrades