A Primer on Apartment Mailboxes: Four Primary Choices

The most common areas for tenants of multi-unit apartment buildings often include the complex’s Apartment Mailboxes.  And today’s architects and building managers have four primary choices when it comes to providing centralized mail delivery for their tenants:

1. Front Loading 4C Horizontal Mailboxes
2. Rear Loading 4C Horizontal Mailboxes
3. CBU Mailboxes
4. Vertical Mailboxes

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.

Front Loading 4C Apartment Mailboxes

The most common choice for apartment mailboxes is the front loading 4C horizontal mailboxes.

Front-loading simply means that in order to “load” the 4C mailbox unit with mail, the postal carrier opens the unit from the front; the same side as where the tenants receive their mail.

Front-loading 4C horizontal mailboxes provide a wide berth of customization in tenant door height, parcel doors, and specialized needs. For standard applications over 80 pre-configured mailbox layouts are available. Additionally, customized mailbox “door slot” options can be chosen for tenant lease payments or collections of other non-USPS items.

Rear Loading 4C Apartment Mailboxes

Another common choice for tenant mailboxes is the 4C rear-loading mailbox. Rear loading 4C horizontal mailboxes allow the postal carriers to load the tenant mailboxes by opening hinged rear door panels mounted on the rear of each unit.

When selecting a rear-loading 4C apartment mailbox unit, one needs to provide a mail delivery room that is secure and not accessible by the public so that the mail delivered is not pilfered or stolen.

CBU Apartment Mailboxes

The CBU mailbox, also known as a cluster box unit or cluster mailbox, is the third option for apartment mailboxes. Multi-tenant complexes often choose pedestal-mounted CBU mailboxes because they don’t depend on wall installation and can be placed anywhere approved by the US Postal Service.

CBU cluster mailboxes are available in 8, 12, 13, and 16 tenant door configurations. And a new pedestal mount option for 4C tenant mailboxes provides tenant door options up to 29 doors (as long as US Postal Service approves their use).

Vertical Apartment Mailboxes

The fourth option for apartment mailboxes is an excellent choice for minor renovation projects; vertical mailboxes. The USPS requires 4C horizontal commercial mailbox systems for all new construction and major renovation projects. However, apartments and multi-tenant complexes that already have vertical mailboxes can still use them as replacements.

MailboxWork’s vertical mailboxes meet USPS security standards and come in twelve finishes, including standard aluminum and eleven powder coat options. Designed for indoor use only, you can order vertical apartment mailboxes in units ranging from three to seven doors, with tenant-friendly options like a standard collection box, name/address tags, and even doorbell features.

Choosing the Right Apartment Mailbox for Your Complex

Selecting the best apartment mailbox option is essential for ensuring secure, convenient mail delivery in multi-unit buildings. With options like front and rear-loading 4C horizontal mailboxes, versatile CBU mailboxes, and practical vertical units, property managers and architects can meet USPS requirements while providing a mailbox system that aligns with their building’s needs and aesthetics.

Ready to enhance mail delivery for your tenants? Explore our selection of apartment mailboxes at MailboxWorks or reach out to our experts for personalized guidance. We’re here to help you find the ideal mailbox solution for your property!

Categorized in: Commercial Mailboxes, Locking Mailboxes