Horizontal Mailboxes; 3 Applications to Consider before You Purchase

When pursuing the installation of horizontal mailboxes, most find themselves stuck in a labyrinth of unfamiliar terms and product descriptions. Because of the high value The MailboxWorks places on customer care, the experts at The MailboxWorks are often called upon to describe the major differences among Commercial Horizontal Mailboxes in the marketplace today.

The following is a summary of the three major differences among these mailbox units based upon one’s application:

1. Horizontal mailboxes for new construction
2. Replacing  commercial horizontal mailboxes
3. Private mail delivery horizontal 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.

Horizontal Mail Systems for New Construction

For new construction, these mail distribution units are simply described as standard 4C Horizontal Mailboxes.  These standard 4C mailbox units are often used for multi-tenant buildings such as apartments and office complexes.  These STD-4C mailboxes are constructed of heavy-duty aluminum, 300 series stainless steel, and are available in eleven architecturally relevant colors; antique bronze, blonde gold, dark bronze, sandstone, silver speck, forest green, antique copper, black, gold speck, white, and the most common color, postal grey.

Manufacturers create standard 4C horizontal mailboxes for wall recessing, but you can also surface-mount them with a collar accessory or install them in a Vario Express outdoor depot. The USPS approves all STD-4C horizontal mailboxes for new or remodeled installations; however, it’s always a good idea to consult your local postmaster before installation.

Replacing Mailboxes Without Major Renovations

For mailbox replacement purposes that require only no remodeling or modifications of the mail center wall opening, the horizontal mail receptacles that are most often the best fit are the standard 4B Horizontal Mailboxes. One of the models of the STD-4B+ horizontal mailboxes is called the 2600 horizontal mailbox, since The MailboxWork’s manufacturer, Florence Mailboxes, uses the term “2600” as a product identification number. As with all commercial mailbox installations, The MailboxWorks recommends consulting with local postal authorities prior to installing replacement mailbox models. Your local postmaster can recommend the best solution for smooth mail delivery to tenants and mail carriers.

Standard 4B+ horizontal mail receptacles are available in nine powder coat finishes as well as the standard anodized aluminum finish. All 4B+ horizontal mail units feature standard 15” deep compartments, and users can customize them for different applications.

Horizontal Mailboxes for Private Mail Delivery

The MailboxWorks recommends private distribution tenant mailboxes for private mail delivery purposes.  These Private Distribution Horizontal Mail units are also called 1600 horizontal mailboxes or 1700 horizontal mailboxes.  The private distribution horizontal mail receptacles are intended to be utilized for mail delivery service that is not serviced by the USPS but rather, serviced by:

• A private mail carrier or mail delivery person
• Office mailroom personnel
• Inter-office business centers
• College mail delivery
• Or university mail delivery

Manufacturers craft the sturdy doors of these mailbox units from heavy-gauge aluminum. These private distribution mailboxes come in ten powder coat finishes and the standard anodized aluminum finish.

Front Loading Private Mail Delivery Units have one control door with a master lock that makes mail delivery quick and easy as it opens the entire unit for easy access mail delivery.

Rear loading mailbox units do not need a control door because mail delivery happens through an open back. Alternatively, an optional lift-off or hinged rear cover can be used.

You can customize wall-mounted private distribution mailboxes with the desired number of resident boxes, parcel lockers, and outgoing mail compartments. This ensures satisfaction for students, faculty, and business associates.

Regardless of the application, for expert assistance with your commercial mailbox search, including mailboxes for new construction, for replacement, or private mail delivery, contact The MailboxWorks Toll-Free at 1-866-717-4943 for assistance.

Categorized in: Commercial Mailboxes, Mailbox Tips & General Information