Government regulations, their everywhere. Something as simple as a mail box having a whole list of rules may seem a bit over board. Be assured, there is a good reason for all the restrictions.
The US Postal Service recognizes three sizes of rural mail box:
18.5″ long x 5″ wide x 6″ high The most common sized rural mailbox.
19.5″ long x 6″ wide x 7″ high
22.5″ long x 8″ wide x 11.5″ high The next most popular size, commonly seen for farms, or country business’s,
They also recognize the traditional shape as well as many more contemporary styles. All approved mailboxes will have an indication that they have met the standards placed by the USPS stamped on their packaging when you go shopping for that new mail receptacle to dress up the end of your driveway.
Not only is the Postal Service interested in the construction and quality of the mailbox itself, they have standards that must be met in how the box is mounted alongside the road.
Many issues are addressed when considering where they want your mailbox erected. What direction does the mail carrier approach your residence from. Does he pass on the same side of the road as your house is located on, or does he pass on the opposite side. Some times they actually want you to place your box a bit inside your driveway. If your address is a turn around point for the route requiring the postman to head back the other way after making your drop.
The normal standard for placement is at a height of 3.5′ to 4′ above the road surface, and 6″ to 8″ from the front face of the curb to the mailbox door. This is to accommodate the average window placement of the mail delivery vehicle. The quickest way to have your mail delivery stopped is to place the box at a height or distance that requires the driver to get out of his vehicle to insert your mail.
Your area may also require a distance set back from the road for the vertical post to be placed. Most common in snow belt locations, as the distance is established to allow a snow plow wing to clean under the mail box as it passes. If you wonder why the snow plow always buries your mail box, maybe it’s because he can’t get under it and must swerve out to avoid hitting it. This will deposit large amounts of snow right where you don’t want it.
Making the additional effort to mount your mailbox on a strong swing away arm is a good way to accommodate the occasional hit by the snow plow. There’s nothing more maddening then to have that big check from Publisher’s Clearing House get buried under many feet of snow because your mailbox installation wasn’t adequate to protect your mail.
A few other issues to remember, if you have the newspaper delivered, it can not be placed inside the mailbox. You must install a tube, or other receptacle to receive the paper. As well having friends or family drop off things by placing them in the mailbox is another rule the Postal Service may enforce with you.
For complete information regarding your mail as well as all services provided by the U.D. Postal Service visit their web site at www.usps.com.
Before you go ahead on your own, ask your mail carrier for a copy of the installation requirements for your specific address. Not only are there USPS rules to contend with, there may be city ordinances as well.
