How do townhouse mailboxes work?

The postal carrier uses a proprietary Arrow lock to open the unit’s entire front panel, providing access to every individual mailbox. The USPS is responsible for installing and maintaining the Arrow locks. The postal carrier can then insert the mail into each slot without having to open individual mailbox doors.

What is a USPS neighborhood cluster box?

A cluster box unit (CBU) is a communal mailbox that stands on a pedestal and consists of individual mailboxes – one for each customer in the street, subdivision, or complex. These CBU’s also feature a parcel locker for packages that are too large for the cluster mailboxes.

Are cluster mailboxes owned by USPS?

USPS-owned Cluster Box The Postal Service is responsible for providing every customer a compartment lock and three (3) keys to his or her postal-owned Cluster Box Unit (CBU). No key deposits are required and customers may duplicate their keys at no expense to the Postal Service.

Can mail be delivered to your door?

The Postal Service provides three modes of delivery for existing delivery points — to the door, to a mailbox on the curb, and to a centralized point that serves several addresses. Door-to-door delivery is the most costly mode and is no longer available for new delivery points.

Do I have to use a cluster mailbox?

You don’t have to accept a Postal Service cluster box, retired letter carriers say. Hackbart says that line in the letter makes it sound like customers don’t have a choice in the matter when in fact they do. If you don’t sign the letter, it doesn’t happen.

How do I open a cluster mailbox?

#1: How They Work How cluster mailboxes work is that the postal carrier will have a master key to it. That key opens all the boxes or will be able to access all of the boxes at once by popping open the entire front or back of the cluster box.

How do I know if USPS owns my cluster mailbox?

Replacing Locks and Keys Determine who owns and maintains the mailbox. For additional information see: What is a Cluster Box? If owned by the United States Postal Service, contact your local Post Office. Postal owned Cluster Box: keys and locks (including parcel boxes), contact the Local Post Office.

Does USPS deliver packages to door?

Unfortunately, USPS does not deliver to your door as mail carriers will deposit your mail and any packages that fit, into your mailbox. However, if items do not fit, they may be brought to or near your front door.

How do I get another mailbox key?

Lost Your Community Mailbox Keys

1. Find the website for the USPS post office that oversees your mailbox.
2. Fill out the new keys replacement form and pay the fee (typically, the cost is $20 or more).
3. The postal service company will send you a notice card via email when your new key is ready for pick-up.

How do I get packages delivered to my apartment?

Instead of delivering to your mailbox or one of the parcel lockers, parcel carriers will either deliver your packages to the front door of your apartment (or the most secure entry point) or to the leasing office. The carriers will likely visit your front door first.

Will the USPS deliver a package to my door?

Will the USPS deliver a package to my door if, in the address line 2, I say “deliver to front door”? The USPS sometimes delivers to my door if the package is large. The standard procedure is to leave packages in the mailbox, if they will fit.

What happens to the package if no one answers the door?

If no one answers, they will leave the package by the front door (if the location is secure).

How do I pick up a package from the post office?

It works like this: The driver leaves a door tag on your front door telling you they made a delivery attempt and gives instructions where you can retrieve your package (usually by the next business day). You take the door tag and your ID to the retail location and pick up the package where it’s being held safe and secure.