Cluster Box Canopies

Mitchell Metals Mailbox Canopies: The Right Solution for Your Development

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has issued guidelines for builders and developers that include the use of centralized mailboxes for new commercial and residential developments. USPS indicates that cluster mailboxes are preferred and approved for new developments. Also known as cluster box units, these centralized mailbox solutions are designed specifically to allow for the delivery of routine mail and packages to those in these communities and commercial developments.

At Mitchell Metals, we are the industry leader in aluminum canopy systems and ready to order cluster mailbox shelters, which provide added convenience and comfort for commercial and residential communities. Our cluster mailbox canopies are pre-engineered systems made to cover standard CBU mailboxes. All materials are aluminum so they will stand the test of time and you will never have to worry about rust or rotting posts. They can be installed while the development is being built or after the cluster mailbox units have been installed. Being pre-engineered, they are relatively simple to install with posts being installed in concrete and all the parts and pieces fit together.

Cluster Box Units Required for Some Developments

According to USPS guidelines, new or renovated apartment complexes are required to install centralized cluster box units for their tenants. Permanent mobile home communities are also required to install these units to allow centralized delivery of mail and packages for residents of these developments. The management of transient trailer park communities and student housing developments, however, are responsible for accepting mail at a centralized location and then delivering it to individual residents or students at their organization.

If your development is required to have a cluster mailbox, you should also consider adding a mailbox shelter. Installing a mailbox canopy will provide added protection for letters, packages and other mailings during delivery and when mail is picked up by residential or commercial customers. Mitchell Metals can provide mailbox canopies designed with your community’s needs in mind.

To learn more about our eye-appealing and functional mailbox shelters, give Mitchell Metals a call today at (770) 762-5604. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you to select the right aluminum canopy systems for your building needs.

Requirements for Outdoor Cluster Box Units

The USPS has established some rules about the placement and construction of cluster mailboxes and mailbox canopy installations:

• The location of cluster box units must be approved by the USPS to ensure that these mailboxes can be accessed easily and safely by mail carriers.
• Most cluster mailboxes must be located within one block of the residences or commercial buildings they serve.
• The USPS will supply its own master access lock to ensure access for their mail carriers. This locking system is not available for builders or developers and must be installed and maintained by the USPS.
• Most cluster box units must be located on the right side of the road to allow easy access without requiring mail carriers or customers to break any traffic laws to deliver or to
  retrieve mail.