How Do I Get a Cluster Mailbox?
March 28, 2024
If you are a property owner, manager, or developer and are looking for mailboxes for your community, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard that cluster mailboxes would be a great option. Their attractive appearance increases curb appeal, they provide a high level of security, and they are more convenient and fuel-efficient for mail carriers.
But you may not be familiar with what exactly a cluster mailbox is. A cluster mailbox, or cluster box unit (CBU), is a free-standing, pedestal-mounted mailbox with multiple lockable compartments and parcel lockers centralized for communal use. Instead of having to make several stops in your community, a mail carrier will only have to make one. Your tenants will enjoy the cluster mailbox’s spacious compartments and parcel lockers, which will protect their mail and packages from getting damaged. Salsbury CBUs are made of heavy-duty aluminum and stainless steel hardware, which will keep mail and packages safe from thieves.
Even once you know what a CBU is, you still need to work out how to get one. This guide will help you through the process of selecting your mailbox and provide answers to questions like “Who is responsible for purchasing a cluster mailbox?” and “What to do once you get one”. Soon you will know how to get a cluster mailbox and to select the one that will suit your community’s needs.
Who is Responsible for Purchasing a Cluster Mailbox?
Before you dive headfirst into the search for a cluster mailbox for your community, you need to first determine who is responsible for purchasing, installing, and maintaining it. USPS regulations state that the property owners, developers, or builders are responsible for cluster mailboxes. According to the USPS’s Postal Operations Manual, “Purchase, installation, and maintenance of mail receptacles are the responsibility of the customer.”
However, the situation can vary depending on the type of facility you own or manage. If it’s an apartment building, the property owner, manager, or developer is responsible. With commercial buildings, it’s the property owner or building manager. If you’re dealing with a new housing development, it’s usually the construction company but sometimes the USPS provides the cluster mailbox. In a residential neighborhood, typically the Homeowners Association (HOA) is responsible.
In general, the property owner or manager is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing cluster mailboxes. But your local USPS office will maintain the USPS arrow locks and master door locks.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Cluster Mailbox
One of the first steps you should take in the process of getting a CBU for your community is to get in touch with your local post office. They will help to guide you in deciding on the proper unit to meet your needs and the ideal location for it. It’s very important that the mailbox is accessible to both mail carriers and your tenants.
Next, you must figure out the configuration, number of doors needed, and space you have for the mailboxes. You’ll have to take into account how many tenants will be needing mailboxes, as well as the necessary number of parcel lockers. According to USPS regulations, you must have one parcel locker for every five mail compartments. Again, it’s essential that you keep accessibility in mind.
All of the work involved here can seem a bit overwhelming, but Salsbury Industries has a Mailbox Configurator that can make this process much simpler. The Salsbury CBU Mailbox Configurator will help you determine the ideal number of mailboxes and parcel lockers needed based on your specific requirements. It provides a summary with rough opening dimensions, elevations, model numbers, sample installation instructions, and other information. Click here to try it out.
How to Get a Cluster Mailbox
You can purchase CBUs directly from the manufacturer at mailboxes.com. We have a wide variety of sizes and styles to choose from so you are sure to find a mailbox that works for you and your community. Once you’ve selected a mailbox, you can request a quote online, through email, or over the phone. For more information or to request a quote, visit this page.
You can also purchase Cluster Mailboxes and Regency Cluster Mailboxes directly from our Mailbox Configurator. That way, the Mailbox Configurator can do the heavy lifting of determining how many mailboxes and parcel lockers you’ll require and other important details.
What to Do Once You Get Your Cluster Mailbox
Once you have the CBU in your possession, as the owner it will be your responsibility to install it. Fortunately, these free-standing mailboxes make the installation process a breeze. You’ll also need to reach out to your local USPS office to install the mailbox’s arrow lock. You will be in charge of making sure that tenants’ keys are distributed accordingly as well.
This may seem like a lot, but considering the simple installation process, owning a cluster mailbox is perfectly manageable. You can also feel free to contact your local post office with any questions regarding USPS mailbox regulations and specifications.
Owning or managing a facility can be stressful enough without worrying about what type of mailbox you should get. Cluster mailboxes make the choice easy since they offer many advantages that will make one a great addition to your community. Hopefully, this guide will give you the confidence to move forward and make that purchase. Click here to peruse our selection of mailboxes and CBU’s and find the perfect mailbox for your community.