Have you ever looked at a cool building and noticed something funny about where they put the mailboxes? Sometimes, the mailboxes don't seem to belong there and can make the building look strange. But don't worry, there are special rules (like Section 10 Postal Specialties) to help make the mailboxes fit nicely.

Imagine you're drawing a picture or building something fun. Sometimes, you might forget about little things because you're so focused on the big picture. Florence Corporation has developed a guide to help you remember important things, like making sure mailboxes properly fit and are laid out in the best way to ensure your project is delivered using the best approach.

Florence's guidebook shows you how to make the mailboxes match the building perfectly. You won't have to worry about mistakes anymore. You'll learn how to make everything fit together perfectly. It's like putting together a puzzle – everything needs to be just right! 

Florence's guidebook addresses how to plan the layout and positioning of mailboxes. With over 80 years of commercial mailboxes industry experience Florence has learned the best ways to make optimal architecture decisions to ensure the best outcome for building occupants and designers / architects / builders. In this artcile you'll learn the secrets to making buildings look amazing by putting the mailboxes in the right spots.

There are three main areas of focus: Starting Early, Integrating Mailboxes into the Design, and Providing Adequate Space for Packages; let's touch on each one.

Start Early

In the realm of architecture, timing is everything. And when it comes to creating a smooth experience for both residents and project timelines, the secret lies in early mail area planning. Picture this: a breathtaking building nearing completion, but wait, there's a snag – the mail area. Delayed planning can throw off the entire project, causing last-minute chaos and even disrupting mail delivery.  It is essential to start the mail area planning process as early as possible. 

• Find an ideal location

Finding room for a central mail area late in the process can be challenging. The only space left might be in a dark corner on a far side of a development. This could result in a bland, unwelcoming area that appears cobbled together. But by working the mail area deliberately into a project’s design, any mail area — whether indoors or outdoors — can be transformed into a meeting area in the community, which is also a convenient, functional place for residents to get their mail and packages.

• Involve stakeholders

In projects involving both single and multifamily residences within a large development, initiating early mail planning is essential. Just as utility providers establish infrastructure placements during initial phases, USPS representatives should also be part of discussions on common space allocation. Their input ensures appropriate delivery locations, space, and mail equipment. Inclusion of postal officials prevents future surprises, delays, and issues – avoiding numbering errors and ensuring smooth mail delivery, exemplified by sequential numbering on centralized mail equipment.

• Include renovations

Planned remodels in existing facilities should also take centralized mail delivery into account. Just as with a new development, the earlier in the process that USPS representatives can be included, and appropriate mail equipment identified, the better. Also, if a major renovation will disturb the existing rough opening — the unfinished opening in a wall where the mailbox is currently installed — newer equipment may be required to replace obsolete mailboxes.

Integrate Mailboxes into the Design

You give a lot of thought to the look and feel of each of your projects... sleek, modern, traditional, elegant, playful, vibrant, and so on. The mail installation should be no different. Integrate the centralized mail location into the overall look and feel of your design for an unexpected wow factor, rather than tacking it on as an afterthought.

•  Determine the type of delivery (private or USPS) 

Certain centralized mail delivery setups, like those at universities, corporate mailrooms, or military bases, don't receive direct USPS service. Instead, non-USPS staff deliver mail to individual compartments in what's called private distribution. In such cases, mailboxes don't have to strictly follow "USPS Approved" standards, offering more layout flexibility. However, private delivery locations can still utilize USPS Approved mailboxes and parcel lockers if desired.

•  Identify the type of mailboxes

The primary types of centralized mail delivery equipment are:

Cluster Box Units (CBU): These clustered mailboxes are USPS Approved, freestanding, pedestalmounted units.

Standard 4C (STD-4C): These USPS Approved mailboxes can be mounted in or on a wall, in a freestanding cabinet, or in an outdoor kiosk.

•  Customize for functionality

Elevating your mail area goes beyond just practicality – it's a canvas for customization. From mailbox colors and engravings to locker numbers and beyond, customization lets you infuse your unique touch while enhancing resident convenience.

While Cluster Box Units (CBUs) adhere to USPS specifications, they can still be personalized with decorative pedestals and caps, adding a dash of style to functionality.

If you're eyeing STD-4C mailboxes, the world of customization opens wide. Alongside standard USPS configurations, these mailboxes offer options for private delivery. Choose from wall-mounted or freestanding kiosks, and get creative with colors, engraving fonts, compartment sizes, and more. The possibilities are endless – front or rear-loading, surface or pedestal mounts – enabling you to craft a mail area that truly reflects your vision.

Provide Adequate Space for Packages

With the continued increase in e-commerce, package deliveries are seeing unprecedented growth. Over the past five years, package volume for the USPS alone has gone up more than a billion packages.

•  Plan for growing package volume

In the era of online shopping, smart planning is paramount. Balancing mailbox and package locker ratios is key, ensuring ample space for both locker quantity and compartment size. USPS mandates a minimum of one package locker per five mailboxes. However, we suggest going beyond to match the soaring package delivery demand.

•  Consider adding an automated package management system

Boost your mail area's functionality by considering cutting-edge additions like electronic package locker systems. These advanced systems ensure secure package deliveries accessible 24/7 for residents. They accommodate packages from all carriers, and if USPS lockers are full, USPS will use these automated systems. By incorporating these automated solutions, you can streamline operations, save costs, and space, while also delighting your residents with a sought-after feature.

In summary, to help make Section 10 Postal Specialties as easy and convenient as possible for architects, Florence offers an industry unique online Revit mailbox configurator you can use to create your own project accessible at: https://florencemailboxes.com/configurator with a complete BIM library of all Florence products that can be imported directly into Revit. Florence's online product configurator lets you design a customized mailbox installation that will integrate with your overall design. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design, lay out, and even update installation details. The configurator can also generate PDF drawings, CAD and BIM files, and DWG blocks to streamline your project documentation and to help contractors during the quote and order processes.

Once you've designed the perfect mailbox solution, contact US Post Company to help with the mailbox purchase process. As the #1 mailbox dealer in the USA, US Post Company will ensure you purchase only what you need to complete your project at the best price. Contact us @ 1-(800) 977-2626; through our Contact page, or via email: service@uspostmailbox.com.