The Solution for Cluster Box Units and USPS Delivery Planning Support

The U.S. Postal Service™ (USPS) served 160 million delivery points in 2019 and, on average, over 1 million new delivery points are added to the network every year. Due to the sheer volume managed, it is probably no surprise that adding new delivery stops to a route must be done carefully and in accordance with USPS guidelines which dictate the type of mailbox that will be used and the location of the mailboxes for all new developments—both residential and commercial.

Deliveries typically take place door-to-door, curbside, or to a cluster box. A cluster box unit (CBU) is a free-standing, pedestal mailbox that contains 8, 12, 13, or 16 individual mailbox compartments and larger compartments for parcels. The CBU allows postal workers to conduct a more centralized delivery that enables the USPS to save money on gasoline, idle less, and reduce wear-and-tear on USPS vehicles. With all the benefits, cluster boxes became the default for new residential developments in 2012.

USPS Standards for Cluster Box Units

Builders, developers and property owners are responsible for the purchase, installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of mailbox equipment. Due to current USPS standards, developers and builders must plan to install centralized mail delivery receptacles in new residential communities, which include parcel lockers. New homes built or established within a block of existing homes can only receive the same type of mail delivery service as the older, existing homes after the Postal Service has completed an operational efficiency analysis.

Once the appropriate type of mailbox has been established, the location of the mailboxes must be proposed and approved. For that, project teams will work with a local USPS delivery planning individual referred to as a Growth Manager. The Growth Manager must review the development plans before the master plan and plat is submitted to the local municipality and/or county for approval.

With years of experience in providing streetscape and site amenities, including CBUs and curbside mailboxes, Brandon Industries also helps clients develop a USPS delivery plan that achieves an acceptable balance between the efficiency needed by the USPS and the convenience demanded by future homeowners. “We help developers and builders create delivery plans that offer the centralized delivery approach now required by USPS, while locating CBUs as close to residents or tenants as possible,” explained Travis Trotter from Brandon Industries. “It’s just another way that we can apply the lessons we’ve learned from so many years in this industry to offer better support to our customers.”

Brandon Industries—Quality Streetscape Solutions™

Brandon Industries has produced high-quality streetscape solutions since 1987. They are proud to offer a wide selection of beautiful, high-performance streetlamps, decorative signage, and site amenities, including CBUs and curbside mailboxes.