Mailbox Improvement Week
Learn More
Visit USPS Postal Bulletin and search for the May issue with articles about mailbox regulations, approved boxes, and box manufacturers. For more information on what constitutes a USPS approved mailbox, use of names or numbers on mailboxes, or for answers to other questions, contact your local Post Office or Postmaster :
- Call 951.656.9720, or 800.275.8777
Each year, the Postal Service™ designates the third full week of May as Mailbox Improvement Week to encourage customers to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes. Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and streets in suburban areas. Mailbox Improvement Week calls attention to the need for providing mailboxes that are
- Approved by the Postmaster General.
- Fully operational.
- Designed to protect the mail from weather.
- Safe to use.
- Conveniently located.
- Neat in appearance.
Mailboxes that meet these six important requirements help delivery and collection operations and improve service to the entire route.
Some of the typical activities homeowners may need to do include:
- Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door.
- Repainting a mailbox that may have rusted or started peeling.
- Remounting a mailbox post if loosened.
- Replacing or adding house numbers.
- Replacing key/lock.
If a homeowner plans to install a new mailbox or replace a worn one, he or she must use only Postal Service–approved traditional, contemporary or locking full/limited service mailboxes. Customers should be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited. Customers may use a custom-built mailbox, but they must consult with the local Post Office to ensure it conforms to guidelines applying to flag, size, strength and quality of construction.