With more than 153,000 locations nationwide, United States Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes can be an extremely convenient way to send letters and packages. However, before shipping, it is important to understand the rules and regulations of the USPS collection box to ensure that your package reaches its destination successfully.
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What is a USPS collection box?
USPS collection boxes are mail containers where customers can drop off mail. USPS collection boxes come in dozens of different varieties, from freestanding units and pole-mounted units, to handrails and wall chutes. The most common USPS collection box is the Standard USPS Blue Box, a freestanding blue metal box, approximately 3 feet tall, with a distinctive rounded top and swivel mail drawer.
USPS collection box collection times
The collection times for USPS collection boxes vary from box to box. Collection times are based on several factors including the number of boxes in the area, location of the box, shipping methods, and volume of correspondence generated.
Collection times for a specific USPS collection box will be published on the collection box label. Many collection box labels will also have a QR code which, if scanned with your mobile device, will provide additional vacation information, contact details, and additional FAQs.
Find a nearby USPS collection box
USPS collection boxes can be found nationwide at post offices, buildings, street corners, and parking lots. To find a collection box near you, see the following links:
What can I put in a collection box?
Standard blue USPS collection boxes have a 14 inch mail slot, making them ideal for small letters and parcels. The USPS generally accepts most packages that are 10 ounces (0.625 pounds) or less and ½ inch thick or less, provided they are displayed correctly.
The USPS RESTRICT collection boxes the following items:
- National stamped mail (including priority express mail) over 10 ounces or over ½ inch thick.
- Domestic mail weighing more than 10 ounces and more than ½ inch thick can be sent through the USPS collection box, provided it has a shipping label with the appropriate postage.
- Any international mail without a customs declaration that has been completed and sent online.
- Any international mail that requires a customs declaration containing postage stamps instead of a shipping label.
- International mail stamped or measured weighing more than 10 ounces or more than ½ inch thick.
- Priority express international shipments that do not have form PS 2976-B.
- Army Mail (APO), Fleet Mail (FPO) and Diplomatic Mail (DPO) weighing more than 10 ounces or more than ½ inch thick and with only postage stamps as postage.
If unacceptable packages are dropped into a USPS collection box, the package will be returned to sender.
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