How Do Cluster Mailboxes Work?

Cluster mailboxes have been a standard feature in townhouse communities and apartment complexes for many years. Recently, these mailboxes have been growing in prevalence thanks to encouragement from the United States Postal Service that runs your local post office.

A cluster box unit (CBU) is a free-standing mailbox configuration that consists of multiple tenant boxes and parcel compartments that lock individually. These USPS-approved mailboxes serve as commercial mailboxes or as centralized mail delivery locations for various residential and commercial settings, including neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and subdivisions.

This article looks at the different types of cluster mailboxes, how they work, and their advantages over individual roadside mailboxes.

Cluster Mailboxes vs. NDCBUs

Neighborhood Delivery and Collection Box Units (NDCBUs) were once common in residential and commercial areas. However, in the late 1990s, the USPS determined that these units were outdated and less secure than modern CBUs. NDCBUs required rear-loading, which was not as efficient or secure as front-loading CBUs.

Cluster Box Units (CBUs) have become the standard due to their enhanced security features and improved design. The USPS no longer approves the installation of NDCBUs and mandates that CBUs be used for new developments and replacements. This shift ensures that mail delivery is both secure and efficient, benefiting both postal carriers and residents.

Types of USPS-Approved Cluster Mailboxes and How They Work?

CBUs for Tenants

Each tenant has a unique key to access their individual mailbox within the CBU. For larger packages, communal parcel lockers are available. When a parcel is too large for the regular mailbox, the postal carrier places it in a parcel locker and leaves a key in the tenant's mailbox. This key remains in the lock until the tenant retrieves their package, ensuring that only the intended recipient can access it.

Tenant-specific CBUs feature individual mailboxes with unique keys and communal parcel lockers for package delivery. These mailboxes ensure that each tenant's mail remains secure and accessible only to them.

Check out the video below for more information:

CBUs for Postal Carriers

Postal carriers use a proprietary Arrow lock to open the entire front panel of the CBU, giving them access to all individual mailboxes simultaneously. This design of cluster boxes allows for quick and efficient mail delivery, as carriers do not need to open each mailbox separately. The USPS is responsible for the installation and maintenance of these Arrow locks.

Cluster mailboxes are designed to facilitate efficient mail delivery for postal carriers. The entire front panel can be unlocked and opened, providing easy access to all individual mailboxes within the unit. This streamlined process helps carriers deliver mail more quickly and securely.

 

CBU Configurations and Features

Available Configurations

When installing a new cluster mailbox, developers can choose CBU configurations consisting of configurations, typically offering 8, 12, 13, or 16 compartments. Each compartment includes a mail slot and a secure locking mechanism. Additionally, CBUs often feature one or more parcel lockers for larger packages.

Security Features

Security is a significant advantage of cluster mailboxes. They include reinforced corners, aluminum wrapping, and anti-fishing mesh to prevent tampering and theft. Each mail slot is designed to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring the safety of your mail.

Finishing Options

CBUs are designed to withstand outdoor elements, featuring protective finishes that prevent corrosion and UV damage.  The finish contributes to the cluster mailbox's functional lifespan, so you don't have to replace the mailbox. They are available in several colors, including green, white, black, bronze, grey, and sandstone, allowing property developers to choose an option that complements their community's aesthetic.

 

Regulations and Compliance

USPS Regulations and Approval

All CBU mailboxes must meet USPS regulations and approval standards. The USPS National Delivery Planning Standards document includes these regulations for builders and developers to ensure proper installation and compliance. All USPS-approved cluster mailboxes, like those from Budget Mailboxes, display the USPS seal of approval.

Installation Guidelines

Proper installation is crucial for the functionality and longevity of cluster mailboxes. Appendix A and B of the USPS standards document provide detailed instructions for foundation preparation and mounting procedures. Adhering to these guidelines ensures optimal performance and tenant convenience.

Safety and Security of USPS-Approved Cluster Mailboxes

Cluster mailboxes offer enhanced security features to protect against mail theft and identity theft. Only mail carriers have the proprietary keys to unlock the entire front panel, while residents have keys to their individual compartments. This design minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and ensures that mail and packages remain secure until retrieved by the rightful owner.

Common FAQs About Cluster Mailboxes

How to Send and Receive Mail?

• Cluster mailboxes include an outgoing mail compartment, making it easy for tenants to send letters. Postal carriers retrieve outgoing mail during their regular delivery rounds.

What to Do If You Lose Your Mailbox Key?

• Contact your property manager for a replacement if you lose your mailbox key. The manager can provide you with a duplicate key or arrange for a locksmith to replace the lock if necessary.

How to Identify Your Mailbox

• Each mailbox within a CBU is labeled with a unique number or identifier. Property management typically informs tenants on which mailbox corresponds to their unit.

The Benefits of Using Cluster Mailboxes

Cluster mailboxes offer numerous benefits, including

• Efficiency for Postal Carriers: Centralized delivery points save time and reduce the need for carriers to stop at multiple individual mailboxes.

• Increased Security: Robust locking mechanisms and anti-theft features protect mail and packages from unauthorized access.

• Convenience for Communities: Centralized mail delivery locations are convenient for tenants and property managers, reducing the risk of lost or stolen mail.

Are Cluster Mailboxes Required?

• The USPS requires central mailboxes for all new or remodeled apartment houses. This requirement has been in place since 2019, in spite of objections from groups such as the National Association of Home Builders

• The USPS sets requirements for installation of the box, although property owners can choose from among several designs. However, the USPS says that for every five mailbox compartments, at least 1 parcel locker is necessary.

How to Open a Cluster Mailbox Without a Key?

• Cluster mailboxes have a design to enable each customer to receive two keys to their box: an everyday one and a spare. But sometimes, a customer moves and forgets to return these. Other times, a customer might lose one or the other.

• These mailboxes have features to prevent tampering, such as creating an opening in an individual box by prying around the edges. If you no longer have mailbox keys, ask the property manager about a replacement. They may make duplicates using a locksmith for a fee. If the keys are gone because a customer moves, the manager might want to replace the entire lock for additional security.

Ordering a Cluster Mailbox from Budget Mailboxes

If you want to order a cluster mailbox, Budget Mailboxes can help. We will help you select the unit features you need for your subdivision, community, business, or apartment complex. We will also provide you with all the information you need to ensure the correct installation.

Contact us today at 866-707-0008 to place your Budget Mailboxes order. Bulk discounts are available!