As an avid online shopper and retail industry expert, I know firsthand the importance of having convenient and reliable shipping options. One of the most underrated resources is the ubiquitous blue USPS collection box. With over 143,000 boxes across the US, USPS mailboxes offer 24/7 availability for dropping off letters and packages with no lines or post office hours to deal with.
But many people don‘t realize that you can ship packages from these mailboxes, not just letters. As long as you follow the guidelines and requirements, dropping a package in a USPS box is a quick and easy way to get your shipment on its way. In this guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know to take advantage of this convenient option as a savvy shipper.
USPS Collection Box Availability and Usage
Let‘s start with some key statistics on the prevalence and usage of USPS collection boxes:
- There are approximately 143,000 blue collection boxes in service across the United States as of 2021 (Source: USPS)
- In 2020, USPS shipped 7.3 billion packages, an increase of nearly 18% from 2019 (Source)
- The average American lives within 1 mile of a USPS collection box (Source)
- In a typical year, USPS processes and delivers 146 billion pieces of mail, including letters, postcards, and packages (Source)
So what does this mean for you as a package shipper? It means that chances are, there‘s almost certainly a convenient USPS collection box location near your home or office that you can utilize to easily send out packages without making a special trip to the post office.
And with package volume increasing significantly year-over-year, USPS is continually optimizing its collection box network and pickup schedules to ensure boxes are emptied frequently and packages are processed as efficiently as possible. So you can feel confident that your shipment will be on its way quickly once you drop it in the box.
What Can You Ship from a USPS Mailbox?
Now that you know how prevalent and convenient USPS collection boxes are, let‘s dive into the specific requirements for what you can and can‘t ship from them. The main things to consider are:
Size Limitations
Your package must be able to fit through the mail slot or chute on the collection box. Exact dimensions can vary, but most USPS boxes have openings that are approximately:
- 13.5" wide
- 4" tall
- 17" deep
If your package exceeds these dimensions, it may not physically fit in the box and will need to be taken to a post office instead. Keep in mind that forcing an oversized package into the chute can cause it to get stuck, damage other pieces of mail, or even break the collection box. Use your best judgment and if in doubt, use a larger box or visit a staffed USPS location.
Weight Restrictions
The maximum weight for packages shipped from USPS collection boxes is typically 13 ounces (0.8125 lbs) if using stamps for postage. Heavier packages can be shipped if you‘re using a printed postage label instead of stamps, with a typical maximum of 70 lbs.
However, weight restrictions can vary between collection boxes, particularly in rural areas. Always check the label on the individual box for its specific weight limit before dropping a heavy package.
Hazardous and Restricted Items
Certain items are always prohibited from being shipped through USPS, regardless of if you‘re using a collection box or visiting a staffed post office. This includes things like:
- Explosives, fireworks, and ammunition
- Gasoline, propane, and other flammable liquids and gases
- Alcohol, including perfumes containing alcohol
- Marijuana, including medical marijuana and CBD products
- Poison, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals
- Lithium batteries that are not installed in a device
Additionally, some items have shipping restrictions or special requirements, such as:
- Aerosol cans
- Cosmetics, including nail polish
- Dry ice
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Live animals
- Perishable food items
Packages containing these items must be presented at a post office counter so they can be properly inspected, labeled, and documented. They cannot simply be dropped in a collection box.
When in doubt, review the full USPS list of restricted items or ask a postal employee before attempting to ship something. Improperly shipping hazardous materials can result in fines and legal consequences.
Postage and Labeling
Any package deposited in a USPS collection box must have the proper postage already affixed. For packages weighing less than 13 oz, you can use postage stamps as long as you apply enough to cover the full shipping cost.
Heavier packages or those being sent Priority Mail or Express Mail will need a printed shipping label instead of stamps. You can print these at home using the USPS Click-N-Ship tool or other online postage vendors.
Packages must also have a clear recipient address and return address printed or written on the outer packaging. Print labels if possible to ensure maximum legibility. If handwriting the addresses, print neatly and use ink that won‘t smudge or smear.
Collection Box Pickup Schedules and Mailbox Usage Tips
To make the most of shipping via USPS collection boxes, it‘s important to understand when your package will actually be picked up and begin moving through the postal network. Most boxes are emptied at least once every business day, but exact schedules can vary.
The majority of collection boxes have their last pickup time posted directly on the box. This represents the cutoff for when packages must be deposited to go out with that day‘s mail. Here are some general guidelines for pickup times:
- Residential neighborhood boxes are typically collected once per day in the late afternoon or early evening
- Boxes near businesses, shopping centers, and in downtown areas may have a morning and evening collection
- Airport and post office lobby collection boxes often have multiple pickups per day, sometimes as late as 7:00 pm
- Most collection boxes are NOT picked up on Sundays or USPS holidays
If getting your package moving as quickly as possible is a priority, pay close attention to the last collection time posted on your box and aim to deposit it at least an hour or two before then. This builds in some buffer in case the carrier comes a few minutes early.
You can also look up the pickup schedule for a specific mailbox using the USPS Collection Box Pickup Times tool. Just enter an address or ZIP code and filter results for "Collection Boxes" to see a list of nearby boxes and their pickup times.
Some additional tips for a smooth experience when using USPS collection boxes:
- Make sure your shipping label is legible and your package is properly sealed before depositing it
- Take a photo of the addressed package in case you need to file an insurance claim
- Use a collection box in a high-traffic, well-lit area to minimize the risk of theft or tampering
- Consider adding tracking or insurance for high-value packages
- If reusing a box, remove or black out any old labels or barcodes to avoid confusion during processing
- Avoid dropping packages in a collection box on a Sunday or holiday as they won‘t move until the next business day
With a little planning and attention to detail, USPS collection boxes can be a major time-saver and convenience for ecommerce sellers, small business owners, and all shippers alike.
When to Use a USPS Mailbox vs. Visiting a Post Office
So when is it best to use a collection box rather than visiting your local post office? While there‘s no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some general rules of thumb:
Use a USPS collection box if:
- Your package is under 13 ounces and you‘re using postage stamps
- Your package fits comfortably inside the collection box opening
- You already have postage or a shipping label and just need to physically deposit the package
- Dropping off outside of normal post office hours is more convenient for your schedule
- You‘re not shipping anything hazardous, perishable, or otherwise restricted
Visit a post office location if:
- Your package weighs more than 13 ounces and you need to purchase postage
- Your package contains something requiring additional documentation like customs forms
- You need packing or shipping supplies like boxes, envelopes or labels
- You have questions about shipping rates, delivery timelines, or other services
- You want a receipt and acceptance scan for tracking and insurance purposes
Ultimately, USPS collection boxes can save a lot of time and hassle for straightforward shipments. But for anything out of the ordinary or requiring extra assistance, an in-person visit is your best bet.
The Bottom Line
Whether you‘re an online seller shipping dozens of orders per week, or just an occasional shipper sending a care package to a friend, knowing how to utilize USPS collection boxes can make your life much easier. With over 140,000 boxes available nationwide, free 24/7 access, and frequent pickups, they‘re a valuable resource for sending letters and packages quickly and conveniently.
Just remember to abide by the size, weight, and content guidelines, prep your package properly, and check the collection schedule to ensure a speedy start to the shipping journey. With these expert tips and insights, you‘re ready to join the millions of Americans who enjoy the ease of click-and-ship from the comfort of their own neighborhood.
Happy shipping!
