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Mailboxes For Minnesota Homes, Businesses, and Communities

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Mailboxes For Minnesota Homes, Businesses, and Communities

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Mail delivery and the delivery of packages are two things that everyone needs. That is as true in Minnesota as it is anywhere else in the country. Nationwide, package delivery is increasing, and this figure includes packages from the USPS. Mail delivery remains high as well.

The population of Minnesota is growing, especially in cities where the growth rate can be close to 12%. Other, smaller cities are seeing higher growth rates. This means that new apartment complexes, homes, communities, and businesses are being built, and property managers will need to install new mailboxes as well. Knowing which type of mailbox to install can seem daunting, but this guide will help you to choose the right solution for your home, community, or commercial property.

We serve the Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Rochester areas, as well as all towns and regions in between. Not only do we provide mailboxes of every type and for every need, but we also provide replacement parts as well, should any damage or vandalism occur. However, with the right mailbox type, damage and vandalism can be reduced or stopped altogether.

Minnesota Mailboxes for Homes and Small Business

Single-family homes and small businesses can usually handle mail delivery by installing curbside mailboxes or wall-mounted models.

Curbside mailboxes work in rural areas and small towns, as well as some city areas. Yards with long driveways may benefit from these. Curbside mailboxes have a lot of potential for customization, and for boosting a home’s value. However, they are more prone to damage from vehicles and snowplows.

Wall-mounted mailboxes are easy to install and have some potential for customization. They must be easy to find and are most often found near front doors and above porches.

Both mailbox types must be free of obstructions and dangers such as aggressive animals and tripping hazards. If theft is an issue, locking models are available, and in some communities, multi-family mailboxes are also available.

Minnesota Mailboxes for Communities and Commercial Properties

Sometimes, many mailboxes are needed for larger commercial properties and communities such as apartments and retirement areas. Centralized mail delivery uses mailboxes that have multiple customer compartments contained in one sturdy cabinet.

These mailboxes can be found mounted onto concrete slabs, recessed into vertical surfaces, or mounted to walls. They work well in mail kiosks, near high-traffic areas, in clubhouses, and in lobbies.

Currently, the 4C models are approved by the USPS for all new installations, as they are more durable and resistant to tampering than the older 4B mailboxes. All customer compartments lock, and one parcel locker must be included for every ten customer compartments. This requirement is one per five for apartments.

The number of customer compartments varies, and these mailboxes are designed to mount side by side until all tenant needs are met. Parcel lockers can also be purchased alone to add to an existing mail setup and to accommodate growing package delivery.

The older 4B mailboxes are still found in some areas. They typically have square or vertical compartments while the newer 4C models have horizontal ones. However, these are being phased out and replaced by the newer 4C models. 4B mailboxes cannot be purchased and used for new installations or renovations when USPS delivery is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mailboxes in Minnesota

Who is Responsible for Damaged Mailboxes in Minnesota?

Generally, the property owner is responsible for replacing damaged and destroyed mailboxes in Minnesota, as well as in the rest of the country. The risk of damage can be reduced by installing mailboxes properly, and in the case of commercial mailboxes, installing the new and approved 4C models.

If the mailbox is struck by an MnDot snowplow, however, the highway authorities are responsible for its replacement.

Can I Create a Mail Station in Minnesota?

Yes, but only if 4C mailboxes are used. Only 4C mailboxes are approved for new installations, and they can mount side by side until all tenant needs are met. 4C mailboxes come with a varying number of tenant compartments.

What are the Rules for Installing Mailboxes in Minnesota?

National rules exist for the installation of mailboxes. Commercial mailboxes must follow the ADA, and no parcel locker can be lower than 15 inches from the floor or ground. All customer compartments must be between 28 and 67 inches from ground level.

Curbside mailboxes must stand between 41 and 45 inches high, while standing 6 to 8 inches back from the road.