Can I Drop A Package In A Usps Mailbox? (+ Other Faqs)

USPS has more locations available for shipping services than any other shipping titan in the US, with around 143,000 USPS mailboxes or collection boxes available 24/7.

But can you drop packages off in those USPS mailboxes, and are there limits on what you can drop off there? Let me tell you, I did my research and found everything!

Do I have the right to send a package into a USPS mailbox in 2022

The USPS will accept packages for delivery, provided they adhere to certain standards by 2022. To drop a package off in a USPS mailbox, it must fit in the mail chute, cannot be a restricted material, not weigh over 14 ounces, and must contain the correct postage, return address, and shipping labels.

Dropping off your packages in an USPS collection box will save you time and money. Please read the following to find out all you need to know.

How do I find a USPS mailbox?

USPS is home to approximately 143,000 active collection containers in operation across the nation.

To find a USPS box for dropping your mail or packages, visit the USPS webpage.

After you have reached the website, enter your zip code, or the one you are looking for, then scroll down to choose “Collection Boxes”.

Next, your website must populate all collection boxes that are available for the selected distance.

For consumer convenience, the USPS generally places collection boxes where there is more foot traffic or higher population density.

How do you drop a package off at a USPS mailbox?

Dropping off a package in a collection box is pretty similar to dropping off a package at the post office, except no one is there to do things for you.

The first step is to make sure that whatever you are shipping weighs less than 14 ounces.

Follow these steps to attach your correct label, return address information, and proper postage to your package.

The courier will return your package to you if these steps are not followed correctly.

What is the worst thing you could do to a USPS mailbox?

However, dropping off your packages at USPS Collection Boxes expands your options for consumers. There are limitations to the types of items you can drop at collections boxes.

International mail is one of the most common and notable limitations.

It is possible to drop off international mail at USPS collection box, but you need to ensure the correct customs information before dropping off any package.

You cannot send international mail from the USPS collection boxes if it requires you to fill out a customs statement that contains postage stamps.

A weight restriction is also applicable to shipments from collection boxes.

A collection box’s packages must not exceed 14 ounces in weight.

There are some exceptions, however, like returning products from Stitch Fix.

However, you should only ship your first package using a collection box, even if it weighs less than 1 pound.

Moreover, it’s wise to check the sign on the collection box you plan to use, as some allow for parcels and some don’t.

With that, be sure to keep an eye out for any signs on your local collection box!

You cannot also drop off packages in USPS collections boxes that contain restricted, dangerous, or perishable goods.

How often do USPS mailboxes get empty?

Most active USPS collection boxes are emptied daily by the assigned courier.

That said, the USPS worker on the route scans the barcode inside the collection box to confirm that they’ve picked up the box’s contents no later than 5 pm Monday through Friday.

But, collection boxes may be emptied anywhere along a courier’s route.

Even if your package is dropped off at the collection box by 5 pm, the courier may have already taken it and will not return until the next day.

A collection box is probably not the best option if your parcel needs to be shipped quickly or depends heavily on tracking.

Learn more about USPS. You can also see our USPS posts regarding whether or not you may pick up mail from USPS.

Conclusion

You can drop packages off at most USPS mailboxes (also known as collection boxes).

But, only certain packages can be dropped off in collection boxes.

Parcels should not exceed 14 oz., must have the correct shipping label and return address as well as postage. International mail requires that the necessary customs information be uploaded online.

But, there are certain items that cannot be dropped off by mail: anything hazardous or perishable; any international mail type that requires customs information.

You also have the option of finding a collection mailbox near you through the USPS Website.

.Can I Drop A Package In A Usps Mailbox? (+ Other Faqs)