
Letter drop boxes are a convenient and secure way to collect mail and packages, whether you're a homeowner or business owner. They come in various sizes to fit different needs, with some models holding up to 100 letters.
For home use, a small to medium-sized letter drop box is usually sufficient, as it can hold around 20-30 letters. This size is perfect for a single-family home or a small apartment.
Some letter drop boxes are designed to be weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. They can withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, ensuring your mail and packages stay dry and secure.
You can also choose a letter drop box with a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access. This is especially useful for businesses that handle sensitive documents or valuable packages.
Discover more: White Boxed Wine
What is a Letter Drop Box?
A letter drop box is a type of mailbox that collects outgoing mail, usually through a door flap or a slot that the customer can slide mail through.
These mailboxes are designed to be used by USPS employees to collect mail when they arrive to deliver to your property.
They can handle letters, small outgoing packages, letter bins, and ballots, depending on the type.
Letter drop boxes are locking, so that only a USPS or a private employee can access the mail deposited inside.
These mailboxes can also be used within an organization for private delivery between employees.
Types of Letter Drop Boxes
Letter drop boxes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and applications. They can be mounted on walls, pedestals, or freestanding, and are designed for both private and USPS-approved use.
Some letter drop boxes are specifically designed for large institutions such as schools, airports, and military bases, and can handle large amounts of incoming and outgoing mail. These types of boxes often feature bins and are typically used for USPS delivery and pickup with local postmaster approval.
Pedestal-style letter drop boxes are manufactured completely from heavy-duty aluminum and come in three different size styles: Regular, Large, and Jumbo. Each door opens up over 90 degrees for easy mail retrieval.
Letter Slots
Letter slots come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and applications, including through-wall or door mount slots.
You can find traditional letter slots, but they're not the only option. Exterior wall-mount letter lockers are also available, designed for large institutions like schools, airports, and military bases.
Some letter slots are designed for USPS pickup, and are already USPS-approved. Others are only approved for private use, so be sure to check the product description.
Letter lockers are designed for large institutions and handle large amounts of incoming and outgoing mail, usually contained in bins. They require approval from your local postmaster to use for USPS delivery and pickup.
You can even find letter slots with hopper doors and flaps, similar to door slots found in some offices.
Pedestal
Pedestal collection mailboxes are mounted on a pedestal or legs, and some are freestanding without pedestals or legs. They're typically found outdoors on commercial properties and in some residential communities.

Some pedestal collection mailboxes are curbside, looking similar to the iconic blue USPS mailboxes, with legs and a collection slot. These are available for private use.
Pedestal collection mailboxes can be used for collecting rent payments, rented DVDs, and other items. They're ideal for many communities and businesses.
Mail and package drop collection mailboxes are often USPS-approved and can be curbside. They have a hopper door for USPS collection and can be used for businesses sending out moderate volumes of mail.
What Can Go in a Letter Drop Box?
You can put any first-class or Certified Mail letter or card in a letter drop box.
First-class letters can't weigh more than 3.5 ounces.
Smaller packages can also be dropped off, but only if they weigh less than thirteen ounces when using stamps.
Packages with pre-printed shipping labels can also be dropped off, regardless of weight.
You can't put packages that weigh more than thirteen ounces in a letter drop box, unless they have a pre-printed shipping label.
Packages that are more than three inches tall won't fit in the box, so you'll need to find another way to ship them.
Using a Letter Drop Box

You can skip the trip to the Post Office by using a letter drop box.
Waiting in line at the Post Office is time-consuming and expensive, saving you $3.15 per Certified Mail green card receipt.
Just deposit your mail into your outgoing mailbox or one of USPS’s 140,000 collection boxes.
Using Certified Mail Labels from your home or office will ensure that your shipping labels are formatted correctly, whether you need to mail 1 letter or 1,000.
Letter Drop Box Options
You can choose from a variety of letter drop box options to suit your needs. These include traditional letter slots, drop boxes, and receptacles that can be mounted through a wall or on a door.
You can also opt for exterior wall-mount letter lockers, high-security drop boxes, and boxes approved for delivery by USPS couriers. Just be sure to check with your local postmaster before ordering.
Some popular styles include 4C pedestal package drop boxes, which are made of heavy-duty aluminum and come equipped with a front and rear loading access locking door. These units also feature an outgoing mail tray, a lock with two keys, and a movable red signal flag.
Letter drop boxes can be mounted on optional bolt mount style pedestals or in-ground style post pedestals, and some models come with thumb latches that are non-locking.
Courier Boxes
Courier boxes are a great option for mail collection, especially in high-traffic areas.
They're manufactured from 14 gauge steel, making them durable and long-lasting. Our free standing courier collection box is a popular choice, offering easy access for depositing and retrieving mail, small packages, documents, magazines, and other materials.
It features a three-point locking mechanism with two keys for added security. The box also withstands extreme weather conditions, making it perfect for areas with harsh climates.
Courier boxes are suitable for a wide range of applications, including universities, schools, cities, government entities, libraries, military bases, and more. They're also available in three standard colors or primer, with custom colors optional upon request.
National Mailboxes offers free standing style pedestal drop boxes made from heavy-duty aluminum, available in three different size styles: Regular, Large, and Jumbo. Each pedestal drop box comes equipped with a tough powder coat finish, a weather-protected hood, and a mail flap on the front.
These units can be mounted on an optional aluminum pedestal stand base, and special custom colors are also available upon request.
Benefits of
Collection mailboxes are made of sturdy materials like steel or aluminum to keep outgoing mail safe. They're also versatile and fairly inexpensive, making them a great choice for various residential and commercial uses.
Rent payments can be made on a resident's own time, which is super convenient. This can help reduce time and money costs for businesses in the long run.
Residents of an apartment complex or community will appreciate having close, convenient collection boxes for sending out mail and small packages. This can even make them more likely to stay on for another lease term.
Collection mailboxes are easy to install and come in a variety of colors to suit your business, community, or school. This makes it easy to match the mailbox to your existing decor.
Featured Images: pexels.com