Horizontal Mailboxes; 3 Applications to Consider before You Purchase

When pursuing the installation of horizontal mailboxes, most find themselves stuck in a labyrinth of unfamiliar terms and product descriptions. Because of the high value The MailboxWorks places on customer care, the experts at The MailboxWorks are often called upon to describe the major differences among Commercial Horizontal Mailboxes in the marketplace today.

The following is a summary of the three major differences among horizontal mailboxes based upon one’s application:

1. Horizontal mailboxes for new construction
2. Replacing  commercial horizontal mailboxes
3. Private mail delivery horizontal mailboxes

UPDATE: 4C Pedestal Mailboxes have been discontinued as of November 30, 2020. The USPS Cluster Box Unit (CBU) Mailbox is now the standard for all multi-family mail delivery.

Horizontal Mailboxes for New Construction

For new construction, the horizontal mailboxes are simply described as standard 4C Horizontal Mailboxes.  These standard 4C horizontal mailboxes are often used for multi-tenant buildings such as apartments and office complexes.  These STD-4C mailboxes are constructed of heavy-duty aluminum, 300 series stainless steel, and are available in eleven architecturally relevant colors; antique bronze, blonde gold, dark bronze, sandstone, silver speck, forest green, antique copper, black, gold speck, white, and the most common color, postal grey.

While standard 4C horizontal mailboxes are fabricated and designed to be recessed into a wall, STD 4C horizontal mailboxes can also be surface mounted with a collar accessory or installed into a Vario Express outdoor depot.  All STD-4C horizontal mailboxes are USPS approved for new or remodeled installations (but it is always a good idea to consult your local postmaster prior to installation).

Horizontal Mailboxes for Mailbox Replacement

For mailbox replacement purposes that require only no remodeling or modifications of the mail center wall opening, the horizontal mailboxes that are most often the best fit are the standard 4B Horizontal Mailboxes. One of the models of the STD-4B+ horizontal mailboxes is called the 2600 horizontal mailbox, since The MailboxWork’s manufacturer, Florence Mailboxes, uses the term “2600” as a product identification number. As with all commercial mailbox installations, The MailboxWorks recommends consulting with local postal authorities prior to installing replacement mailbox models. Your local postmaster will have a recommendation for your application that will ensure your mail delivery functions best for both tenants and mail carriers.

Standard 4B+ horizontal mailboxes are available in nine powder coat finishes as well as the standard anodized aluminum finish. All 4B+ horizontal mailboxes have standard 15” deep compartments and can be customized for different applications.

Horizontal Mailboxes for Private Mail Delivery

The MailboxWorks recommends private distribution horizontal mailboxes for private mail delivery purposes.  These Private Distribution Horizontal Mailboxes are also called 1600 horizontal mailboxes or 1700 horizontal mailboxes.  The private distribution horizontal mailboxes are intended to be utilized for mail delivery service that is not serviced by the USPS but rather, serviced by:

• A private mail carrier or mail delivery person
• Office mailroom personnel
• Inter-office business centers
• College mail delivery
• Or university mail delivery

The sturdy doors of these horizontal mailbox units are fabricated of heavy gauge aluminum, and these private distribution mailboxes are available in ten powder coat finishes as well as the standard anodized aluminum finish.

Front Loading Private Mail Delivery Units have one control door with a master lock that makes mail delivery quick and easy as it opens the entire unit for easy access mail delivery.

Rear loading mailbox units do not require the control door as mail delivery occurs in the rear, most often through an open back to the unit (but also can be done through an optional lift-off or hinged rear cover).

Wall mount private distribution mailboxes can be customized to get the preferred number of resident boxes as well as parcel lockers, and outgoing mail compartments so that your students, faculty, and/or business associates are pleased.

Regardless of the application, for expert assistance with your commercial mailbox search, including mailboxes for new construction, for replacement, or private mail delivery, contact The MailboxWorks Toll-Free at 1-866-717-4943 for assistance.

Categorized in: DIY Mailbox Installation & Upgrades