When delivering mail, USPS mail carriers will place it in your mailbox as long as it fits the incoming mail door and the receptacle.
For outgoing mail, the function of the mailbox can be quite limited when it comes to mail and packages that are bigger since not all types of mail can be placed inside a mailbox.
Generally, you can only put small or standard-sized outgoing mail in a mailbox.
Here is the Size of Package that You Can Put in a Mailbox:
What you can put in your mailbox is limited. In general, you can only place mail and packages that are half an inch thick or less and weigh less than 10 ounces. Any outgoing mail that is thicker or heavier than the prescribed measurements cannot be placed in your mailbox.
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How Big Can Packages Be in a Residential Mailbox?
Not all mail and packages are allowed to be placed in a residential mailbox.
You can only place outgoing mail in a residential mailbox if it is half an inch thick or less and weighs less than 10 ounces.
If you put a package that weighs more than 1o ounces or is thicker than one-half inch, the USPS mail carrier will not pick it up even if you place the proper shipping labels and postage stamps on it.
The same weight and size limits apply if you send mail through a US Postal Service blue collection box. If you place mail that exceeds these limits, it will not be processed for delivery.
The mail will be returned to you if there is a return address, or it will be on hold at your local post office.
Any outgoing mail that exceeds these size and weight limits should be taken to your local post office and deposited at a retail counter.
An alternative solution would be to schedule a pick-up service through the USPS website so the mail carrier can pick it up at your house. Just remember that there may be fees that apply depending on the pick-up services you will be using.
How Big is Too Big?
Even if the package exceeds the allowed limit to be placed in an outgoing mail receptacle or USPS collection box, USPS can still mail them.
USPS can mail packages weighing up to 70 pounds, with a maximum combined length and girth of up to 108 inches. You can even schedule a pick-up to make things more convenient for you.
Any mail or package that exceeds 70 pounds or the maximum allowed length and girth is considered too big, and your mailman will not accept it for any of the services offered by the USPS.
If that is the case, you may opt to ship through a private courier such as UPS or FedEx, as they normally accept large packages weighing up to 150 pounds.
Can You Place Packages on the Ground by the Mailbox?
Since packages cannot be placed in the mailbox, many people like to come up with solutions to mailing their large packages.
However, placing packages on the ground by the mailbox is not allowed. You cannot place packages on the ground beside the mailbox.Â
The USPS mail carrier will not pick it up if you do this. It is not recommended and will leave your packages at risk for potential mail thieves. If your package gets stolen, the USPS will not be liable.
If you have a large package to send out, it is recommended that you avail of the pick-up services offered by the USPS so you can make sure that the mail carrier safely picks up the package.
You can also bring it to the post office.
Will USPS Pick Up Large Packages?
The US Postal Service does pick up large packages. It offers two package pick-up options, which help you save time when sending your packages.
The USPS offers a free package pick-up, usually done on the next delivery day. The USPS mail carrier picks up your package while making deliveries in your area.
You can also schedule a pick-up through the Pickup-on-Demand service, which has a fee. This service lets you choose a specific date and time for pick-up.
Then when the package is picked up, you can have it mailed through any of the services below, which accepts large packages up to a certain limit.
Priority Mail Express:
This is the fastest domestic shipping service offered by the USPS, which guarantees delivery in 1 to 2 days. USPS delivers mail 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, with a few exceptions.Â
They also deliver to most home addresses and PO box addresses.
This service accepts large mail and packages weighing up to 70 pounds, with a maximum combined length and girth of up to 108 inches.
Postage and shipping labels can be purchased online, and the price for shipping starts at $26.95.
Priority Mail:
This mail service offered by the USPS is its bestselling service.
It promises domestic deliveries in up to 3 business days, depending on the delivery location. This service includes tracking and insurance; the boxes and envelopes will be provided free of charge.
This service lets you mail large packages weighing up to 70 pounds, with a maximum combined length and girth of up to 108 inches.
Postage and shipping labels can be purchased online, and the price for shipping starts at $26.95.
Should I take Large Packages to the Post Office?
You can take large packages to the post office.
Your local post office can process and deliver it to your recipient if it weighs 70 pounds or less and meets the maximum allowed combined length and girth of 108 inches.
You can also have your large packages picked up by scheduling a pick-up service through the USPS website. They may charge a fee for this, but it saves you from the hassle of going to your local post office.
If your package exceeds the allowed weight and size, your local post office will not accept it. So the best solution would be to bring it to UPS or FedEx. These private companies can ship packages that weigh more than 70 pounds, as long as they do not weigh more than 150 pounds.
To summarize, not all outgoing mail and packages can be placed in your mailbox. The US Postal Service has set a weight and size limit when placing items in the mailbox. You must follow these guidelines, or they will not pick up your items.
Even if your packages cannot be placed in the mailbox, the USPS still offers services that let you ship them without hassle. These packages can even be picked up!
There may be a charge, but these services guarantee the safe delivery of your packages.
Sources:
Mail & Shipping Services: Find The Right Domestic Mail Service