Hi mavrick1963,
The news isn't good, assuming your post office chose an approved
mailbox. Briefly, there is no minimum dimensions set for the size of a
full service locked mailbox. The size of the box is determined by the
manufacturer but it must pass the "Capacity Test". This sounds
hopeful but unfortunately, the capacity test refers to the dimensions
of the mail slot and not the box. Your only hope would be to examine
Figure 2 at the following link closely to determine if something about
the box does not meet the standards.
For example (but look at the drawing at Figure 2 for full details):
3) [out going mail] compartment must be large enough to accommodate
several 9.5" x 4.25" letters.
5) Handle shall be positioned within top 1.3 of carrier service door
and provide 1" minimum finger clearance.
6) Front edge of flag must not be set back more than 2" when measured
from front wall of mailbox.
Figure 2, page 10
Locked Mailbox (full service)
A: width Min/Max [none]
B: depth Min/Max [none]
C: height Min/Max [none]
"See note 1: Dimensions A, B, & C determined by manufacturer, but must
pass capacity test."
http://www.lockingmailbox.com/approvedDoc.pdf
3.15.1 Capacity
"Traditional and Contemporary designs must meet minimum capacity
requirements tested by insertion and removal of a standard test gauge
which measures 18.50. long x 5.00. wide x 6.00. high. The test gauge
is inserted with its 6.00. dimension aligned in the vertical axis
(perpendicular to the mailbox floor). The gauge must be capable of
easy insertion and removal; and while inserted, allow for the door(s)
to be completely closed without interference. The capacity of Locked
designs, which have slots, chutes or similar features, will be tested
and approved based upon whether standard USPS mail sizes (see Table I)
can be easily inserted through the mail slot or opening. Retrieval of
this mail from the locked compartment shall be equally as easy."
http://www.lockingmailbox.com/approvedDoc.pdf
D041 Customer Mail Receptacles
2.0 Curbside Mailboxes
2.1Manufacturer Specifications
Manufacturers of all mailboxes designed and made to be erected at the
edge of a roadway or curbside of a street and to be served by a
carrier from a vehicle on any city route, rural route, or highway
contract route must obtain approval of their products under USPS
Standard 7, Mailboxes, City and Rural Curbside. To receive these
construction standards and drawings or other information about the
manufacture of curbside mailboxes, write to USPS Engineering (see G043
for address).
2.2Custom-Built
Mailbox
The local postmaster may approve a curbside mailbox constructed by a
customer who, for aesthetic or other reasons, does not want to use an
approved manufactured box. The custom-built box must generally meet
the same standards as approved manufactured boxes for flag, size,
strength, and quality of construction.
http://pe.usps.com/text/DMM300/508.htm
ENGINEERING
US POSTAL SERVICE
8403 LEE HWY
MERRIFIELD VA 22082-8101
http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm/G043.htm#Rdn30260
Two additional contacts:
CONSUMER ADVOCATE
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L?ENFANT PLZ SW
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2200
--
CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L?ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5621
WASHINGTON DC 20260-5621
http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm/G043.htm#Rdn30260
I'm very sorry for the bad news about the size of the box. I empathize
with your situation and will remain hopeful that you can find
something about the box that's not up to snuff (ofcourse nothing
excuses the postal employee's rude, less than helpful service). If you
have any questions, please post a clarification request and wait for
me to respond before closing/rating my answer.
If you think of it, I would be glad to hear how you make out with your examination!
Thank you,
hummer
Google Search Terms Used:
USPS Std 7B "capacity test"
USPS Std 7B
USPS curbside mailboxes specifications
Mailboxes, City and Rural Curbside
USPS regulations mailboxes sizes |
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