Can I Put Packages in My Mailbox?

Learn the proper way to place USPS packages in your mailbox and how to ensure that your letter carrier will come to pick up your packages
can I put packages in my mailbox?
Written on:

Sometimes, shippers don’t feel they have a secure place to put their outbound USPS packages for their letter carrier to get them. If you’re wondering where to place your USPS packages for pickup, your mailbox can be a fine option. That said, there are a couple of things to be aware of before you stick your parcels inside.

Table of Contents

You Can Put USPS Packages In Your Mailbox As Long as They Fit & Have the Proper Amount of Postage

A package can be placed inside your mailbox as long as you meet the following three conditions:

  • You’re shipping with USPS
  • The package fits inside and the mailbox can fully close
  • You have affixed the proper amount of postage

If You Plan on Putting USPS Packages in Your Mailbox, Schedule a Pickup from USPS

When placing a USPS package in your mailbox, we recommend flipping the mailbox’s indicator “up” to show that it contains mail and packages that need to be picked up.

That said, we also recommend scheduling a pickup with USPS. That way, there is a record in the USPS system for your pickup, and a much greater chance that your letter carrier will get your package. After all, letter carriers can miss pickups sometimes if they don’t exist in the USPS database!

How to Schedule a USPS Pickup

There are two different scheduling time options for pickups on the USPS website:

  • When your carrier normally comes to deliver your mail (this is the free option)
  • A specific time of your choosing (this costs a fee that the USPS website will prompt you to pay)

If you used online shipping software to purchase your USPS shipping label, you can also schedule a pickup through your shipping software provider.

UPS & FedEx Parcels Cannot Be Picked Up from Your Mailbox

Unlike USPS, you cannot place UPS and FedEx inside your mailbox to be picked up. The U.S. Postal Service is the only shipping carrier legally allowed to touch your mailbox. So, if you put UPS or FedEx packages inside, those carriers wouldn’t be able to access them, anyway!

When scheduling a pickup with either UPS or FedEx, you’ll need to leave your packages somewhere else, like by your front door, on your front porch, behind your gate, etc.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share via Email

One Comment

Post a Comment
  1. irvin Eugene Spitler

    Please do not leave water in mailbox. I am 96

    Reply  

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Shipping Guides