5 Fun Facts About Curbside Mailboxes

Millions of people and businesses rely on curbside mailboxes to receive, as well as send, mail. Defined as individual mail receptacles that are installed alongside a curb, they are delivery points for the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS performs daily routes to all mailboxes while delivering outgoing mail and collecting incoming mail. This post reveals five fun facts about curbside mailboxes.

#1) Originally Designed By USPS Employee Roy Joroleman

The rectangular-dome shape by which curbside mailboxes are identified was originally designed by USPS employee Roy Joroleman. While working at the USPS, Joroleman sought the need for a newer and more effective mailbox solution. He used his mechanical engineering skills to design a rectangular-shaped mailbox. Known as the Joroleman mailbox, it paved the way for modern-day curbside mailboxes.

#2) Available in 3 Classifications

Curbside mailboxes are available in three official classifications. As per the USPS's guidelines, curbside mailboxes can be considered traditional, contemporary or locking. Traditional curbside mailboxes are those that feature the same rectangular-dome shape as the Joroleman mail. Contemporary curbside mailboxes are those that feature an alternative shape. Locking curbside mailboxes, as the name suggests, are those that feature a locking mechanism.

#3) Black-Painted Steel Curbside Mailboxes Can Reach 136 Degrees

Because they are installed outdoors, it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that curbside mailboxes can get hot. The United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA) actually conducted a study to investigate the interior temperature of curbside mailboxes. They found that black-painted curbside mailboxes made entirely of steel can reach up to 136 degrees Fahrenheit.

#4) Carrier Signal Flags Not Required for All Curbside Mailboxes

Carrier signal flags are a common component of most curbside mailboxes. They consist of an orange-colored lever or arm that tenants can raise to notify the USPS about the presence of outgoing mail. The USPS, however, doesn't require them for all curbside mailboxes. It only requires full-service curbside mailboxes to have a carrier signal flag. Full-service curbside mailboxes are those that support outgoing mail.

#5) Also Known as Rural Mailboxes

Curbside mailboxes are also known as rural mailboxes. This is because they were originally installed and used in rural areas. In cities, centralized mailboxes were typically used. Even today, most cities use centralized mailboxes like STD-4C mailboxes or Cluster Box Units (CBUs). Regardless, the terms "curbside mailbox" and "rural mailbox" are synonymous. They both refer to individual mail receptacles that are installed alongside a curb.

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