Largest size box that will fit in usps blue collection box?
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Original Post
Does anyone know the largest size box that you can get to fit into a standard blue usps collection box? You'd think that info would be readily available but I can't find it anywhere.
Posted at 10:20am Jan 6, 2010 EST
Responses
Drop Off
Packages may be handed to your carrier or taken to the Post Office. Packages may also be dropped into a blue collection box with the following restrictions:
Stamped packages must weight 13 ounces or less
Packages with postage printed using Click-N-Ship or another PC Postage provider may weigh more than one pound, but must fit in the collection box
Posted at 11:02am Jan 6, 2010 EST
Not much fits in the slot, the small Priority Mail cube box is too big, I think that one is a 7" cube.
Posted at 11:04am Jan 6, 2010 EST
"It must weigh under 13 oz to go in the drop box!!"
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Just to clarify: that rule applies ONLY for packages with stamps on them. Packages with online postage (thru Paypal, Click-n-ship, etc.) may be posted in collection boxes.
There are 3 sizes of Priority boxes I've easily posted in collection boxes: single video (same as small flat rate), double video and the document box that measures 13 1/4" x 11 1/2" x 2 1/2".
As an aside, that "if it fits it ships" slogan for Priority flat rate is catchy, but not always your cheapest Priority option! I just sent a heavy (6 lb) box from Chicago to Atlanta (Zone 4) and the regular Priority rate was cheaper than the medium flat box rate!
Posted at 11:04am Jan 6, 2010 EST
Packages with postage printed using Click-N-Ship or another PC Postage provider may weigh more than one pound, but must fit in the collection box
Posted at 11:06am Jan 6, 2010 EST
Okay, just for the record, 10x7x3 fit with no problem.
Posted at 10:20am Feb 2, 2010 EST
Thank you for sharing the dimensions that DID fit. Sadly I think this 18 x 12 x 2 box will not :)
Posted at 10:01pm Jan 14, 2011 EST
Older thread, I know, but I've been able to get all kinds of packages into those drop boxes, it all depends on the angle you choose. Usually, I open the (pull down/out) door only partway, stick a little bit of the box in, and then kind of wiggle it so it doesn't get caught on the far edge of the flap. If your wrists/arms are small enough, you can guide it through so it drops straight down into the box without having to deal with the flap. I've managed the priority mail medium flat rate alternative shape boxes (long and flat), Regional A boxes, boxes that are wider/longer that the door opening (though not taller, there's still a size limit on that, about 4.5 inches) and even a poster tube this way. Angles and wiggling, folks! :-)
Posted at 6:14pm Jul 10, 2014 EDT
I'm six years late, but I conducted extensive tests with my local mailbox, and I have the answer. It's a LITTLE complicated, as you might have suspected.
The package WIDTH is simple: it's just under 16 inches. The maximum DEPTH and HEIGHT, however, depend on each other. Yes, that's right, they depend on each other.
The absolute maximum height is 5" - nothing taller will fit. For a 5" package, however, the maximum DEPTH you can have is 10". This is the biggest package you can get in there. But for shorter (less-tall) packages, you can have greater DEPTH, up to 15" for 1/2" height packages. In between, use the formula for a circle to calculate maximum depth. For example, for a 4"-high package, you can have 13". Other heights, you can fit to this curve. Or just interpolate - that will ALWAYS fit.
Now do you see why no one could/would give you a straight answer?
Posted at 3:58pm Mar 22, 2017 EDT