Whether you are moving from one place to another or looking to receive your mails securely and timely, you can ensure the safety of your emails and deliveries by purchasing a USPS PO Box. This mailbox is lockable and can be reserved at your nearest Post Office for a fee. It is the best way to receive mail if you cannot get them mailed directly to your home address. Know more How Much Does A Po Box Cost?
You cannot currently buy a PO Box, but they can be rented for periods ranging from three to twelve months. The prices of rental depend on the size of the mailbox, the duration of the rental agreement, and the location of the PO Box and can range from $13 to over $600. USPS also charges customers for keys deposited, replaced, or damaged, and late payment and lock replacement charges. You are also eligible for a refund on PO Box rentals if you are not using them for the total duration of the rental agreement by contacting your local Post Office or going online to the USPS website.
Cost Of USPS PO Box
Currently, post offices offer two different fee structures: Competitive and Market Dominant (boxes in a larger city and higher populated areas cost more). USPS PO Boxes come in 5 different sizes on which the rental charges are determined. The sizes are :
- Extra Small – these boxes have dimensions of 3″ X 5.5″ and can hold a minimum of 10 letters or 3 magazines rolled up. If you don’t expect to receive that much mail, the extra small option should comfortably hold at least 10 letters or a couple of rolled magazines. The rental prices range from $13-$44 for 3 months and $21-$75 for six months in a competitive location to $13-$34 for 3 months and $21-$57 for six months in a market-dominant location.
- Small – its dimensions are 5″ x 5.5″, and it can hold up to 5 rolled-up magazines or 15 letters. The rental prices range from $17-$87 for 3 months and $21-$75 for six months in a competitive location to $13-$34 for 3 months and $28-$84 for six months in a market-dominant location.
- Medium – this is the ideal PO box if you are expecting to receive mainly magazines in your mail. The dimensions are 5.5″ X 11″ and it can hold if stacked, plus two Flat Rate Boxes for small priority. The rental prices range from $26-$144 for 3 months and $42-$250 for six months in a competitive location to $26-$87 for 3 months and $42-$145 for six months in a market-dominant location.
- Large – these are the second largest size available with dimensions of 11″ X 11″ and can hold 10 -15 letters and Flat rate boxes ( both small and medium priority ). The rental prices range from $37-$230 for 3 months and $62-$400 for six months in a competitive location to $37-$159 for 3 months and $62-$265 for six months in a market-dominant location.
- Extra Large – with dimensions of 12″ X 22.5″, it is the largest size of PO Box available for rental, ideal for parcels or a large amount of mail. The rental prices range from $64-$360 for 3 months and $109-$625 for six months in a competitive location, to $109-$625 for 3 months and $109-$416 for six months in a market-dominant location.
Benefits Of PO Box Rentals
There are many ways why you can choose to rent a PO box from USPS to receive your packages:
- It allows the renter to keep their physical address from becoming public while keeping a way to get their mail delivered, and helps keep their business mail separated from personal mail.
- A locked mailbox provides a secure location for your packages to be delivered and stored in case the recipient is absent at the time of delivery.
- Renters can also get extended hours or even 24/7 access to their PO Box depending on the location of the Post Office in use.
- Packages are delivered faster to PO Boxes as the distance of delivery is comparatively lesser.
How To Get A PO Box Rental
- Prospective renters can apply online, where they can find their location, and choose the dimensions of the box and terms of the rental agreement. Then they have to fill out PS Form 1093 which would lead them to the payment window. After payment is completed, they can print out the form and activate their PO Box by visiting their local post office with two valid US IDs.
- This process can also be done in person, in your local post office where you can rent a PO Box by filling out the PS Form 1093 and provide two valid US IDs for activation.
Conclusion
Renting a USPS PO Box is one of the most secure and convenient to receive packages. The fees vary according to the size of the box and the duration of rental and can be refunded within a certain period. Rentals for six months can be refunded for up to 50% upon cancellation within the first three months, whereas rentals for a year are eligible for up to 75% refund upon cancellation within the first nine months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get a PO Box for free?
To qualify for a PO Box for free, the applicant’s residence must be located in a zero mail delivery zone.
- Is having a physical address compulsory for PO Box rental application?
Yes, because the physical address is added as a secondary address in the application form.
