Upgrading Your Mail System: Understanding the Differences Between 4C and 4B+ Mailboxes for Apartments

Mail center in an apartment complex.
Understanding 4C and 4B+ Mailboxes.

Ensuring mail security and compliance for any apartment is a must. The USPS STD-4C regulation requires all new constructions and major renovations to use specific mailboxes. These standards guarantee that mail is not only secure but also properly managed. 

Upgrades to these mailboxes help protect your tenants’ privacy and improve overall security. At Mailbox Project, we’re experts in restoring, repairing, and replacing apartment and multi-tenant mailbox systems. 

What are USPS STD-4C Mailboxes?

USPS STD-4C mailboxes are the latest standard for centralized mail delivery. They are designed to improve security, strength, and accessibility in multi-unit dwellings like apartment complexes. These wall-mounted mailboxes are constructed to provide unmatched protection, focusing on preventing tampering and unauthorized access.

Installing these USPS-approved units is mandatory for any new construction or significant renovations—defined as substantial modifications to the existing mail delivery setup. This ensures all residents enjoy consistent, reliable, secure mail services.

At Mailbox Project, we specialize in partnering with apartment complex managers and developers to find the best mail delivery solution for their needs. This means offering these USPS-approved 4C horizontal mailboxes tailored to meet your property’s specific needs. Whether developing a new building or upgrading an existing one, our solutions align perfectly with postal regulations.

Features and Benefits of 4C Mailboxes

Managing mail delivery in apartment complexes can be challenging. Due to inconsistent mailbox setups, delivery carriers from USPS, FedEx, UPS, and more often encounter confusion. Additionally, mail theft has alarmingly risen by 400% since 2019. Better security measures are a must.

USPS STD-4C mailboxes are designed to address these issues. These mailboxes are strong and secure and built with heavy-duty aluminum and stainless steel hardware. They are available in single-column or double-column configurations, providing flexibility for different space requirements. Color options include bronze, sandstone, aluminum, and black, allowing property managers to match the mailboxes with the building’s exterior (or interior, as relevant).

Key security features like heavy-duty cam locks and anti-fish plates greatly reduce the risk of mail theft. Tenants can conveniently and securely receive larger packages with one parcel locker required for every five mailbox doors. 

What’s Wrong with the 4B Mailboxes of Yesteryear?

At this point, the 4B mailboxes are designed primarily for direct replacements where no structural modifications to the mailbox setting are needed. These units can only be used under specific conditions, specifically, when the rough opening in which the existing mailboxes are installed is not changed.

While 4B mailbox systems have served effectively over the years, they fall short compared to the modern 4C standards, especially regarding security and usage. The older 4B models lack security features such as improved lock mechanisms and anti-fishing plates, which protect against mail theft and tampering.

Also, 4B mailboxes do not include parcel lockers, leading to inconsistent delivery practices. Delivery personnel often leave packages in unsecured mailrooms, at the front office, or right in front of tenant doors, creating risks and inconsistencies. In contrast, 4C mailboxes address these issues with secure parcel locker compartments. This provides a safe and consistent method for tenants to receive their larger packages. 

Expert Guidance and Support For 4C Mailbox Installation, Compliance and Security

The team at Mailbox Project consists of experts in the restoration, repair, and replacement of multi-tenant mailboxes. We cannot only provide the structural rebuild for your new 4C mailboxes but also strategize with you on the best overall mail delivery system for your complex.

To get started, contact us today by calling or texting (770) 535-0036. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of important information about mail delivery for your community.