step 3. how to write a postal address: double check the address information and send the mail
Carefully review everything you’ve written on the envelope. once you verify the delivery and return addresses, you can take the mail to the post office and send it to one of the box locations.
Note: If you handle large volumes of direct mail, consider automating some or all of it. No more manually typing in mailing addresses, taking mail to the US Postal Service, and handling delivery. inkit’s mail automation services can process, print, deliver and track custom mailers for you.
how do post office boxes work and what sizes of mail are they suitable for?
Whether you’re sending mail to a PO Box or want to organize one for yourself, you need to know how PO Boxes work. Although there is nothing complicated about managing a PO Box, some rules and limitations still apply. so let’s talk about the basics.
how do post office boxes work?
A post office box is a storage location in the lobby area of the post office where incoming mail for a specific recipient is stored. the owner can lock the box with a key or combination lock and access deliveries 24/7. although you can rent a post office box at any post office, in most cases mail recipients opt for the closest locations.
Please note that PO Boxes are not suitable for large volumes of mail and are not supported by private carriers including UPS, FedEx and Amazon.
Also, when deciding whether to use a PO Box, you should consider the size of the packages. If the mail does not fit in your box, you will need to pick it up from a window clerk. Below are the top 5 PO Box sizes to choose from:
- x-small (3″ x 5 1/2″ x 14 3/4″). mailbox can hold up to 2 rolled magazines or 10-15 small
- letter
- size (5″ x 5 1/2″ x 14 3/4″) envelopes. The small box holds up to 5 rolled magazines or 10-15 letter
- medium size envelopes (11″ x 5 1/2” x 14 3/4″). This mailbox would be wide enough for large envelopes and magazines if stacked flat.
- large (11″ x 11″ x 14 3/4″). you can put two shoe boxes here and 10-15 letters.
- x-large (22 1/2″ x 12″ x 14 3/4″). the larger box is suitable for parcels and flat rate boxes.
To learn more about mailing size, read our complete guide to postcard dimensions to help you understand what mailing sizes might fit your personal or business needs.
PO Box Business Use Cases: Advantages of Mailing to a PO Box over Using a Postal Address
start-ups
If you’re a new business and don’t want to share your home address, sending mail to a PO Box can help you look more professional. We’ve all heard of Apple, Amazon, Google, and other world-renowned companies that started in a garage. so in case you are a beginner without a business address, use the official message box rental. You will be able to communicate with potential partners and clients through direct mail while maintaining your business reputation.
financial organizations
When banks, insurers, debt collectors and other institutions need to send critical communications, they often choose to send them to a PO box instead of regular mailing addresses. Since PO boxes are located in post offices, they are more secure than street mailboxes. therefore, if you need to send a confidential document or notice, always prefer to send it to a post office box.
online business
Just like startups, e-commerce and other digital businesses don’t always have business addresses. however, they still regularly receive print communications and need to share reliable contact details. that’s when mailing to a PO box can help. request your personal mailbox at the nearest post office for well-protected storage for your business communications.
business owners who travel frequently
Mailing to a PO Box gives you the freedom to grab your mail and packages when you need them. If you want to keep your letters safe and private while you’re away, rent a PO Box to store your mail.
Regardless of the many uses of sending a postal mailer, the standard mailing process remains more common, especially once you upgrade it with direct mail automation software for personalized and highly targeted mail. Do you have any questions about automating different types of mail? let’s talk