Have you outgrown your PO Box? If so, you’re in the right place. There are multiple reasons why a PO Box is not convenient.
Even though there are many Post Offices nationwide, there are still many areas that don’t have one, and you’re required to drive a long distance to get to it.
With a PO Box, you’re also tied to the Post Office’s operating hours, getting mail on weekends or holidays is difficult, and you can only accept mail from USPS — excluding carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL. That means juggling two mailing addresses for two separate deliveries.
A UPS Mailbox provides solutions to these problems among other services. We’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know about UPS Mailboxes, like cost, advantages, disadvantages, and more.
What is a UPS Mailbox?
The UPS Store is one of the most popular shipping companies in the world, and with their mailbox services, you can rent a mailbox for personal or business use.
This private mailbox is similar to a PO Box, but allows you to receive mail and package deliveries from all carriers.
This is because The UPS Store Mailbox Services come with a real street address rather than just a PO Box number. The mailbox is located inside a physical UPS Store location of your choice.
Mailbox sizes are similar to a PO Box, and you can get a larger box if you receive a higher volume of mail, or a smaller box for lower volumes.
This solution is perfect for businesses looking for a professional address and the convenience of picking up mail from a local store.
What are the advantages of getting a UPS Mailbox?
- Privacy and Security:
A private mailbox offers extra privacy and security as you no longer need to use your home address as your mailing address, especially for business mail or online shopping. You no longer need to share your home address with customers, partners, or vendors. - Flexible Access & Notifications:
The UPS Store is popular for its commitment and extended hours, including 24/7 operating access at participating locations.
With their Call-In MailCheck, you can call to check if you have new mail to save yourself a trip.
You can also receive text or email notifications when mail or packages arrive. Most stores operate during evenings, weekends, and holidays, so you are no longer tied to the limited hours of a USPS facility. - Acceptance From All Carriers:
You can get mail and packages at your physical address from all carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.).
You can finally stop bouncing between two mailing addresses. - Package Holding & Signing:
It’s a terrible feeling to return home from a trip only to find your package was returned to sender. With a UPS Mailbox, staff are available to sign for your packages and hold them until you return. - Moving Convenience:
When you move or change your home address, you don’t have to worry about changing your primary business address with vendors if you are already using your designated UPS Store address.
What are the disadvantages?
- Not Always Accepted for Business Registration:
While you can use your UPS Mailbox as a general mailing address, some state agencies, government organizations, and banks identify it as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) address and may not accept it for official LLC or business registration. - Requires In-Person Pickups:
A UPS mailbox is a physical location, meaning you still have to walk into your local store to pick up physical mail. This can be inconvenient if you are traveling or busy. - No Remote Digital Features:
Unlike modern Virtual Mailbox Services, you cannot view digital scans of your mail online or submit web requests to open, scan, forward, shred, or recycle your mail from a mobile dashboard.
UPS Mailbox Cost & Sizes
The cost of a UPS Mailbox depends on the size, location, and rental period. Stores typically offer three rental options: a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month annual plan, with longer terms offering better rates.
- Small UPS Box:
Ideal for individuals who do not expect high mail volumes. Small mailboxes generally range from $10 to $20 per month. - Medium UPS Box:
Suitable for families or small businesses expecting regular mail and small parcels. Medium mailboxes range from $20 to $40 per month. - Large UPS Box:
Suitable for medium-to-large businesses expecting a high volume of mail and packages. Large mailboxes range from $30 to $50+ per month.
Additional Costs
Other potential fees include a $10 to $15 key deposit/fee, overflow fees for excessive mail volume, late payment fees, package storage fees for unclaimed items, and replacement fees for lost keys. Location demand also directly affects pricing.
How to Get a UPS Mailbox
- Find a Store: Search for the nearest location using The UPS Store Location Finder. Contact them to confirm mailbox size availability and exact pricing, as rates vary by store.
- Bring Identification: Visit the store with two forms of valid ID (at least one must be a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport).
- Complete Form 1583 & Agreement: Fill out the required USPS Form 1583 (which authorizes the store to accept mail on your behalf), sign the mailbox service agreement, and pay your deposit and key fee.
Conclusion
A UPS Mailbox can be a practical upgrade from a traditional USPS PO Box if you need a street address, want to receive packages from multiple carriers, or prefer extended pickup hours. However, you still need to visit the physical store to retrieve your mail, and the address may not work for every regulatory purpose.
If you prefer to manage your mail remotely without physical trips, consider evaluating a Virtual Mailbox Provider like PostScan Mail, which allows you to view digital scans, forward packages, and shred documents completely online.
Read more about 2021 Top Virtual Mailbox Providers
