A manufacturer of custom mailboxes has recently launched self-locking custom mailboxes into the market. They function exactly like their normal counterparts, in being compliant to USPS. No key is required and nor is the door slot meant for mail delivery.

This meets the yardstick set down by the US Postmaster General for non-locking custom mailboxes. USPS does not have any separate category of rules for self-locking custom mailboxes.

Thus, when customers raise questions regarding the approval by the US Postmaster General, the actual answer is No; but manufacturers argue that the mailboxes do not fall in the non-locking category also.

Working Of The Custom Mailboxes:

First, the key is inserted into the lock in the door closed position and then the key is turned to the right and then withdrawn. The door can be opened once, after which it is locked. Unique patented self-locking door permits mail deliveries without a key. Non-existence of mail slots gives the door access for the delivery of large and bulky packages.

When the home owner on return inserts his key and turns left, the door opens. This entire process is repeated again during next day's mail delivery.

The door opens without key for the mail delivery man who takes out the mail from the box and leaves the incoming mail, then leaves closing the door. Leaving mail unattended to in the mail box for a few days is of no consequence, as the full door is accessible for delivery of mail and thus, no space shortage.

These mailboxes do not meet the height specification set by USPS, thus, the custom mailboxes cannot be allowed for use when the door is in the locked position.

The backup mail slots in the custom self locking mailboxes helps the homeowner in receiving mail on time and also comes in handy when the homeowner is away and mail piles up, without causing any problem.

Instead of visiting the post office to request them to hold mail, the letters can simply be slipped through the slot.