19914 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 71 / Tuesday, April 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules 

(13) Proceed west in a straight line to 

the marked 3,416-foot elevation point in 

Section 24, T5N/R1E; then 

(14) Proceed west in a straight line to 

the marked 3,119-foot elevation point in 

Section 23, T5N/R1E; then 

(15) Proceed south in a straight line to 

the marked 3,366-foot elevation point in 

Section 23, T5N/R1E; then 

(16) Proceed southwest in a straight 

line, crossing onto the Eagle map, to the 

marked 3,372-foot elevation point in 

Section 26, T5N/R1E; then 

(17) Proceed northwest in a straight 

line, crossing back onto the Pearl map, 

to the marked 3,228-foot elevation point 

in Section 22, T5N/R1E; then 

(18) Proceed southwest in a straight 

line to the marked 3,205-foot elevation 

point in Section 22, T5N/R1E; then 

(19) Proceed south in a straight line, 

crossing onto the Eagle map, to the 

marked 3,163-foot elevation point in 

Section 27, T5N/R1E; then 

(20) Proceed southwest in a straight 

line to the marked 2,958-foot elevation 

point in Section 28, T5N/R1E; then 

(21) Proceed southwest in a straight 

line to the northeast corner of section 

32, T5N/R1E; then 

(22) Proceed south along the eastern 

boundary of Section 32 to the point 

where the boundary joins Pearl Road, 

then continue south along Pearl Road to 

the intersection of the road with Beacon 

Road; then 

(23) Proceed west along Beacon Road, 

crossing onto the Star map, to the 

intersection of Beacon Road with an 

unnamed light-duty road known locally 

as North Wing Road at the southern 

boundary of section 32, T5N/R1W; then 

(24) Proceed south along North Wing 

Road to the intersection of the road with 

New Hope Road in Section 5, T4N/R1W; 

then 

(25) Proceed west along New Hope 

Road, crossing onto the Middleton map, 

to the intersection of the road with the 

Ada-Canyon County line; then 

(26) Proceed north along the AdaCanyon County line, crossing onto the 

Southwest Emmett map, to the 

beginning point. 

Signed: April 7, 2015. 

John J. Manfreda, 

Administrator. 

[FR Doc. 2015–08496 Filed 4–13–15; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4810–31–P 

POSTAL SERVICE 

39 CFR Part 111 

Standards Governing the Design of 

Curbside Mailboxes 

AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed revision of 

standards; invitation to comment. 

SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes 

to replace USPS STD 7B, which governs 

the design of curbside mailboxes, with 

new USPS STD 7C. The proposed new 

STD 7C was developed internally to 

meet the operational requirements of the 

Postal Service. 

DATES: The Postal Service must receive 

written comments on or before June 15, 

2015. 

ADDRESSES: Comments regarding this 

proposal are invited. Written comments 

should be mailed to U.S. Postal Service, 

Delivery Operations ATTN: Ashlea 

Meyer, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, Room 7142, 

Washington, DC 20260–7142. Copies of 

all written comments will be available 

for public inspection and copying 

between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, at the address 

above. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Ashlea Meyer, (202) 268–7256. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Overview 

U.S. Postal Service Standard, 

Mailboxes, City and Rural Curbside, 

USPS STD 7B, governs the design of 

curbside mailboxes. Pursuant to the 

Mailing Standards of the United States 

Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual 

(DMM®) 508.3.2.1, USPS STD 7B 

applies to mailboxes manufactured to be 

erected at the edge of a roadway or 

curbside of a street and to be served by 

a carrier from a vehicle on any city 

route, rural route, or highway contract 

route. Copies of current STD 7B, or 

other information about the 

manufacture of curbside boxes may be 

obtained from USPS Engineering, 8403 

Lee Highway, Merrifield, VA 22082– 

8101 (see DMM 608.8.0). The current 

standard, effective February 8, 2001, (66 

FR 9509–9522) prescribes designs that 

in several respects are no longer ideal 

for the operational requirements of the 

Postal Service. 

As discussed in more detail below, 

the Postal Service is proposing that the 

design and performance requirements 

for new versions of both locking and 

non-locking curbside mailboxes be 

included in the proposed USPS STD 7C. 

These new design options would be able 

to accommodate the insertion and 

removal of a new minimum-sized mail 

item 7 inches high by 13 inches wide by 

16 inches deep. We believe that 

instituting these mailbox design options 

would allow for improvement in the 

Postal Service’s capacity for this mode 

of delivery as vendors choose to 

produce these curbside mailboxes, and 

should the mailboxes come into 

widespread use. 

The addition of these new design 

options does not impact the continued 

approval status of any current USPS 

STD 7B mailbox. 

Specific New Design Options Proposed 

in New USPS STD 7C 

Options incorporated in the proposed 

new standard USPS STD 7C include the 

following: 

1. Introduces for a new version of 

locked and non-locked mailbox designs 

the requirement to accommodate the 

insertion and removal of a test gauge 

measuring 7 inches high by 13 inches 

wide by 16 inches deep. This test gauge 

is the most significant proposed change 

for the new mailbox designs. The 

proposed minimum size requirement 

will allow for a much higher delivery 

rate in the current mail stream. 

2. Adds new Figures 1B and 3 for the 

new enhanced capacity non-locked and 

locked mailbox design options. These 

figures provide overall design 

parameters for the two new mailbox 

design options and the figures are not 

mandatory design templates. 

3. Introduces, for the new locked 

mailbox designs only, the requirement 

to pass a 3-minute physical security test 

of the customer access door (using a 

specified set of pry tools) and a 3- 

minute manual test to ensure that no 

mail item can be removed through the 

front carrier access door. The Postal 

Service sees value in establishing a 

USPS-performed test requirement for 

this new locked curbside mailbox 

design option. Any product validated to 

meet this requirement would provide a 

specified level of security that would be 

adequate to thwart quick-strike attacks. 

4. Reaffirms the prohibition of any 

style of locks, locking devices, or inserts 

that require the carrier to use a key or 

restrict or reduce the interior opening of 

the mailbox, once the front door has 

been fully opened for any approved 

non-locked curbside mailbox. ‘‘No mail 

service’’ will continue to be the Postal 

Service’s policy for any approved nonlocked curbside mailbox that has been 

internally modified with any of these 

unapproved add-on products. To assure 

the effectiveness of the new minimum 

parcel capacity requirement under 

USPS STD 7C, internal obstructions that 

prevent this requirement from being met 

will result in a suspension of service 

when the situation is identified. 

5. Introduces minimal door catch and 

signal flag force tests to ensure those 

components meet prescribed limits. 

6. Updates the provisions in Sections 

6, Application Requirements and 7, 

Approval or Disapproval. The 


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Application Requirements include a 

new requirement establishing a 180-day 

time limit for the submission of a 

mailbox for security testing, if 

applicable, and final review after the 

manufacturer has received approval of a 

design upon preliminary review. Failure 

to meet this deadline will cause the 

preliminary review approval to be 

rescinded. 

7. Removes the incorporation by 

reference of certain documents of the 

American Society of Quality and 

replaces the current quality-related 

provisions in 3.1 through 3.1.4 of USPS 

STD 7B with updated quality 

requirements in new Section 5, Quality 

Management System Provisions. 

8. Introduces requirements for use of 

both USPS and third-party intellectual 

property. Manufacturers agree not to use 

USPS marks without USPS approval 

and a license from the USPS. 

Manufacturers also have sole 

responsibility for acquiring all necessary 

licenses for third-party intellectual 

property used. All liability rests with 

the manufacturer for use of third-party 

intellectual property regarding any 

USPS approved mailboxes. 

Re-Approval of Manufacturers’ 

Curbside Mailboxes 

The changes proposed by the new 

USPS STD 7C would not have any 

impact on any currently approved USPS 

STD 7B product. Any mailbox 

manufacturer wishing to seek approval 

for either or both of the new locked and 

non-locked design options introduced 

by USPS STD 7C would follow the 

process detailed in Section 6, 

Application Requirements of USPS STD 

7C. 

Accordingly, for the reasons stated, 

the Postal Service proposes to replace 

USPS STD 7B with USPS STD 7C as set 

forth in the Appendix to this document. 

Stanley F. Mires, 

Attorney, Federal Requirements. 

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 

Administrative practice and 

procedure, Postal Service. 

The Postal Service adopts the 

following changes to Mailing Standards 

of the United States Postal Service, 

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), 

incorporated by reference in the Code of 

Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1. 

Accordingly, for the reasons stated in 

the preamble, 39 CFR part 111 is 

proposed to be amended as follows: 

PART 111—[AMENDED] 

■ 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR 

part 111 continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301– 

307; 18 U.S.C. 1692–1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 

401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001–3011, 3201– 

3219, 3403–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 

3633, and 5001. 

■ 2. Remove U.S. Postal Service 

Standard 7B and add U.S. Postal Service 

Standard 7C in its place to read as 

follows: 

Appendix 

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STANDARD 7C, 

MAILBOXES, CURBSIDE (USPS STD 7C) 

1. Scope and Classification 

1.1 Scope—This standard covers all 

curbside mailboxes. Curbside mailboxes 

are defined as any design made to be 

served by a carrier from a vehicle on any 

city, rural, or highway contract route. 

This standard is not applicable to 

mailboxes intended for door delivery 

service (see 8.1). 

1.2 Classifications—Based on their 

design, curbside mailboxes are 

classified as either: 

• Non-Locked Mailboxes: 

T—Traditional—Full or Limited 

Service (see 3.1.1, 3.1.1.1, and Figure 

1A). 

C—Contemporary—Full or Limited 

Service (see 3.1.1 and 3.1.1.2). 

LC—Large Capacity—Full or Limited 

Service (see 3.1.1, 3.1.1.3, and Figure 

1B). 

• Locked Mailboxes: 

LMS—Locked, Mail Slot Design—Full 

or Limited Service (see 3.1.2, 3.1.2.1, 

and Figures 2A and 2B). 

LLC—Locked, Large Capacity/USPS 

Security Tested—Full or Limited 

Service (see 3.1.2, 3.1.2.2, and Figure 3). 

1.3 Approved Models 

1.3.1 Approved Models—A list of 

manufacturers whose mailboxes have 

been approved by the United States 

Postal Service (USPS) will be published 

annually in the Postal Bulletin. A copy 

of the most current list of approved 

models is also available from the office 

listed in 1.3.2. 

1.3.2 Interested Manufacturers— 

Manufacturing standards and current 

information about the manufacture of 

curbside mailboxes may be obtained by 

writing to: 

USPS ENGINEERING SYSTEMS, 

DELIVERY AND RETAIL 

TECHNOLOGY, 8403 LEE HIGHWAY, 

MERRIFIELD, VA 22082–8101 

2. Applicable Documents 

2.1 Specifications and Standards— 

Except where specifically noted, the 

specifications set forth herein apply to 

all curbside mailbox designs. 

2.2 Government Document—The 

following document of the latest issue is 

incorporated by reference as part of this 

standard: 

United States Postal Service 

Postal Operations Manual (POM) 

Copies of the applicable sections of 

the POM can be obtained from USPS 

Delivery and Retail, 475 L’Enfant Plaza 

SW., Washington, DC 20260–6200. 

2.3 Non-Government Documents— 

The following documents of the latest 

issue are incorporated by reference as 

part of this standard: 

American Standards for Testing 

Materials (ASTM) 

• ASTM G85 Standard Practice for 

Modified Salt Spray (Fog) Testing 

• ASTM D968 Standard Test Methods 

for Abrasion Resistance of Organic 

Coatings by Falling Abrasive 

Copies of the ASTM documents can 

be obtained from the American Society 

for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr 

Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 

19428–2959. 

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 

• UL 771 Night Depositories (Rain 

Test Only) 

Copies of the UL document can be 

obtained from Underwriters 

Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, 

Northbrook, IL 60062–2096. 

3. Requirements 

3.1 General Design—Mailboxes must 

meet regulations and requirements as 

stipulated by USPS collection and 

delivery, operation, and policy (see 2.2). 

This includes carrier door operation (see 

3.3), flag operation (see 3.6), incoming 

mail openings and the retrieval of 

outgoing mail (see below in 3.1). The 

manufacturer determines the opening 

style, design, and size; however, the 

carrier must be able to deposit the 

customer’s mail. Outgoing mail for full 

service designs must be able to be 

pulled straight out of the mailbox 

without interference from protrusions, 

hardware, etc. Mailboxes must be 

capable of passing the applicable testing 

requirements (see Section 4). Mailboxes 

must not be made of any transparent, 

toxic, or flammable material (see 3.2). 

The mailbox must protect mail from 

potential water damage which may 

result from wet weather conditions (see 

4.4). Any advertising on a mailbox or its 

support is prohibited. Additional 

specific requirements follow. 

3.1.1 Non-Locked Designs (Limited 

and Full Service)—Mailbox designs that 

conform to any of the three design types 

specified in 3.1.1 will be classified as 

non-locked with the appropriate subdesignation. Designs incorporating a 

carrier signal flag (see 3.6) will be 

classified as full-service mailboxes. 

Designs with no flag will be classified 

as limited service (see 3.11). As 

specified in 3.4, a rear door is permitted 


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1The term ‘preferred’ as used throughout this 

document in conjunction with any requirement 

implies that compliance is desired but not 

mandatory. 

to enable the customer to remove mail 

without standing in the street. The use 

of any ancillary items (i.e., locks, 

locking devices, or inserts) that either 

require the carrier to use a key to gain 

access to a non-locked mailbox or that 

restrict or reduce the interior opening of 

the mailbox, once the front door has 

been fully opened, is prohibited. There 

is no local Postmaster approval 

exception for this prohibition. 

3.1.1.1 Traditional Designs (Limited 

and Full Service)—Mailbox designs that 

conform to Figure 1A and meet the 

limited capacity requirements specified 

in 4.2.1 will be classified as Traditional 

(T). 

3.1.1.2 Contemporary Designs 

(Limited and Full Service)—Mailbox 

designs that do not conform to the 

dome-rectangular shape of Traditional 

designs but meet the limited capacity 

requirements specified in 4.2.1, while 

not exceeding the maximum dimensions 

of Figure 1A, will be classified as 

Contemporary (C). 

3.1.1.3 Large Capacity Designs 

(Limited and Full Service)—Mailbox 

designs that conform to Figure 1B and 

meet the expanded capacity 

requirements specified in 4.2.2 will be 

classified as Large Capacity (LC). 

3.1.2 Locked Designs—Mailbox 

designs that conform to either of the two 

design types specified in 3.1.2 will be 

classified as Locked with the 

appropriate sub-designation. 

3.1.2.1 Locked, Mail Slot Designs 

(Limited and Full Service)—Mailbox 

designs that conform to either Figure 2A 

or 2B and meet the limited-capacity 

requirements specified in 4.2.1 will be 

classified as Locked, Mail Slot Design 

(LMS). This locking design option 

provides non–USPS-tested security for 

the customer’s incoming mail. Although 

the shape and design are less restrictive, 

these Locked mailbox designs must 

meet the same applicable functional 

requirements. Designs having a slot for 

incoming mail must be at least 1.75 

inches high by 10 inches wide. If a slot 

has a protective flap, it must operate 

inward to ensure mail can be inserted in 

a horizontal manner without requiring 

any additional effort by the carriers (see 

Figure 2B). The slot must be positioned 

on the front side of the mailbox facing 

the street. In addition, the slot must be 

clearly visible and directly accessible by 

mail carriers. Any designs that allow for 

outgoing mail must meet all applicable 

requirements of this standard. 

3.1.2.1.1 Full Service—Locked 

mailbox designs of this class allow for 

both incoming and outgoing mail as 

depicted in Figure 2A. Both incoming 

and outgoing mail functionality must be 

located behind a single carrier service 

door as shown in Figure 2A. While it is 

preferred 1 that the outgoing mail 

function be handled via use of the 

backside of the front door, any alternate 

use of a separate outgoing mail 

compartment, such as beneath or sideby-side with the incoming mail 

compartment, is permitted provided 

that no additional carrier service is 

introduced. All designs must allow the 

carrier direct access to grasp and 

retrieve the outgoing mail. 

3.1.2.1.2 Limited Service—Locked 

mailbox designs of this class allow only 

for incoming mail as shown in Figure 

2B. 

3.1.2.2 Locked, Large Capacity/

USPS-Security-Tested Designs (Limited 

and Full Service)—Mailbox designs that 

conform to Figure 3 and meet both the 

expanded capacity requirements 

specified in 4.2.2 and security testing 

specified in 4.12 will be classified as 

Locked, Large Capacity/USPS-SecurityTested (LLC). 

3.1.2.2.1 Full Service—Locked 

mailbox designs of this class allow for 

both incoming and outgoing mail as 

depicted in Figure 3. Both incoming and 

outgoing mail functionality must be 

located behind a single carrier service 

door as shown in Figure 3. While it is 

preferred 1 that the outgoing mail 

function be handled via use of the 

backside of the front door, any alternate 

use of a separate outgoing mail 

compartment, such as beneath or sideby-side with the incoming mail 

compartment, is permitted provided 

that no additional carrier service is 

introduced. All designs must allow the 

carrier direct access to grasp and 

retrieve the outgoing mail. 

3.1.2.2.2 Limited Service—Locked 

mailbox designs of this class allow only 

for incoming mail. Refer to the two 

Locked mailbox feature exceptions 

linked to Note 10 of Figure 3. 

3.1.3 Mailbox Accessories— 

Decorative art and devices can be 

attached to the exterior of approved 

mailbox designs, provided they do not 

interfere with mail delivery or present a 

safety hazard. Devices can also be 

mounted in the interior of approved 

mailboxes, provided they do not cause 

the intended mailbox to fail either 

capacity test described in 4.2, and do 

not interfere with mail delivery or 

present a safety hazard. Any advertising 

on a mailbox or its support is 

prohibited. Unrestricted spring-loaded 

devices and designs are prohibited. 

Auxiliary flags or devices used to signal 

the customer that the mail has arrived 

must operate automatically without 

requiring additional carrier effort. 

3.2 Materials—Ferrous or 

nonferrous metal, wood (restrictions 

apply), plastic, or other materials may 

be used, as long as their thickness, form, 

mechanical properties, and chemical 

properties adequately meet the 

operational, structural, and performance 

requirements set forth in this standard. 

Materials used must not be toxic, 

flammable or transparent. 

3.2.1 Mailbox Floor—The entire 

bottom area of all mailboxes, where mail 

would rest, must be fabricated to 

prevent mail from damage due to 

condensation or moisture. Except for the 

internal mail compartment of locked 

style mailboxes, all designs must not 

present a lip or protrusion that would 

prevent the mail from being inserted or 

pulled straight out of the mailbox. The 

surface of the floor cannot be made of 

wood material. The floor must be ribbed 

as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 

3, or dimpled, embossed, or otherwise 

fabricated provided the resulting surface 

area (touching mail) does not exceed the 

boundary of a square with sides of 0.25 

inch (per dimple or impression) and is 

a minimum of 0.12 inch high on centers 

not exceeding 1 inch. A mat insert 

having a raised surface contour may be 

used for the internal mail compartment 

of locked style mailboxes only (see 

Figures 2A, 2B, and 3). 

3.2.2 Carrier Signal Flag—The 

carrier signal flag cannot be made of 

wood. Plastic is the preferred material. 

3.2.3 Door Handle—The door 

handle cannot be made of wood. Plastic 

is the preferred material. 

3.3 Carrier Service Door—There 

must be only one carrier service door 

that must provide access for mail 

delivery and collection at the unit and 

meet USPS delivery operational 

requirements (see 2.2). The door must 

meet the applicable testing requirements 

specified in 4.3. The carrier service door 

must operate freely and solely by 

pulling outward and downward with a 

convenient handle or knob. The design 

of the door, including hinges and 

handles must provide protection against 

wind, rain, sleet, or snow (see 4.4). Door 

latches must hold the door closed but 

allow easy opening and closing 

requiring no more than 5 pounds of 

force. The action of the latch must be a 

positive mechanical one not relying 

solely on friction of the hinge parts. The 

door must not be spring-loaded. 

Magnetic latches are acceptable 

provided adequate closure power is 

maintained during ambient conditions 

specified in 4.7 and applicable testing 

described in Section 4. It is preferred 


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that by either tactile sensation or sound 

(i.e., a snap or click) carriers are alerted 

that the door is properly shut. The door, 

once opened, must remain in the open 

position until the carrier pushes it 

closed. The door must rotate a 

minimum of 100 degrees when opened 

and it is preferred that the maximum 

rotation be limited to 120 degrees or 

less. When in a fully opened and rest 

position, the opening angle of the door 

cannot measure more than 180 degrees. 

No protrusions other than the handle or 

knob, door catch, alternate flag design, 

decorative features or markings are 

permitted on the carrier service door. 

Protrusions of any kind that reduce the 

usable volume within the mailbox when 

closed are not acceptable. See 3.1.2 for 

carrier service door requirements for 

Locked mailbox designs. 

3.3.1 Handle or Knob—The handle 

or knob must have adequate 

accessibility to permit quickly grasping 

and pulling it with one hand (with or 

without gloves) to open the door. The 

handle or knob must be located within 

the top 1⁄3 of the door. Various 

acceptable handle and knob designs 

with required dimensions are depicted 

in Figure 5. Other designs may be 

acceptable provided they allow enough 

finger clearance and surface area for 

carriers to grasp. 

3.4 Rear Doors—Both locking and 

non-locking mailbox designs may have 

rear doors. 

3.4.1 Non-Locking Mailbox 

Designs—These mailbox designs may 

have a rear door, provided that it does 

not interfere with the normal delivery 

and collection operation provided by 

the carrier, require the carrier to perform 

any unusual operations, or prevent the 

applicable capacity test gauge from fully 

inserting. The rear door must not be 

susceptible to being forced open as a 

result of large mail items such as 

newspapers and parcels being inserted 

through the carrier service door. The 

rear door must meet the applicable 

testing requirements specified in 4. 

3.4.2 Locking Mailbox Designs— 

These designs must have a customer 

access door that may be located as 

shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3 on the 

rear wall of the mailbox. However, for 

locking mailbox designs, the customer 

access door may be located on a side 

wall. For locking designs submitted for 

approval under 3.1.2.2, this door must 

be subject to the security test 

requirement in 4.12. 

3.5 Locks—Locked mailbox designs, 

which are submitted for approval under 

3.1.2.2, must meet the security test 

requirements of 4.12 to ensure that 

incoming mail is accessible only by the 

customer to the performance level 

required. The use of locks on all nonlocked mailbox designs is prohibited. 

Manufacturers must include the 

following statement in their instructions 

to customers: 

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT 

IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF 

MAIL CARRIERS TO OPEN 

MAILBOXES THAT ARE LOCKED, 

ACCEPT KEYS FOR THIS PURPOSE, 

OR LOCK MAILBOXES AFTER 

DELIVERY OF THE MAIL. 

3.6 Carrier Signal Flag—Non-locked 

and locked mailbox designs classified as 

Full Service must have a carrier signal 

flag. While it is preferred that the flag 

design be one of the approved concepts 

depicted in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 3, and 

4, alternates will be considered for 

approval if all other dimensional and 

test requirements are otherwise met. As 

shown in each figure, the flag must be 

mounted on the right side when facing 

the mailbox from the front. The flag 

must not require a lift of more than 2 

pounds of force to retract. Additionally, 

when actuated (signaling outgoing 

mail), the flag must remain in position 

until retracted by the carrier. The color 

of the flag must be in accordance with 

the requirements described in 3.9. The 

operating mechanism of the flag must 

not require lubrication and must 

continue to operate properly and 

positively (without binding or excessive 

free play) after being subjected to the 

test described in Section 4. Optionally, 

the flag may incorporate a self-lowering 

feature that causes it to automatically 

retract when the carrier service door is 

opened provided no additional effort is 

required of the carrier. The self-lowering 

feature cannot present protrusions or 

attachments and must not interfere with 

delivery operations in any manner or 

present hazardous features as specified 

in 3.1. 

3.7 Marking—The mailbox must 

bear two inscriptions on the carrier 

service door: ‘‘U.S. MAIL’’ in a 

minimum of 0.50 inch-high letters and 

‘‘Approved By The Postmaster General’’ 

in a minimum of 0.18 inch-high letters. 

These inscriptions may be positioned 

beneath the incoming mail slot for 

Limited Service Locked (Mail Slot 

Design) mailboxes as shown in Figure 

2B. Markings must be permanent and 

may be accomplished by applying a 

decal, embossing on sheet metal, raised 

lettering on plastic, engraving on wood 

or other methods that are suitable for 

that particular unit. The manufacturer’s 

name, address, date of manufacture 

(month and year), and model number or 

nomenclature must be legible and 

permanently marked or affixed on a 

panel (rear, backside of door, bottom or 

side interior near the carrier service 

door) of the mailbox that is readily 

accessible and not obscured. 

3.7.1 Modified Mailbox Marking— 

Mailboxes that use previously approved 

units in their design must include 

marking stating the new manufacturer’s 

name address, date of manufacture, and 

model nomenclature in a permanent 

fashion and location as described in 3.7. 

Additionally, the ‘‘U.S. MAIL’’ and 

‘‘Approved By The Postmaster General’’ 

marking must be reapplied if it is 

obscured or obliterated by the new 

design. 

3.8 Coatings and Finishes—The 

choice of coatings and finishes is 

optional, provided all requirements of 

this standard are met. All coatings and 

finishes must be free from flaking, 

peeling, cracking, crazing, blushing, and 

powdery surfaces. Coatings and finishes 

must be compatible with the mailbox 

materials. Except for small decorative 

accents, mirror-like coatings or finishes 

are prohibited. The coating or finish 

must meet the applicable testing 

requirements described in 4.6. 

3.9 Color—The color of the mailbox 

and flag must be in accordance with the 

requirements stated in 3.9. The mailbox 

may be any color. The carrier signal flag 

can be any color except any shade of 

green, brown, white, yellow or blue. The 

preferred flag color is fluorescent 

orange. Also, the flag color must present 

a clear contrast with predominant color 

of the mailbox. 

3.10 Mounting—The mailbox must 

be provided with means for convenient 

and locked mounting that meets all 

applicable requirements. The 

manufacturer may offer various types of 

mounting accessories, such as a bracket, 

post or stand. Although the Postal 

Service does not regulate the design of 

mounting accessories, no part of the 

mounting accessory is permitted to 

project beyond the front of the mounted 

mailbox. Mounting accessories must not 

interfere with delivery operations as 

described in 3.1.3 or present hazardous 

features as described in 3.13. See 

Section 8 for additional important 

information. 

3.11 Instructions and Product 

Information 

3.11.1 Assembly and Installation—A 

complete set of instructions for 

assembling and mounting the mailbox 

must be furnished with each unit. The 

instructions must include the following 

conspicuous message: 

CUSTOMERS ARE REQUIRED TO 

CONTACT THE LOCAL POST OFFICE 

BEFORE INSTALLING THE MAILBOX 

TO ENSURE ITS CORRECT 

PLACEMENT AND HEIGHT AT THE 

STREET. GENERALLY, MAILBOXES 

ARE INSTALLED AT A HEIGHT OF 


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41–45 INCHES FROM THE ROAD 

SURFACE TO EITHER THE INSIDE 

SURFACE OF THE MAILBOX THAT 

THE MAIL IS PLACED ON BY THE 

CARRIER OR TO THE LOWEST EDGE 

OF MAIL ENTRY (FOR LOCKED MAIL 

SLOT DESIGNS) AND ARE SET BACK 

6–8 INCHES FROM THE FRONT FACE 

OF CURB OR ROAD EDGE TO THE 

MAILBOX DOOR. 

3.11.2 Limited Service Mailboxes— 

The following conspicuous note must be 

included with each mailbox: 

THIS IS A LIMITED SERVICE 

MAILBOX (WITHOUT FLAG) AND IT 

IS INTENDED ONLY FOR CUSTOMERS 

WHO DO NOT WANT POSTAL 

CARRIERS TO PICK UP THEIR 

OUTGOING MAIL. UNLESS POSTAL 

CARRIERS HAVE MAIL TO DELIVER, 

THEY WILL NOT STOP AT LIMITED 

SERVICE MAILBOXES. 

3.12 Newspaper Receptacles—A 

receptacle for the delivery of 

newspapers may be attached to the post 

of a curbside mailbox provided no part 

of the receptacle interferes with the 

delivery of mail, obstructs the view of 

the flag, or presents a hazard to the 

carrier or the carrier’s vehicle. The 

receptacle must not extend beyond the 

front of the box when the door is closed. 

No advertising may be displayed on the 

outside of the receptacle, except the 

name of the publication. If the mailbox 

design does not require a post, a 

separate mounting arrangement must be 

made. 

3.13 Workmanship—The mailbox 

must be properly assembled and utilize 

the best commercial practice 

workmanship standards in the 

fabrication of all components and 

assemblies. All movable parts must fit 

and operate properly with no 

unintended catch or binding points. The 

unit must be free from harmful 

projections or other hazardous devices. 

The unit must not have any sharp edges, 

sharp corners, burrs or other features 

(on any surfaces) that may be hazardous 

to carriers or customers, or that may 

interfere with delivery operations as 

described in 3.1. 

3.14 Intellectual Property—Under 

no circumstances does the Postal 

Service intend that manufacturers use 

third-party intellectual property without 

an appropriate license agreement 

between the manufacturer and the third 

party at issue. The manufacturer is 

solely responsible for obtaining any 

necessary licenses and is solely 

responsible for any liability incurred in 

connection with any intellectual 

property infringement allegations 

concerning devices that the USPS 

reviews and approves. The 

manufacturer agrees not to use any 

USPS marks, including but not limited 

to APPROVED BY THE POSTMASTER 

GENERAL or USPS-APPROVED, 

without prior USPS approval and a 

license from the USPS. 

4. Testing Requirements 

4.1 Testing Requirements— 

Mailboxes will be subjected to all 

applicable testing described herein 

(specific requirements follow). A 

mailbox that fails to pass any test will 

be rejected. Testing will be conducted in 

sequence as listed herein and in Table 

III. 

4.2 Capacity—Non-locked and 

locked designs must meet the applicable 

minimum capacity requirements as 

tested by insertion and removal of a test 

gauge or appropriate mail test items as 

specified in 4.2.1 and 4.2.2. 

4.2.1 Capacity (Limited Capacity 

Test Gauge)—Traditional and 

Contemporary designs, submitted for 

approval under 3.1.1.1 and 3.1.1.2, must 

meet minimum capacity requirements 

tested by insertion and removal of a 

standard test gauge which measures 

18.50 inches long x 5.00 inches wide x 

6.00 inches high. The test gauge is 

inserted with its 6-inch dimension 

aligned in the vertical axis 

(perpendicular to the mailbox floor). 

The gauge must be capable of easy 

insertion and removal; and while 

inserted, allow for all doors to be 

completely closed without interference. 

The capacity of Locked designs, 

submitted for approval under 3.1.2.1, 

which have slots, chutes or similar 

features, will be tested and approved 

based upon whether standard USPS 

mail sizes (see Table I) can be easily 

inserted through the mail slot or 

opening. Retrieval of this mail from the 

locked compartment must be equally as 

easy. 

TABLE I—STANDARD MAIL

[Locked designs] 

Description Size (L x H x Thk) 

(inches) 

Express & Priority 

Mail Envelopes ...... 121⁄2 x 91⁄2 x 1⁄2

Priority Mail Box ....... 85⁄8 x 53⁄8 x 15⁄8

4.2.2 Capacity (Expanded Capacity 

Test Gauge)—Non-Locked and Locked 

designs, submitted for approval to either 

3.1.1.3 or 3.1.2.2, must meet minimum 

capacity requirements tested by 

insertion and removal of a standard test 

gauge which measures 16.00 inches long 

x 13.00 inches wide x 7.00 inches high. 

The test gauge is inserted with its 7-inch 

dimension aligned in the vertical axis 

(perpendicular to the mailbox floor). 

The gauge must be capable of easy 

insertion and removal; and while 

inserted, allow for all doors to be 

completely closed without interference. 

The capacity of Locked designs must 

also meet this capacity test requirement; 

however, any dimension may be aligned 

in the vertical axis. Retrieval of the test 

gauge from the locked compartment 

must be equally as easy. 

4.3 Operational Requirements— 

Carrier service doors, auxiliary doors, 

door catches or mechanisms, carrier 

signal flags, and applicable accessory 

devices must be capable of operating 

7,500 normal operating cycles (1 cycle 

= open/close) at room temperature, 

continuously and correctly, without any 

failures such as breakage of parts. 

Testing may be performed either 

manually or by means of an automated 

mechanically driven test fixture which 

essentially mimics a manual operation. 

This test applies to all mailbox designs. 

4.4 Water-Tightness—A rain test in 

accordance with UL 771, section 47.7, 

must be performed to determine a 

mailbox’s ability to protect mail from 

water. The rain test must be operated for 

a period of 15 minutes for each side. At 

the conclusion of the test, the outside of 

the unit is wiped dry and all doors are 

opened. The inside of the compartment 

must contain no water other than that 

produced by high moisture 

condensation. This test applies to all 

mailbox designs. 

4.5 Salt Spray Resistance—A salt 

spray test must be conducted in 

accordance with method A5 of ASTM 

G85, Standard Practice for Modified Salt 

Spray (Fog) Testing. The salt test must 

be operated for 25 continuous cycles 

with each cycle consisting of 1-hour fog 

and 1-hour dry-off. The mailbox must be 

tested in a finished condition, including 

all protective coating, paint, and 

mounting hardware and must be 

thoroughly washed when submitted to 

remove all oil, grease, and other 

nonpermanent coatings. No part of the 

mailbox may show finish corrosion, 

blistering or peeling, or other 

destructive reaction upon conclusion of 

test. Corrosion is defined as any form of 

property change such as rust, oxidation, 

color changes, perforation, accelerated 

erosion, or disintegration. The build-up 

of salt deposits upon the surface will 

not be cause for rejection. However, any 

corrosion, paint blistering, or paint 

peeling is cause for rejection. This test 

is primarily applicable to ferrous metal 

mailbox designs. The test is also valid 

for mailbox designs made of plastic, 

wood, or other materials that use any 

metal hardware. 

4.6 Abrasion Resistance—The 

mailbox’s coating or finish must be 


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tested for resistance to abrasion in 

accordance with method A of ASTM 

D968. The rate of sand flow must be 2 

liters of sand in 22 ±3 seconds. The 

mailbox will have failed the sand 

abrasion test if it requires less than 15 

liters of sand to penetrate its coating, or 

if it requires less than 75 liters of sand 

to penetrate its plating. This test applies 

to metal mailbox designs only. 

4.7 Temperature Stress Test—The 

mailbox under test must be placed in a 

cold chamber at ¥65 °F for 24 hours. 

The chamber must first be stabilized at 

the test temperature. After remaining in 

the ¥65° environment for the 24-hour 

period, the unit must be quickly 

removed from the cold chamber into 

room ambient temperature and tested 

for normal operation. The removal from 

the chamber and the testing for normal 

operation must be accomplished in less 

than 3 minutes. The room ambient 

temperature must be between 65° and 

75° Fahrenheit. Normal operation is 

defined as operation required and 

defined by this document. The unit 

under test must undergo a similar 

temperature test, as described above, at 

a temperature of 140° Fahrenheit. This 

test applies to all mailbox designs. 

4.8 Structural Rigidity 

Requirements—Forces of specified 

magnitude (see Table II) must be slowly 

applied at specific points on the 

mailbox under test (see Figure 6). These 

forces must be held for a minimum of 

1 minute and then released. After their 

release, the deformation caused by the 

forces must be measured. If the 

deformation exceeds the limit specified 

in Table II, the mailbox under test has 

failed to meet the structural rigidity 

requirement. The doors must remain 

closed for test positions 1 through 6. 

The forces at positions 1 and 2 must be 

applied with the mailbox in its normal 

upright position, supported by a 

horizontal board. The forces at positions 

3, 4, and 5 must be applied with the 

mailbox lying on its side (flag side 

down). The mailbox must be supported, 

on the flag side, by a flat board that is 

relieved in the immediate area of the 

flag mechanism. The force at position 6 

(Non-Locked mailbox flags only) must 

be applied with the mailbox lying on its 

side (flag side up). This load may be 

applied as shown in Figure 5 or from 

the other direction. If visible cracks in 

the material, develop as a result of the 

testing, the mailbox under test has failed 

to meet the structural rigidity 

requirement. At the conclusion of the 

Structural Rigidity testing, if the 

mailbox under test fails to operate 

normally, as defined by this document, 

the mailbox under test has failed to 

meet the structural rigidity requirement. 

This test applies to all mailbox designs. 

TABLE II—PERMANENT DEFORMATION

LIMITS

Position Deformation 

(inches) 

Load 

(pounds) 

1 ........... 1⁄8 200 

2 ........... 1⁄8 200 

3 ........... 1⁄8 50 

4 ........... 1⁄8 50 

5 ........... 1⁄8 100 

6 ........... 1⁄2 2 

4.9 Impact Test—Refer to Figure 6 

for load positions. Precondition the 

mailbox for 4 hours at ¥20° Fahrenheit. 

The following testing must be 

performed within 3 minutes of 

removing the mailbox from the 

temperature chamber. At both load 

positions 3 and 4, with the mailbox 

lying on its side (flag side down) with 

all doors closed, apply an impact load 

force generated by a 10-pound weight 

dropped from a height of 3 feet above 

the mailbox surface onto a bolster plate 

having a surface not larger than 2 inches 

by 6 inches. The mailbox must be 

supported, on the underside, by a flat 

board that is relieved in the immediate 

area of the flag mechanism. If any 

noticeable perforation, occurrence of 

sharp edges, or cracking of the material 

(either inside or outside the mailbox) 

develops as a result of the impact, or if 

the door becomes inoperable or fails to 

close normally, the mailbox under test 

has failed to meet the impact resistance 

requirement. This test applies to all 

mailbox designs. 

4.10 Door Catch or Mechanism 

Test—Door catches and mechanisms 

must be tested to demonstrate that a 

force not greater than 5 pounds or less 

than 1 pound is required to open and 

close them (see 3.3). A force 

measurement device must be attached to 

the front door’s knob or handle. The 

load must be applied slowly in a 

direction perpendicular to the plane of 

the door. The device must allow for the 

measured force limits to be recorded 

accurately. 

4.11 Carrier Signal Flag Test—The 

mailbox flag must be tested to 

demonstrate that a force not exceeding 

2 pounds is required to deploy, extend, 

raise, or retract it. The load must be 

applied at the flag edge furthest from the 

hinged end or at the leading edge, if the 

flag retracts and extends. A force 

measurement device must be attached to 

the flag so as to apply the load and 

allow for it to be recorded accurately. 

4.12 Security Test (Locked, Large 

Capacity Designs)—Locked design 

mailboxes, submitted for 3.1.2.2 

approval, must be tested as described 

below for resistance to tampering and 

unauthorized entry through the use of 

tools such as screwdrivers, flat plates, 

knives, pry bars, vise grips, pliers, 

chisels, and punches for a period not to 

exceed 3 minutes for each feature tested. 

Pry tools used for testing must not 

exceed 18 inches in length. 

4.12.1 Customer Access Door—Gaps 

and seams around the perimeter of the 

customer access door must be tested 

using pry tools listed in 4.12 for a 

period not to exceed 3 minutes to 

ensure that access to the compartment 

cannot be gained within that period of 

time. 

4.12.2 Carrier Access Door—A 

manual test must be conducted for a 

period of 3 minutes to ensure that no 

customer mail items can be accessed 

and removed through an opened carrier 

access door within that period of time. 

5. Quality Management System 

Provisions 

5.1 Quality System—The approved 

source must ensure and be able to 

substantiate that manufactured units 

conform to requirements and match the 

approved design. 

5.2 Inspection—The USPS reserves 

the right to inspect units for 

conformance at any stage of 

manufacture. Inspection by the USPS 

does not relieve the approved source of 

the responsibility to provide conforming 

product. The USPS, may, at its 

discretion, revoke the approval status of 

any product that does not meet the 

requirements of this standard. 

5.3 System—The approved source 

must use a documented quality 

management system acceptable to the 

USPS. The USPS has the right to 

evaluate the acceptability and 

effectiveness of the approved source’s 

quality management system prior to 

approval, and during tenure as an 

approved source. At a minimum, the 

quality management system must 

include controls and record keeping in 

the areas described in 5.3.1 through 

5.3.8. 

5.3.1 Document Control— 

Documents used in the manufacture of 

product must be controlled. The control 

process for documents must ensure the 

following: 

• Documents are identified, reviewed, 

and approved prior to use. 

• Revision status is identified. 

• Documents of external origin are 

identified and controlled. 

5.3.2 Supplier Oversight—The 

approved source must use a 

documented process that ensures the 

following: 


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• Material requirements and 

specifications are clearly described in 

procurement documents. 

• Inspection or other verification 

methods are established and 

implemented for validation of 

purchased materials. 

5.3.3 Inspection and Testing—The 

approved source must monitor and 

verify that product characteristics match 

approved design. This activity must be 

carried out at appropriate stages of 

manufacture to ensure that only 

acceptable products are delivered. 

5.3.4 Control of Nonconforming 

Product—The control method and 

disposition process must be defined and 

ensure that any product or material that 

does not conform to the approved 

design is identified and controlled to 

prevent its unintended use or delivery. 

5.3.5 Control of Inspection, 

Measuring, and Test Equipment—The 

approved source must ensure that all 

equipment used to verify product 

conformance is controlled, identified, 

and calibrated at prescribed intervals 

traceable to nationally recognized 

standards in accordance with 

documented procedures. 

5.3.6 Corrective Action—The 

approved source must maintain a 

documented complaint process. This 

process must ensure that all complaints 

are reviewed and that appropriate action 

is taken to determine cause and prevent 

reoccurrence. Action must be taken in a 

timely manner and be based on the 

severity of the nonconformance. In 

addition to outlining the approved 

source’s approach to quality, the 

documentation must specify the 

methodology used to accomplish the 

interlinked processes and describe how 

they are controlled. The approved 

source must submit its quality 

documentation to the Postal Service for 

review along with the preliminary 

design review. 

Note: It is recognized that each approved 

source functions individually. Consequently, 

the quality system of each approved source 

may differ in the specific methods of 

accomplishment. It is not the intent of this 

standard to attempt to standardize these 

systems, but to present the basic functional 

concepts that when conscientiously 

implemented will provide assurance that the 

approved source’s product meets the 

requirements and fully matches the approved 

design. 

5.3.7 Documentation Retention—All 

of the approved source’s documentation 

pertaining to the approved product must 

be kept for a minimum of 3 years after 

shipment of product. 

5.3.8 Documentation Submittal— 

The approved source must submit a 

copy of its quality system 

documentation relevant to the 

manufacture of curbside mailboxes for 

review as requested during the approval 

process and tenure as an approved 

source. 

6. Application Requirements 

6.1 Application Requirements—All 

correspondence and inquiries must be 

directed to the address in 1.3.2. The 

application process consists of the steps 

described in 6.1.1 through 6.1.3.4. 

6.1.1 Preliminary Review— 

Manufacturers must first satisfy 

requirements of a preliminary review 

prior to submitting samples of any 

sample mailboxes or accessories. The 

preliminary review consists of a review 

of the manufacturer’s conceptual design 

drawings for each mailbox for which the 

manufacturer is seeking approval. 

Computer-generated drawings are 

preferred, but hand-drawn sketches are 

acceptable provided they adequately 

depict the overall shape and interior 

size of the proposed mailbox design. 

Drawings must also include details 

about the design of applicable features 

such as the carrier service door 

(including the mail drop design and 

mechanism, for locking mailboxes), 

latch, handle, flag, floor, and mail 

induction opening size. If drawings 

show that the proposed mailbox design 

appears likely to comply with the 

requirements of this standard, 

manufacturers will be notified in 

writing and may then continue with the 

application requirements described in 

6.1.2. Do NOT submit any sample units 

to the USPS prior to complying with the 

requirements of 6.1.2. Notification that 

a manufacturer’s drawings satisfy the 

requirements of the preliminary review 

does NOT constitute USPS approval of 

a design and must NOT be relied upon 

as an assurance that a design will 

ultimately be approved. 

6.1.2 Independent Lab Testing— 

Upon receiving written notification 

from the USPS that a submitted design 

satisfies requirements of the preliminary 

review, manufacturers must, at their 

own expense, submit one representative 

sample of their mailbox or accessory for 

which the vendor seeks USPS approval 

to an independent laboratory for testing 

along with a copy of the preliminary 

review letter from the USPS. 

Manufacturers with more than one 

unique model must have each one 

tested independently. Models that are 

generally of the same size, shape, and 

material of previously approved designs 

but only have different decorative 

features (i.e., color scheme and surface 

contours) are not considered unique and 

do not require any testing. 

Manufacturers seeking approval of 

models that are not unique must submit 

documentation for each model in 

accordance with 6.1.3.2. This 

documentation must be reviewed and 

the proposed model must either be 

approved or disapproved (see Section 

7). All tests must be performed by an 

approved independent test lab, except 

for the security tests, which must be 

performed by the Postal Service. See 

Appendix A for information on how to 

receive the list of USPS-approved 

independent test labs. 

6.1.3 Final Review—Within 180 

days of receipt of USPS preliminary 

review approval, manufacturers must 

submit one sample mailbox or accessory 

to the USPS for security testing, final 

review, and approval. The sample must 

be accompanied with a certificate of 

compliance and a copy of the laboratory 

test results (see 6.1.3.3). Mailboxes 

submitted to the USPS (see 1.3.2) for 

final evaluation must be identical in 

every way to the mailboxes to be 

marketed, and must be marked as 

specified in 3.7. Manufacturers may be 

subject to a verification of their quality 

system prior to approval. This may 

consist of a review of the manufacturer’s 

quality manual (see 6.1.3.4) and an 

onsite quality system evaluation (see 

5.2). If this final review submission does 

not occur within the prescribed 

timeframe, the preliminary review 

approval will be rescinded. 

6.1.3.1 Installation Instructions— 

Manufacturers must furnish a written 

copy of their installation instructions for 

review. These instructions must contain 

all information as detailed in 3.11. 

6.1.3.2 Documentation—Units 

submitted for approval must be 

accompanied by two complete sets of 

manufacturing drawings consisting of 

black on white prints (blueprints or 

sepia are unacceptable). The drawings 

must be dated and signed by the 

manufacturer’s representatives. The 

drawings must completely document 

and represent the design of the unit 

tested. If other versions of the approved 

mailbox are to be offered, the drawings 

must include the unique or differing 

design items of these versions. The 

drawings must include sufficient details 

to allow the USPS to inspect all 

materials, construction methods, 

processes, coatings, treatments, finishes 

(including paint types), control 

specifications, parts, and assemblies 

used in the construction of the unit. 

Additionally, the drawings must fully 

describe any purchased materials, 

components, and hardware including 

their respective finishes. The USPS may 

request individual piece parts to verify 

drawings. 


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6.1.3.3 Certification of Compliance 

and Test Results—Manufacturers must 

furnish a written certificate of 

compliance indicating that their design 

fully complies with the requirements of 

this standard. In addition, the 

manufacturer must submit the lab’s 

original report which clearly shows 

results of each test conducted (see Table 

III). The manufacturer bears all 

responsibility for its units meeting these 

requirements and the USPS reserves the 

right to retest any and all units 

submitted, including those which are 

available to the general public. Any 

changes to the design after approval and 

certification must be submitted to the 

USPS for evaluation. 

TABLE III—TEST REQUIREMENTS

Test Requirement Reference Applicable document 

Capacity .............................................. Insertion of test gauge ...................................................... 4 .2 

Operational Requirements .................. 7,500 cycles ...................................................................... 4 .3 

Water-Tightness .................................. No appreciable moisture ................................................... 4 .4 UL 771, Section 47.7. 

Salt Spray Resistance ......................... 25 cycles ........................................................................... 4 .5 ASTM G85. 

Abrasion Resistance ........................... 75 liters ............................................................................. 4 .6 ASTM D968. 

Temperature Stress Test .................... Must function between –65 °F and 140 °F ....................... 4 .7 

Structural Rigidity Requirements ........ Refer to Table II for loads and points, maximum 1/8 inch 

permanent deformation.

4 .8 

Impact Test ......................................... 10 lbs. dropped from 3 feet .............................................. 4 .9 

Door Catch/Mechanism Test .............. Max 5 lbs./Min 1 lb. to open/close door ........................... 4 .10 

Carrier Signal Flag Test ...................... Max 2 lbs. required to use flag ......................................... 4 .11 

6.1.3.4 Quality Policy Manual—The 

manufacturer must submit its quality 

policy manual to the address listed in 

1.3.2. 

7. Approval or Disapproval 

7.1 Disapproval—Written 

notification, including reasons for 

disapproval, will be sent to the 

manufacturer within 30 days of 

completion of the final review of all 

submitted units. All correspondence 

and inquiries must be directed to the 

address listed in 1.3.2. 

7.1.1 Disapproved Mailboxes— 

Mailboxes disapproved will be disposed 

of in 30 calendar days from the date of 

the written notification of disapproval 

or returned to the manufacturer, if 

requested, provided the manufacturer 

pays shipping costs. 

7.2 Approval—One set of 

manufacturing drawings with written 

notification of approval will be returned 

to the manufacturer. The drawings will 

be stamped and identified as 

representing each unit. 

7.2.1 Approved Mailboxes— 

Mailboxes that are approved will be 

retained by the USPS. 

7.2.2. Rescission—The 

manufacturer’s production units must 

be constructed in accordance with the 

USPS-certified drawings and the 

provisions of this specification and be of 

the same materials, construction, 

coating, workmanship, finish, etc., as 

the approved units. The USPS reserves 

the right at any time to examine and 

retest units obtained either in the 

general marketplace or from the 

manufacturer. If the USPS determines 

that a mailbox model is not in 

compliance with this standard or is out 

of conformance with approved 

drawings, the USPS may, at its 

discretion, rescind approval of the 

mailbox as described in 7.2.2.1 through 

7.2.2.5. 

7.2.2.1 Written Notification—The 

USPS will provide written notification 

to the manufacturer that a mailbox is 

not in compliance with this standard or 

is out of conformance with approved 

drawings. This notification will include 

the specific reasons that the unit is 

noncompliant or out of conformance 

and will be sent via Registered MailTM. 

7.2.2.1.1 Health and Safety—If the 

USPS determines that the 

noncompliance or nonconformity 

constitutes a danger to the health or 

safety of customers or letter carriers, the 

USPS may, at its discretion, 

immediately rescind approval of the 

unit. In addition, the USPS may, at its 

discretion, order that production of the 

mailbox cease immediately, that any 

existing inventory not be sold for receipt 

of U.S. Mail, and that USPS Approved 

corrective design changes be applied to 

sold and unsold units. 

7.2.2.2 Manufacturer’s Response—In 

all cases of noncompliance or 

nonconformity other than those 

determined to constitute a danger to the 

health or safety of customers or letter 

carriers, the manufacturer must confer 

with the USPS and must submit one 

sample of a corrected mailbox to the 

USPS for approval no later than 45 

calendar days after receipt of the 

notification described in 7.2.2.1. Failure 

to confer or submit a corrected mailbox 

within the prescribed period will 

constitute grounds for immediate 

rescission. 

7.2.2.3 Second Written 

Notification—The USPS will respond to 

the manufacturer in writing, via 

Registered Mail, no later than 30 

calendar days after receipt of the 

corrected mailbox with a determination 

of whether the manufacturer’s 

submission is accepted or rejected and 

with specific reasons for the 

determination. 

7.2.2.4 Manufacturer’s Second 

Response—If the USPS rejects the 

corrected mailbox, the manufacturer 

may submit a second sample of the 

corrected mailbox to the USPS for 

approval no later than 45 calendar days 

after receipt of the notification 

described in 7.2.2.3. Failure to confer or 

submit a corrected mailbox within the 

prescribed period will constitute 

grounds for immediate rescission. 

7.2.2.5 Final USPS Rescission 

Notification—The USPS will provide a 

final response to the manufacturer in 

writing no later than 30 calendar days 

after receipt of the second sample 

corrected mailbox with a determination 

of whether the manufacturer’s 

submission is accepted or rejected and 

with specific reasons for the 

determination. If the second submission 

is rejected, the USPS may, at its 

discretion, rescind approval of the 

mailbox. In addition, the USPS may, at 

its discretion, order that production of 

the mailbox cease immediately, and that 

any existing inventory not be sold or 

used for receipt of U.S. Mail. If the 

USPS rescinds approval, the 

manufacturer is not prohibited from 

applying for a new approval pursuant to 

the provisions of 6. 

7.2.3 Revisions, Product or 

Drawings—Changes that affect the form, 

fit, or function (e.g., dimensions, 

material, and finish) of approved 

products or drawings must not be made 

without written USPS approval. Any 

proposed changes must be submitted 

with the affected documentation 

reflecting the changes (including a 


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notation in the revision area), and a 

written explanation of the changes. One 

unit, incorporating the changes, may be 

required to be resubmitted for testing 

and evaluation for approval. 

7.2.3.1 Corporate or Organizational 

Changes—If any substantive part of the 

approved manufacturer’s structure 

changes from what existed when the 

manufacturer became approved, the 

manufacturer must promptly notify the 

USPS and will be subject to a 

reevaluation of its approved products 

and quality system. Examples of 

substantive structural changes include 

the following: Change in ownership, 

executive or quality management; major 

change in quality policy or procedures; 

relocation of manufacturing facilities; 

and major equipment or manufacturing 

process change (e.g., outsourcing vs. inplant fabrication). Notification of such 

changes must be sent to the address 

given in 1.3. 

7.2.4 Product Brochure—Within 60 

days upon sale to the public, 

manufacturers must submit one copy of 

their product brochures representing 

approved mailbox designs to the 

address listed in 1.3.2 and to: 

USPS, Delivery Program Support, 475 

L’Enfant Plaza SW., Rm. 7142, 

Washington, DC 20260–7142 

8. Notes 

8.1 Mailboxes intended to be used in 

delivery to customers’ doors are not 

currently ‘‘approved’’ by the United 

States Postal Service as referenced in 

this standard. However, it is 

recommended that these boxes conform 

to the intentions of this specification, 

particularly the safety of the carrier and 

customer and the protection of the mail. 

The local postmaster must be contacted 

prior to the installation and use of any 

door mailbox. 

8.2 The United States Postal Service 

does not approve mailbox posts or 

regulate mounting of mailboxes other 

than the requirements specified in 3.10 

and 3.11. Please note that mailbox posts 

are often subject to local restrictions, 

state laws, and federal highway 

regulations. Further information may be 

obtained from: 

American Association of State Highway 

and Transportation Officials, 444 N. 

Capitol St. NW., Suite 249, 

Washington, DC 20001–1512,http://

www.transportation.org. 

Federal Highway Administration, Office 

of Safety, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 

SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001, 

safety.fhwa.dat.gov. 

BILLING CODE 7710–12–P 


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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 71 / Tuesday, April 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules 19927 


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19928 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 71 / Tuesday, April 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules 


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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 71 / Tuesday, April 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules 19929 


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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 71 / Tuesday, April 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules 19931 

Appendix A 

USPS–Approved Independent Test 

Laboratories 

To obtain the latest list of USPS-approved 

test labs, contact: USPS ENGINEERING 

SYSTEMS, DELIVERY AND RETAIL 

TECHNOLOGY, 8403 LEE HIGHWAY, 

MERRIFIELD, VA 22082–8101. 

Additional test laboratories may be added 

provided they satisfy USPS certification 

criteria. Interested laboratories should 

contact: USPS ENGINEERING, TEST 

EVALUATION AND QUALITY, 8403 LEE 

HIGHWAY, MERRIFIELD, VA 22082–8101. 

[FR Doc. 2015–08342 Filed 4–13–15; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 7710–12–C 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

AGENCY 

40 CFR Part 52 

[EPA–R09–OAR–2014–0841; FRL–9926–17– 

Region 9] 

Revisions to the California State 

Implementation Plan, South Coast Air 

Quality Management District 

AGENCY: Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA). 

ACTION: Proposed rule. 

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a 

revision to the South Coast Air Quality 

Management District (SCAQMD or 

District) portion of the California State 

Implementation Plan (SIP). This 

revision concerns volatile organic 

compound (VOC) emissions from Large 

Confined Animal Facilities (LCAFs). We 

are proposing to approve a local rule to 

regulate these emission sources under 

the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act). We 

are taking comments on this proposal 

and plan to follow with a final action. 

DATES: Any comments must arrive by 

May 14, 2015. 

ADDRESSES: Submit comments, 

identified by docket number [EPA–R09– 

OAR–2014–0841, by one of the 

following methods: 

1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: 

www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line 

instructions. 

2. Email: steckel.andrew@epa.gov. 

3. Mail or deliver: Andrew Steckel 

(Air–4), U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, 

San Francisco, CA 94105–3901. 

Instructions: All comments will be 

included in the public docket without 

change and may be made available 

online at www.regulations.gov, 

including any personal information 

provided, unless the comment includes 

Confidential Business Information (CBI) 

or other information whose disclosure is 

restricted by statute. Information that 

you consider CBI or otherwise protected 

should be clearly identified as such and 

should not be submitted through 

www.regulations.gov or email. 

www.regulations.gov is an ‘‘anonymous 

access’’ system, and EPA will not know 

your identity or contact information 

unless you provide it in the body of 

your comment. If you send email 

directly to EPA, your email address will 

be automatically captured and included 

as part of the public comment. If EPA 

cannot read your comment due to 

technical difficulties and cannot contact 

you for clarification, EPA may not be 

able to consider your comment. 

Electronic files should avoid the use of 

special characters, any form of 

encryption, and be free of any defects or 

viruses. 

Docket: Generally, documents in the 

docket for this action are available 

electronically at www.regulations.gov 

and in hard copy at EPA Region IX, 75 

Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, 

California. While all documents in the 

docket are listed at 

www.regulations.gov, some information 

may be publicly available only at the 

hard copy location (e.g., copyrighted 

material, large maps), and some may not 

be publicly available in either location 

(e.g., CBI). To inspect the hard copy 

materials, please schedule an 

appointment during normal business 

hours with the contact listed in the FOR

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Nancy Levin, EPA Region IX, (415) 972– 

3848, levin.nancy@epa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Throughout this document, ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us’’ 

and ‘‘our’’ refer to EPA. 

Table of Contents 

I. The State’s Submittal 

A. What rule did the State submit? 

B. Are there other versions of this rule? 

C. What is the purpose of the submitted 

rule? 

II. EPA’s Evaluation and Action 

A. How is EPA evaluating the rule? 

B. Does the rule meet the evaluation 

criteria? 

C. EPA Recommendations to Further 

Improve the Rule(s) 

D. Public Comment and Proposed Action 

III. Incorporation by Reference 

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews 

I. The State’s Submittal 

A. What rule did the State submit? 

Table 1 lists the rule addressed by this 

proposal with the dates that it was 

adopted by the local air agency and 

submitted by the California Air 

Resources Board. 

TABLE 1—SUBMITTED RULE

Local agency Rule No. Rule title Adopted Submitted 

SCAQMD .......................................... 223 Emission Reduction Permits for Large Confined Animal Facilities.06/02/06 03/17/09 

On April 20, 2009, EPA determined 

that the submittal for SCAQMD Rule 

223 met the completeness criteria in 40 

CFR part 51 Appendix V, which must be 

met before formal EPA review. 

B. Are there other versions of this rule? 

There are no previous versions of 

Rule 223 in the SIP, and the District has 

not adopted earlier versions of this rule. 

C. What is the purpose of the submitted 

rule? 

VOCs help produce ground-level 

ozone and smog, which harm human 

health and the environment. Section 

110(a) of the CAA requires States to 

submit regulations that control VOC 

emissions. Rule 223 establishes 

permitting requirements for LCAFs and 

establishes a menu of management 

practice options that LCAF owner/

operators must select from and 

implement. The rule requirements apply 

to large operations above specified size 

thresholds, including dairies with at 

least 1,000 milking cows and poultry 

facilities with at least 650,000 birds. The 

rule requires these operations to apply 

for and obtain an SCAQMD permit that 

includes a mitigation plan with 

measures as listed in an appendix to the 

rule. 

EPA’s technical support document 

(TSD) has more information about this 

rule. 


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