Curious about mailboxes and the rules regarding them?
We’ve got your back – or should we say… mailbox.
Let’s answer some of your best mailbox questions, FAQ style:
The best mailbox for preventing theft is a locking mailbox with durable construction and weather protection.
If you’re serious about protecting your mail, a locking mailbox is a must – but not all locking mailboxes are created equal. The best mailbox for preventing theft is one that’s built with durable materials, has a secure locking design, and can accommodate today’s mail habits (like online shopping). That’s exactly why we recommend The Malone Modern Mailbox by Post & Porch. It’s crafted with heavy-duty galvanized steel, a discreet magnetic latch, and a sleek locking compartment designed to keep letters and small parcels safe from theft and weather.
While many secure mailboxes focus on function but ignore aesthetics, The Malone Mailbox balances both. It’s a large mailbox with a clean, architectural silhouette that suits any type of home – and it doesn’t scream fortress. Its innovative locking design keeps mail hidden from sight, while the wide mail slot makes it easy for postal carriers to deliver without any hassle. Whether you’ve had issues with mail tampering in the past or you’re just being proactive, The Malone Mailbox is a secure, modern upgrade that looks good and performs even better.
Check out these other locking mailbox resources before you buy:
Yes, a locking mailbox helps protect your mail from theft, fraud, and damage.
Mail theft isn’t just about the inconvenience of stolen mail; it can lead to serious issues like identity theft or financial fraud. According to USPS and other security experts, locking mailboxes act as a strong deterrent against tampering and mail-fishing.Plus, with online shopping booming, a large locking mailbox can hold packages and small parcels securely until you're back home. If you’re gone for longer stretches, these mailboxes let mail accumulate without any risk, offering peace of mind and less frequent mail retrieval trips.
A jumbo or large-capacity mailbox is ideal for frequent packages and online orders.
If receiving packages is a regular part of your life, go big – or go home! The USPS now recommends package-friendly jumbo mailboxes that measure roughly 13.6″W × 7.75″H × 16.5″D to handle small to medium parcels. These models allow mail carriers to deliver letters and packages all at once, ensuring reliability and protection against both theft and the elements.
Mailbox capacity matters: a standard curbside mailbox can easily hold envelopes and magazines, but for predictable protection of emerging e-commerce items, choose a large locking mailbox or even a parcel drop box. These modern designs often include anti-fishing doors and padded lower compartments to safeguard your deliveries for as long as you need.
The difference lies in where and how they're installed: wall-mount is by your door, post-mount is curbside.
Post-mount mailboxes sit on a post near the curb — perfect for mail carriers delivering from a vehicle. These need to follow USPS guidelines for height (41–45") and distance from the curb (6–8"). Most post-mount models can be locking, large-capacity, and secure.
Wall-mount mailboxes attach directly to your house near the front door. They’re space-saving, stylish, and locking options exist, too.
If you want easy front-door access and don’t mind smaller capacity, wall-mount is great. If you prefer large deliveries and USPS curb service, stick with post-mount.
Modern locking mailboxes are highly secure thanks to built-in locks and anti-theft design.
Unlike old padlock setups, modern locking mailboxes have built-in locks, anti-pry designs, and concealed mail slots. Many meet USPS regulations and allow delivery without a key.
Post & Porch’s Malone mailbox, for instance, has a magnetic locking compartment and weather-sealed body to keep mail safe, dry, and out of sight.
Yes — large mailboxes reduce theft risk and missed deliveries.
Large mailboxes hold multiple days of mail, magazines, and small parcels without overflow. That means fewer door tags, fewer stolen boxes, and more convenience.
Modern large mailboxes like The Malone are built for e-commerce habits and can be locked for added security.
Most modern mailboxes are easy to install yourself, but pros help with concrete and leveling.
Wall-mounts typically need just a drill, anchors, and level. Post-mounts may need concrete or gravel, but they’re still DIY-friendly. The Malone was designed with simple installation in mind.
If you're digging a new hole or replacing a post, a pro can help speed it up. Either way, this guide makes it easy.
Modern mailboxes combine clean design, weather resistance, security, and smart delivery access.
Sleek silhouettes, bold finishes, hidden hardware, locking compartments, wide mail slots, and durable materials — modern designs do it all.
Post & Porch recommends The Malone — powder-coated, architecturally clean, and smartly built. Want even more mailbox intel? Read the full guide here →
Choose a mailbox that complements your home’s architecture, finish, and USPS requirements.
Start by matching style, function, and durability.
Modern homes pair well with powder-coated wall-mounts like these from Post & Porch. Traditional homes may suit decorative post-mounts in aluminum or bronze tones.
Also make sure your mailbox is PMG-approved to meet USPS rules.
USPS requires 41–45″ from road surface and 6–8″ setback from the curb.
Per USPS guidelines, the bottom of the mailbox should be 41 to 45 inches from the road surface, and the mailbox door should sit 6 to 8 inches back from the curb.
Yes, as long as the replacement mailbox fits the post and meets USPS standards.
If your post is in good shape, just swap the box. If it's damaged, unlevel, or if the new mailbox is heavier, you may want to upgrade the post too. Post & Porch offers matching modern posts that fit The Malone perfectly.
Don’t forget to update your house numbers and make sure your design is still PMG-approved.
Report mail theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and local authorities.
You can report mail theft directly to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by calling 1‑877‑876‑2455 or filing a report online. Also notify local police and your postmaster for follow-up.
Mailbox height, placement, PMG approval, and house number visibility are required by USPS.
- Height: 41–45″ from the road surface
- Setback: 6–8″ from the curb
- Approval: Must be PMG-approved
- House Numbers: At least 1″ tall and visible
- Mail Content: Only USPS-authorized mail — no flyers or business cards
Yes, a large mailbox helps secure your deliveries and avoid missed packages.
If you're ordering online regularly, a large locking mailbox is one of the easiest ways to keep packages safe and stop clutter at the door.
Potentially, yes. As long as the location meets USPS accessibility and visibility standards.
Wall-mounted mailboxes can work on a fence or gate as long as they’re accessible, visible, and meet USPS standards for height and placement. Always check your area’s requirements and secure the mount tightly.
Clean monthly with mild soap and water; avoid abrasives to preserve powder coating.
If you’ve got a powder-coated mailbox like The Malone, maintenance is a breeze.
Just wipe it down once a month with mild soap and water. Avoid steel wool or abrasive cleaners. Once a year, inspect the hinges and latch, and apply lubricant if needed.
Want to know exactly what to use? We recommend these products →
Galvanized steel with powder coating is the best combo of strength, weather resistance, and curb appeal.
Post & Porch mailboxes are crafted from heavy-duty galvanized steel and finished with a premium powder coat for moisture and UV protection.
- Galvanized Steel: Rust-resistant, very strong, slightly heavier
- Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant, but dents easily
- Stainless Steel: Durable, but shows fingerprints
- Plastic: Inexpensive, but fades and feels flimsy
- Wood: Attractive, but high-maintenance
- Copper: Gorgeous, expensive, and will patina
Best pick: galvanized steel with powder coating. The Malone checks every box for strength, curb appeal, and longevity.
Yes, only USPS can place materials in mailboxes. Flyers, ads, or cards are not allowed.
See USPS guidelines and more info here.
No — placing business cards in mailboxes is illegal under federal law.
Even small business cards are considered “non-mail” by USPS. Only stamped mail handled by USPS can be placed in a mailbox. See 18 U.S. Code § 1725 for more details.
Modern mailboxes trace back to 1858 with patents by Potts, Murray, and Joroleman.
The first U.S. mailbox patent was granted in 1858 to Albert Potts — it was a cast-iron letter receiver on lamp posts.
Later, John Murray added wall-mounted collection boxes in NYC (1860s), and Samuel Strong patented the iconic round-top mailbox in 1891. Roy Joroleman created the curved metal curbside mailbox in 1915 — the version still common today.
It’s not federally illegal, but local laws often restrict it during mail delivery hours.
Many towns require 6–8 feet of clearance for the mail carrier between 7am–5pm. Blocking your mailbox might delay your deliveries or lead to skipped service.
Check your local ordinance for rules in your area.
No, only USPS is legally allowed to place items inside mailboxes.
USPS holds the exclusive right to place mail inside your mailbox. UPS, FedEx, and Amazon must leave packages nearby, not inside the box.
Yes, opening or tampering with another person’s mailbox is a federal offense.
Even if the mail wasn’t intended for you, tampering or accessing it without permission violates 18 U.S.C. §§ 1702 and 1708. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment.
Still searching for the perfect mailbox? Explore our modern locking mailboxes to find one that fits your home’s style and security needs.