September 19, 2016 - Customers must use standard TxDOT approved boxes on main roadways
LUFKIN – TxDOT would like to remind residents that while the United States Postal Service has approved larger mailboxes, they have not yet met TxDOT safety standards for placement on state roadways.
The USPS recently approved larger roadside mailboxes, but if the box is to be placed on state highway systems that include US Highways, Farm Roads and State Loops, the mailbox must comply with standards greater than those that the USPS sets. TxDOT requires the mailbox must meet size and weight standards, which are developed through crash tests.
To make sure a mailbox is compliant with TxDOT requirements, call a local TxDOT Maintenance office or visit ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cmd/cserve/standard/maintcad/mb15(1).pdfftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cmd/cserve/standard/maintcad/mb15(1).pdf for a list of mailbox requirements and current TxDOT crash standards.
If a mailbox needs to be set or replaced, local TxDOT maintenance offices will schedule a visit to set the post and mailbox for the mail recipient. This service is performed to assure that mailboxes on roadways meet safety requirements for safe use by postal carriers and mail customers.
“While the new larger mailboxes might be accommodating, we are urging continued use of the standard mailboxes on our roadways,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District public information officer. “It is a safety issue. The mailbox must pass crash tests and meet TxDOT safety standards. A local TxDOT maintenance office can assist customers with determining the proper size and mailbox design.”
TxDOT plans to schedule additional mailbox crash tests in the future to qualify the larger mailbox sizes and shapes. Until those tests are completed, customers must continue to use standard size mailboxes. No timeline has been determined for when safety tests will be completed.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
