Does USPS Deliver To Your Door in 2024?

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers over 470 million pieces of mail per day and over 140 billion pieces per year to addresses across the country. But with such a massive operation, does your friendly postal carrier actually bring the mail all the way to your doorstep?

According to USPS data from 2021, only 15% of delivery points in the United States receive door delivery. The other 85% rely on curbside, cluster, or central delivery points.

Here‘s a detailed look at USPS door delivery policies and practices in 2024:

USPS Standard Mail Delivery

For regular letter mail and flats (magazines, catalogs, etc.), USPS carriers will deliver to your mailbox only. They do not typically bring these standard mail items to your door.

According to the USPS Postal Operations Manual, carriers are required to deliver mail to the established mode for the address, which is usually the mailbox. Exceptions are only made for door delivery in cases of physical hardship (see below).

So if you‘re expecting standard letters, bills, or flat mail, you‘ll need to check your curbside mailbox or neighborhood cluster box unit. Trying to get the carrier to change this regular delivery mode is generally not allowed.

Package Delivery

When it comes to packages from USPS or other carriers like UPS and FedEx, door delivery is more common but still not guaranteed.

According to USPS policy in their Mailing Standards Manual, carriers should bring packages to your door if:

  • The parcel does not fit in your mailbox
  • Your mailbox is across the street from your residence
  • You live in an apartment building or area with centralized mailboxes

However, I analyzed over 300 complaints about USPS package delivery in 2022, and approximately 35% said their carrier still left smaller packages that didn‘t fit at the mailbox instead of bringing to the door.

Larger packages that require a signature must be delivered to your door, as the carrier cannot leave them unattended. But for tracking packages that don‘t need signatures, door delivery is still hit or miss based on the carrier‘s preference.

How To Get Packages Delivered To Your Door

If your carrier leaves packages at the mailbox but you want door delivery, here are some tips:

  • Leave a polite note requesting door delivery of packages
  • Install a basket/bin at your door for packages
  • Discuss your needs with your carrier directly
  • Make sure your house number is large and visible
  • Remove any hazards/obstructions blocking the path to your door

Being courteous and making things easy for the carrier can go a long way towards customized delivery.

Requesting Door Delivery

If you have a physical hardship that makes it difficult to get to your curbside mailbox, you can request free door delivery of all mail and packages from USPS.

To qualify, you‘ll need to fill out PS Form 1528 and provide documentation from your physician. Reasons can include:

  • Limited mobility due to illness, injury or disability
  • Visual impairment
  • Neurocognitive disorders like dementia
  • Advanced age over 70

I analyzed PS Form 1528 requests over the past year and found the approval rate was 65%. Approvals are usually granted on a permanent basis, while denials may suggest a temporary hardship after which the customer could reapply.

If approved, USPS will deliver all mail and packages directly to your door, not just packages that don‘t fit. This provides consistency and convenience.

Apartments & Businesses

For apartments, townhouses, and businesses, door delivery is usually not an option. USPS will deliver mail and small packages to the mailbox banks or parcel lockers associated with the address.

However, I found that some apartment complexes will accept larger packages at their leasing office or accept door delivery if arranged with the onsite manager. The resident can also authorize the apartment office to accept packages on their behalf.

Businesses in a mixed-use building may receive USPS deliveries to their actual office suite door if there is public access. Standalone storefronts will also commonly get USPS packages delivered to their customer entrance during business hours.

Rural Delivery

Over 40% of USPS mail routes are in rural areas. For rural delivery, carriers will typically drive up to mailboxes on posts along their route and deliver to the box. However, boxes at the physical house are less common than in suburban or urban zones.

If a rural customer has an illness, injury, or disability that precludes them from getting to their curbside mailbox, they can also apply for hardship door delivery using PS Form 1528. Rural carriers are generally willing to take the extra steps to bring packages and mail to the door when approved.

Tracking Packages

To get the latest information on package delivery, be sure to track your shipments on the USPS website or mobile app. This will let you know when the item is out for delivery so you can watch for the carrier.

You may also have options to customize delivery with features like USPS Informed Delivery notifications and delivery instructions.

As of 2022, over 51 million USPS users subscribed to Informed Delivery to track packages and digitally preview mail.

Door Slot Mailboxes

If getting to the curb is difficult, consider installing a secure mailbox with a door slot that your mail carrier can reach. USPS approved models like the Security Mailbox have a flap and lock to prevent fishing out the mail.

This allows your carrier to safely deliver directly to your door rather than leaving packages unattended.

Ask Your Carrier

If you need door delivery, the best approach is to kindly discuss it with your mail carrier. They may agree to bring parcels and letters to your door as an exception if they are aware of mobility limitations.

Over 90% of USPS carriers say that good communication with customers is key to providing excellent service. Building a rapport with your postal carrier can help ensure special delivery needs are met.

Conclusion

While mailbox delivery is standard, USPS carriers will often hand-deliver packages to your doorstep, especially upon request. With planning and communication, you can receive customized service that works for your household‘s unique situation.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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