Yes — you can put a package in your mailbox for USPS pickup, but two conditions must be met: the package must fit inside with the door fully closed, and it must have the correct postage already applied. Miss either of these and your carrier will leave it behind.
Here's the full breakdown based on package size, weight, and shipping method.
The 13 oz Rule: What It Means for Your Package
This is the most important rule for mailbox package pickup and the one most people get wrong.
If you're using stamps as postage, your package cannot exceed 13 oz. This is a USPS regulation designed to prevent unstamped or underpaid packages from entering the mail stream undetected. A carrier will not pick up a stamped package over 13 oz from a residential mailbox — they'll leave it behind without notice.
If your package exceeds 13 oz, you have one option that still avoids a post office trip: print a USPS shipping label with a barcode and tracking number via Click-N-Ship or a third-party service like Shippo or Pirateship. A printed label has no weight ceiling for mailbox pickup — you can leave a 5 lb package in your mailbox as long as it physically fits.
⚠️ Warning : Never assume a carrier will pick up an oversized or overweight package out of courtesy. USPS regulations are clear — non-compliant packages stay in the box. If you're unsure, print a label instead of using stamps.
Size: Does Your Package Actually Fit?
The package must fit entirely inside your mailbox with the door fully closed. No exceptions — a carrier will not pick up a package wedged in the door or balanced on top of the box.
Standard USPS-compliant curbside mailboxes are at least 15 inches deep, 5 inches tall, and 3.5 inches wide. Most small to medium padded envelopes and lightweight boxes fit easily. Larger boxes — anything over 12 inches in any dimension — typically won't fit and need a different pickup method.
If your mailbox is too small for the packages you regularly send, upgrading to a larger model solves the problem permanently. Our Modern Mailbox collection includes USPS-compliant curbside mailboxes with larger interior dimensions designed for both incoming and outgoing package handling.
💡 Tips : Measure your package before walking out to the mailbox. A box that's 12x10x4 inches fits in most standard mailboxes. A box that's 14x10x8 inches won't — save yourself the trip.
How to Leave a Package for USPS Pickup
- Weigh your package — use a kitchen scale or a postal scale for accuracy
- Apply correct postage — stamps for packages under 13 oz, printed label for anything heavier
- Write or print the recipient's full address clearly on the package
- Place the package inside your mailbox
- Raise the red flag to signal your carrier
- Make sure the mailbox door closes fully — if it doesn't, the package won't be picked up
That's it. No scheduling required for standard residential mailbox pickup.
What If Your Package Doesn't Fit?
Two options that don't require a post office visit.
The first is free USPS Package Pickup — schedule it at usps.com/pickup. Your carrier picks up the package from your front door on their next delivery day. Free for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and First-Class Package Service shipments.
The second is a blue USPS collection box — for packages under 13 oz with stamps, or any package with a printed label that fits through the slot. Use the USPS locator to find the nearest one.
✅ Advice : If you regularly ship packages that don't fit your mailbox, the free Package Pickup service is the most convenient long-term solution. Schedule it the night before and leave the package by your front door — no trip required.
Can I Put FedEx or UPS Packages in My Mailbox?
No. USPS carriers are not authorized to collect packages from other carriers, and placing a FedEx or UPS package in a USPS mailbox violates postal regulations. The package won't be picked up and may be treated as undeliverable mail.
For FedEx and UPS returns, schedule a pickup directly through their respective websites or drop off at an authorized location. FedEx drop-off locations include Walgreens and Dollar General. UPS drop-off locations include CVS and most UPS Store locations.
Sending Returns from Your Mailbox
Most major retailer returns — Amazon, Target, Zappos, and others — generate USPS-compatible prepaid labels. As long as the return package fits in your mailbox and the label is a USPS label, you can leave it for pickup exactly like any other outgoing package.
Check the label before assuming — some retailers use FedEx or UPS return labels even when you'd expect USPS. If the label says FedEx or UPS, you need a different drop-off method.
✅ Advice : If you sell on eBay, Etsy, or Poshmark, printing USPS labels through the platform's shipping tool removes the 13 oz stamp restriction entirely. Printed labels allow carrier pickup for packages up to 70 lbs directly from your mailbox.
Is It Safe to Leave Packages in Your Mailbox?
For small packages in a standard unlocked mailbox, there's a window of risk between when you raise the flag and when your carrier arrives. In areas with frequent mail theft, that window matters.
A locking mailbox with an outgoing mail slot eliminates this risk — outgoing packages are secured inside until your carrier opens the outgoing compartment. Our Modern Mailbox collection includes locking models with outgoing slots designed specifically for this use case. If you already have a locking mailbox and need a replacement lock, browse our Mailbox Lock collection for direct replacement cam locks starting at $14.90.
FAQ
Can I put a package in my mailbox without a label if I use stamps? Yes, if the package weighs 13 oz or less. For packages over 13 oz, stamps are not accepted for mailbox pickup — you must use a printed USPS shipping label with tracking.
Will my carrier pick up my package if the mailbox door won't close? No. USPS policy requires the mailbox door to close fully for carrier pickup. If your package is too large to fit with the door closed, schedule a free Package Pickup at usps.com instead.
How do I know if my carrier picked up my package? If your package has a printed USPS label with tracking, you'll receive a scan notification when the carrier retrieves it. Packages sent with stamps only have no tracking and no pickup confirmation.
Can I leave multiple packages in my mailbox at once? Yes, as long as all packages fit inside with the door fully closed and each has correct postage. There's no limit on the number of packages per pickup.
What time should I put my package out for pickup? Before your carrier's scheduled arrival time for your address. If you're unsure, have it out by 8 AM to guarantee same-day pickup. Packages placed after the carrier has already passed will wait until the next business day.
Can I use my mailbox for FedEx returns? No. USPS carriers only collect USPS mail and packages. FedEx returns must be dropped at an authorized FedEx location or scheduled for FedEx pickup separately.
