HOA Cluster Mailbox Repair Inquiry

You, or your association, or whatever body is involved, is responsible for repairing/replacing the mailbox. There is no "second opinion" on this--it is not the responsibility of the Post Office, it is your responsibility.

Dawn,

You are not likely to find anyone who specializes in repairs like this as it is too uncommon for there to be specialists. If the problem is only with a rusted steel pedestal then I would look for someone who does mobile welding. In most places there are plenty of vendors. Look in the local Yellow Pages under welding.

Do not, however, expect a welder to come out and submit a bid so you can discuss it and compare it to two others at the next board meeting. My experience with hiring such a person was that he showed up ready to do the job, gave me a take-it-or-leave-it price, did the work, and gave me an invoice that he expected to be paid right there in cash.

I'm surprised that the post office doesn't maintain your boxes. One of ours was damaged by a garbage truck, and the post office replaced it.

Since it does appear to be your responsibility, I would suggest trying to buy a replacement pedestal vs. trying to get yours welded up. I looked at the Florence web site, it looks like they charge between $180-$230 for pedestals. Here is an example:
http://www.florencemailboxes.com/store/product-detail.php?id=1081

They also offer a service where you can send a picture of the existing mailbox and they will try to identify the model so you could order the correct replacement (assuming it is one of their models).

So is removing the tag from your mattress. Surrender yourself and save the taxpayers some money.

Hello and thanks for your response. In the past, we were informed through our property management company that USPS maintained cluster mailboxes. I have also done research and have confirmed that USPS does generally maintain cluster mailboxes, however, it is up to their discretion. I am actually in the process of escalating this matter to the USPS's Consumer Affairs Division. Unfortunately, we received a response from the local branch that the mailbox was irreparable, however, Consumer Affairs has come to the conclusion it can be repaired. I have let USPS know that I am not happy with the way this matter has been handled so we'll see what the conclusion is.

Thanks for the tip about possibly replacing the pedestal instead of getting it welded.

As I understand it:

The Postal Operations Manual governs all USPS operations and procedures. In April of 2012, the USPS updated the Postal Operations Manual with specific revisions regarding mail delivery and mail receptacles (mailboxes). In revised section 632.1, the Manual states that the “purchase, installation, and maintenance of mail receptacles are the responsibility of the customer.” Based on 632.1, it appears that the mail customer must purchase, install and maintain their own mailboxes.

Not so fast. Revised section 632.12 of the Manual provides that, “the Postal Service may elect, under certain conditions, to purchase, install, and maintain curb-mounted mail receptacles or cluster box units.”

Bottom line is there is no black or white answer. You should contact your local postmaster to find out who is responsible for your cluster mailboxes. My bet is that 99.99% of the time it will always be the owners responsibility.

Figure out the model and order a new pedestal.

"CUTLER-HAMMER" makes many of the CBUs and the OPLs in present day service.

check out:

Cutler FEDERAL