Florence FAQs

Who is Florence Corporation?

We are the nation’s leading manufacturer of superior quality mailboxes and accessories for centralized distribution and collection of mail and packages. For nearly a century, the Florence line of postal specialties has maintained industry leadership by offering consistently superior product quality and rapid reliable customer service.

Why Buy Postal Specialty Products from Florence Corporation?

When you purchase Florence centralized mailbox solutions, you are assured that they meet the latest ISO standards of quality and environmental conservancy. We are dedicated to crafting secure and durable products while providing customer care that stands the test of time. We have also worked hard to establish relationships with authorized Florence dealers nationwide who provide you with local support onsite. Florence wants to be your one-stop resource in creating a your dream mail and package center and therefore we are proud to partner with you in crafting a solution that is perfect for your needs.

Tell Me About Florence Corporation's Facilities

Florence Corporation is a vertically integrated plant featuring onsite fabrication, state-of-the-art powder coating, and robotic welding that was purposefully built to craft superior centralized mail and package solutions. Dedicated to being strong environmental stewards, a facility boasts a recycling program second-to-none with a powder reclamation program as well as extensive corrugate, steel, and aluminum recycling programs. Our industry-unique contained painting areas significantly reduces cross-contamination and minimizes energy loss.

Who is Gibraltar Industries?

In 2007, the Florence Corporation was acquired by Gibraltar Industries. Being backed by a public company ensures we have the financial strength and audited oversight that positions us to meet the demands of the mail and package industry well into the future. Gibraltar is a leading manufacturer and provider of products and services for the residential, renewable energy, agtech, and infrastructure markets. Gibraltar’s mission, to make life better for people and the planet, is fueled by advancing the disciplines of engineering, science, and technology. Gibraltar is innovating to reshape critical markets in comfortable living, sustainable power, and productive growing throughout North America.

How Do I Find Florence Products Online?

Simply use the Products navigation tab near the top of the web page. This allows you to search for Florence mailbox products based either by category or department, utilizing thumbnail product images. You can also find your specific product by item sku number in the search bar.

What is ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognized Quality Management Standard that requires a company to identify, define, document, implement, monitor, measure, and continually improve the effectiveness of its processes towards enhancing Customer Satisfaction. Companies must undergo third-party audits by accredited certification boards in order to become and maintain ISO 9001:2015 certification. Florence Corporation’s commitment to quality craftsmanship is continually demonstrated through being the FIRST manufacturer in our industry to be ISO 9001:2015 certified and that we continually surpass all required audits. You receive quality products and exceptional customer service when you select a manufacturer – like Florence – that voluntarily holds itself to these high standards.

What is ISO 14001:2015?

ISO 14001:2015 specifies requirements for an environmental management system that equips an organization to develop and implement policy and objectives which take into account legal requirements, other requirements to which the organization subscribes, and information about significant environmental aspects. It applies to those environmental aspects that the organization identifies as those which it can control and those which it can influence. ISO 14001:2015 does not state specific environmental performance criteria; it establishes the generic requirements for a successful environmental management system. ISO 14001:2015 provides a framework for a holistic strategic approach to the organization’s environmental policy, plans, and actions. The underlying philosophy is determined by the company.

What Company Names May Florence Products Be Listed Under In Architectural Specifications?

Florence Corporation has been included in master specs for decades. Other names we may be listed under include: Auth, Auth-Florence, Auth-Electric, American Device, Cutler, Florence, Florence Manufacturing, Florence Corporation, and Perma-Bilt.

Can I Order Products from FlorenceMailboxes.com?

Rather than selling products directly and leaving you to fend for yourself when it comes time to install, Florence Corporation believes that customer service is vitally important. Therefore, Florence is proud to have built relationships with the industry’s most extensive national dealer network. You’ll find local Authorized Florence Dealers located coast-to-coast who are ready to assist you from specification to final installation. Simply select your product from our Buy It Now product list, and a local Authorized Florence Dealer will be selected to complete your order. Visa and Mastercard is accepted. You may be contacted by the Dealer after the purchase to verify your order is correct. All orders will ship from our factory in Manhattan, Kansas.

Does Florence Corporation Accept International Orders?

Yes, we welcome international projects. Please contact Florence Customer Service with your request.

What is the Difference Between Products Approved by the U.S. Postal Service and Products for Private Mail Distribution?

Florence Corporation produces commercial and residential mailboxes for both USPS access and private mail distribution. USPS approved mail products are accessed directly by the Postal Service. They comply with postal security specifications and allow mail carrier access to all compartments through a master gate. Florence Corporation products for private mail distribution are not accessed directly by the Postal Service. When mail is received from the USPS and later distributed to individual mailboxes by another individual, mail receptacles for private use are sufficient. These types of products are ideal for private postal centers, government agencies, corporate mailrooms, educational institutions, dormitories, banks, and military bases.

What is the Standard 4B+ Revision?

The USPS issued the STD-4B+ effective March 2005. This regulation requires improved Arrow lock compartment security on all horizontal and vertical wall-mounted mailboxes. In many cases, the STD-4B+ product designs include hardened Arrow lock bracketry and master gate doors as well as the removal of an outgoing mail slot. However, it is important to note that all 4B and 4B+ products are no longer approved for USPS use and should be updated to the 4C product line.

What is the Standard 4C Revision?

The USPS issued the STD-4C effective October 2006. This mandatory regulation applies to all wall-mounted centralized mail receptacles and replaces the STD-4B+ regulation for receptacles/apartment/house mail. The STD-4C specification created a new form factor and increased the minimum size requirement (12″W x 15″D x 3″H); completely eliminating the vertical from factor (5″W x 6″D x 15″H). Security features and lock design requirements are more stringent, which includes mandatory security testing done by the USPS. The 4C products are approved for USPS use in all new construction and replacement projects.

How Did the USPS Decide on the Standards?

Before setting the 4C standards, the USPS studied factors that affect the performance of new mailboxes such as the volume and size of mail Americans currently receive, common methods of mailbox vandalism, and the efficiency of mail delivery to make educated forecasts of what the future of mail holds. The Postal Service organized the Apartment Consensus Committee to discuss findings. The committee was comprised of various members (including Florence Corporation) who represented mailbox manufacturers, mailbox resellers and servicers, property owners and managers and the USPS. The committee met for over one year to discuss and ultimately agree upon the requirements that now make up the mandatory STD-4C regulation – a regulation designed to improve your mail service.

How Frequently Do Mailbox Standards Change?

The last revision to mailbox standards, prior to the STD-4C update, took effect in 1975; meaning the Postal Service standards had been in place for over 30 years before being updated to today’s standards. Despite the drastic growth in mail volume since that mid-1970s, implementing a universal change in mailbox standards is no easy task. The U.S. Postal Service’s objective is to ensure that the mailbox standards they set will effectively protect and manage the mail trends of the future.

How Do I Know Which Mailboxes Meet the Current Requirements?

Florence Corporation has included a USPS Approved Logo on each of its products which successfully meet current requirements. We are proud to offer you the most extensive USPS approved product lines available in the industry today. Our versatile™ 4C mailbox suites offer flexibility without the fuss. Mix ‘n match 4C modules to configure the perfect mailbox system to fit your project needs. Be sure to check with your local postal authority before undergoing any changes to your buildings mail system, and to keep in mind the current one (1) parcel locker for every five (5) mailbox compartment requirement.

What Is Centralized Mail Delivery?

Centralized mail delivery provides delivery and collection services to a number of residences from a centrally located installation – whether in a single-family subdivision or multifamily complex. Business customers also receive delivery services from a convenient central location. The ability for the USPS to make multiple deliveries per stop results in faster service for customers due to less time per delivery. Fewer stops also uses less fuel and produces lower carbon emissions which contribute to lower costs and good environmental stewardship.

What Mailbox Equipment is Used for Centralized Mail Delivery?

Centralized mail delivery equipment can be in the form of any “clustered” style of mailboxes including the free-standing, pedestal-mounted cluster box unit (CBU), or other STD-4C compliant cluster mailboxes mounted in or on a wall. All centralized mail delivery equipment being serviced by the USPS must be USPS Approved. Manufacturers seeking approval must submit the mailbox product to the USPS for rigorous testing and approval prior to offering it in the marketplace.

How Do I Know If I Need Centralized Mail Delivery Equipment?

The U.S. Postal Service will specify the mail delivery plan in new residential and commercial developments, so it is important to check with local Postal Authorities early in your project.

How Do I Get a Florence Product Catalog?

You can view and download PDFs of Florence Corporation’s product literature via our website or request a catalog to be mailed to you via contact form below.