In the United States, a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) is a private business that accepts mail from the Postal Service on behalf of third parties. A CMRA may also be colloquially known as a mail drop. A mailbox at a CMRA is called a private mailbox (PMB). The private mailbox business grew as a result of shortage of P.O. Box<nowiki/>es.
As of 2000, the USPS regulated 466 private mailboxes in New York City alone. A business's use of an invalid address or an inappropriate third party as its official mailing address could result in legal problems, such as the loss of limited liability protection. If a business does not want to disclose its physical location, it may permissibly use a CMRA as its publicly known address.
Relevant regulations
Any person or entity claiming to receive postal mail for a third-party must be properly licensed and registered with the US Postal Service, and such an entity must properly fill out USPS Form 1583. There are specific requirements all CMRA's must adhere to, including granting certain rights to CMRA customers.
Examples
- Mail Boxes Etc.
- PostNet (company)
- The UPS Store
- Texas Home Base
See also
- Virtual office
- Customs broker
- Freight forwarder
- Post office box
- Private Mail Bag
- Virtual mailbox