Is there a law against blocking mailboxes?

Question

If there is a car parked in front of my mailbox, the postman is too lazy to get out of his jeep and give me my mail. The next day, if it's not blocked, I will get the previous day's mail bundled up in a rubber band with a dated note saying, "Blocked, unable to deliver".

This is frustrating because my mail gets delayed a day and it's not my car that's parked there! Does he have a right to do this? If not, who do I complain to? I figure if I complain to the post office, they'll just defend the postman.

Answer 1

I think that would depend on your city's traffic ordinances whether or not it is against the law to block mailboxes.  I too have a similar problem and it is frustrating.  Perhaps you can relocate your mailbox?

Answer 2

The Post Office makes this "rule" and you are correct. If you have a lazy postal delivery person (and which one of them isn't) they can use this excuse to not deliver mail.

If it's always the same vehicle why not try leaving a note under the windshield and if this doesn't work call the police.  

Answer 3

Do you expect some higher authority to somehow reprimand the postman? Of COURSE you complain to the Post Office.  If there is a legitimate complaint, they will speak to the postman.

But seriously, a 1 day delay in your mail isn't going to kill you.  Check with your city and/or your housing complex about who controls parking near the mail boxes.  Whoever has control is responsible for enforcement.

Answer 4

There is nothing worse than a fat lazy mailman.  I had one of those once with experiences similar to yours.  I would contact your local post office and ask them.  The problem with that is if he is reprimanded, you might have mail not finding it's way to your box.

fs

Answer 5

i had the same problem, i did not get my mail for a week because of a trash can!!! complaining doesn't work, and yes with rural delivery they can refuse to deliver mail if they have to stretch more then a little bit to deliver the mail