Drive Through USPS Mail Collection Box Removed in Downtown Everett

Perhaps best described as “The Curious Case of the Missing Mailbox,” this week USPS customers noticed the blue mail collection box at the Downtown Everett location has gone missing.

Having used that drop-off option hundreds of times myself, I had to make sure it wasn’t a hoax.

Upon arriving at the United States Postal Service at 3102 Hoyt in Everett, it did seem rather empty.

After hopping into the drop-off lane, it was clear that something was missing. It was now a lane to nowhere with no purpose.

Here’s what it looked like in March vs. May, 2025 (use slider):

Why would USPS remove the super-convenient drop off option? The parking lot is usually full and inconvenient. And how are you supposed to drop off mail when they aren’t open? Will they keep the blue box next to the door?

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a clear answer. I tried calling a few times while they were open, but whenever I connected to an operator, it hung up on me.

Some patrons were able to ask the workers at the desk and received mixed answers. Here’s what they were told:

• “They told me people kept putting packages in blocking the mail, They put up signs then it kept happening, soooo we lost that box!”
• “I was told they’re being removed because people would put packages in them, not just letters.”
• “I asked the clerk if it would be replaced and she said No.”
• “I was told ‘Headquarters’ took it away. They didn’t tell them why and did not say if it would be put back.”
• “Some of the boxes might be replaced with more secure, tamper-resistant boxes.”
• “A gentleman told me something went wrong with the lock on it and they are going to put it or another one back out there.”
• “It is frustrating that they took that box away. Now, you have to park your car, then go in and drop your mail at the blue box next to the entrance or… Some people pull right up to the box to drop their stuff in and block the traffic trying to get in to park. Definitely not a good alternative.”

Other discussions mentioned a Lynnwood location and a Mill Creek location were also missing their blue collection boxes.

This week the USPS drop box at the Claremont QFC on Evergreen was removed and loaded onto a flatbed truck, only to be replaced with a brand new one.

Hopefully the handy drive-through option comes back. It’s been a convenient option for decades.