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PO Box Los Angeles 2025: Where Can I Safely Have a Package Delivered?

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PO Box Los Angeles is often the first thing people think of when they need a reliable delivery option, but in a city as big and busy as LA, that’s not always the most convenient choice. With apartment mailrooms overflowing, limited package storage, and constant concerns about stolen packages, residents are left wondering: where can I have a package delivered in Los Angeles without the stress of missed deliveries or lost packages?

LA is a tough city for doorstep deliveries. With limited building staff and “porch pirate” hot spots that surge around the holidays, Angelenos constantly face the same dilemma: where can I have a package delivered so it doesn’t disappear?

Is a PO Box Los Angeles the right answer, or is there something better for keeping your deliveries safe and convenient?

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About PO Box 101 (Los Angeles Edition)

A PO Box in Los Angeles is a locked mailbox inside a USPS post office. You address mail to your box number and pick it up in person. In many L.A. branches, boxholders can access their lobby 24/7, which is a big plus if you keep odd hours.

Finding a Post Office Location

  • The city’s Main Office Los Angeles (7101 S Central Ave, 90001) explicitly lists around-the-clock PO Box in Los Angeles access, so you can grab mail at midnight just as easily as noon. (postallocations.com)
  • Use the USPS “Find a Location” tool to search for nearby offices offering PO Boxes. (tools.usps.com)

However, there are limitations:

  • Standard PO Boxes typically accept only USPS-delivered mail/packages, not necessarily deliveries from couriers like FedEx, UPS, or Amazon, unless the location offers “Street Addressing” or other expanded services. (usps.com)
  • A PO Box is not always acceptable as a business’s legal mailing address (for bank accounts or registered agents) because it’s a box, not a full street address.
  • You must physically visit the post office to pick up your mail or set up forwarding/having it held.

Street Addressing (key difference): Some USPS locations let you use the post office’s street address + #BOX so you can accept non-USPS packages from UPS, FedEx, Amazon, DHL at your box. USPS calls this Street Addressing (part of Premium PO Box Service). Availability varies by branch, so you must confirm your exact location supports it. (usps.com+1)

Why PO Boxes in Los Angeles do well:

  • Privacy & security vs. an exposed porch.
  • Predictable pickup (no missed delivery door tags).
  • Late/early access at many branches. (postallocations.com)

What trips people up:

Carrier limits: a standard PO Box in Los Angeles accepts USPS only. If your branch doesn’t support Street Addressing (or a retailer rejects “PO Box” addresses), courier deliveries can be refused or returned. (usps.com+1)

Formatting matters: Redditors and shipping forums report failed deliveries when people include “PO Box” on Street-Addressed packages (some carriers will bounce it). Use the street address + “#” and box number, not “PO Box.” (Reddit)

Package Theft in Los Angeles: Reality Check

Package theft is a persistent problem across SoCal and particularly in metro L.A. Local reporting shows seasonal spikes: in December 2024, there were 436 package-theft reports citywide, up from a monthly average of ~295 in the first 11 months, based on LAPD data parsed by Crosstown LA. Dense neighborhoods (Koreatown, Downtown) see disproportionate mailroom thefts. (Crosstown+1)

Nationally, porch piracy remains massive: estimates cite >100 million packages stolen in the last year with multi-billion-dollar losses; 2025 research from SafeWise pegs ~104.3 million stolen nationwide, while 2024 reporting from Security.org tallied ~58–120 million packages stolen (methodologies differ). Either way, the scale is huge and underreporting is common.

Why are stolen packages in Los Angeles uniquely tricky.:

  • Apartment mailrooms: A significant share of thefts in LA occur inside buildings, not just on porches; multi-unit structures accounted for ~31.5% of reports in earlier analyses. (Crosstown)
  • Carrier mix: Many Angelenos order from retailers that ship via UPS/FedEx/Amazon, not just USPS. A standard Los Angeles PO Box will not receive those unless your location offers Street Addressing. (postalpro.usps.com)
  • Holiday surges: Local TV and LAPD community posts regularly warn about holiday-season spikes and advise alternate pickup methods. (ABC7 Los Angeles)

What You Should Ask Before Choosing a PO Box in Los Angeles

To make sure the solution fits your needs, especially for packages, ask the following questions:

  1. Does this branch offer Street Addressing? Can you receive FedEx/UPS/Amazon packages addressed to the street address of the post office (and then picked up)?
  2. What box sizes are available and what fits? Generally USPS offers five sizes (Size 1 to Size 5) from small letter size to large size boxes. (usps.com)
  3. What are the fees of Mailbox rental in Los Angeles? Urban locations tend to cost more than suburban/rural ones. (Specific Los Angeles pricing will vary by ZIP and size.)
  4. What are the access hours for box holders? If you receive packages late or want flexible pickup times, choose a branch with extended hours or 24-hour lobby access.
  5. What happens if a package doesn’t fit the box? Are secure parcel lockers available? Will items be held at the counter? Ensure you’re comfortable with how “overflow” deliveries are handled.
  6. Can you use this address for all your carriers (not just USPS)? If you rely on e-commerce, courier deliveries or third-party fulfillment, having a real street address or hybrid box may be advisable.

Alternatives to a Traditional Los Angeles Mailbox Rentals

If a standard PO Box in Los Angeles doesn’t meet your needs, especially for packages, courier delivery, remote management, here are viable alternatives:

Private Mailbox / Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA)

These are non-USPS providers (or USPS-licensed private mail centres) that offer:

  • A real street address (so courier deliveries by FedEx/UPS/Amazon are accepted without box-only restrictions).
  • Package notifications, sometimes 24-hour access, forwarding services.

 According to references:

“In the United States, a CMRA may also be referred to as a mail drop. … A customer may wish to use the services of a CMRA for privacy …” Wikipedia

Virtual Mailboxes

These services assign you a physical street address (or use a real street address) and then handle your mail digitally: you can view scans of your mail, decide what to forward or shred, and manage remotely.

“Virtual mailboxes are different from P.O. boxes … because they tend to offer a real street address and additional services.” Wikipedia.

 They are especially useful for business owners, frequent travelers, or people wanting to manage mail without frequent trips.

Which Option Is Right for You in Los Angeles?

To help decide, consider your priorities: 

                   Your Need        Best Option       Why
You mostly receive letters and items via USPS, want a low-cost secure solution Standard PO Box Cheapest and simplest if courier deliveries aren’t critical
You receive many packages from multiple carriers (FedEx/UPS/Amazon) and want courier flexibility Private Mailbox / CMRA or Virtual Mailbox with street address Accepts all carriers, flexible forwarding, often better logistics for packages
You want remote mail management (scan/open, forward, shred) Virtual Mailbox Offers digital interface and global access
You want the lowest cost in L.A. and only occasional packages Small PO Box at a branch with street-addressing Minimizes cost while covering basic package delivery

Tip for Los Angeles residents: Given high demand and real-estate cost, PO Box Los Angeles rental fees in Metro areas tend to be higher. It's always better to ask your L.A. branch what their current pricing is.

What is the cost of a Los Angeles PO Box in 2025

USPS prices depend on box size, rental term, and a fee group assigned to each ZIP. Urban, high-demand ZIPs (like many in Los Angeles) generally fall into the higher “competitive” fee groups. USPS publishes official 2025 fee tables for six-month rentals by Fee Group C30-C36. A few examples to show the range (six-month totals; divide by six for an approximate monthly figure): (usps.com)

Fee Group C33 (mid–upper range common in cities):

  • Size 2 (small): $134 / 6 months (~$22.33/mo)
  • Size 3 (medium): $210 / 6 months (~$35/mo)
  • Size 4 (large): $239 / 6 months (~$39.83/mo)

Fee Group C31 (a bit lower):

  • Size 2: $159 / 6 months (~$26.50/mo)
  • Size 3: $249 / 6 months (~$41.50/mo)

Fee Group C30 (high end):

  • Size 2: $219 / 6 months (~$36.50/mo)
  • Size 3: $384 / 6 months (~$64/mo)

Important: Your exact price shows when you search for availability for your preferred L.A. ZIP in USPS’s PO Box finder; you’ll also see whether Street Addressing is offered. (usps.com)

Access note: Some L.A. branches (like the Main Office Los Angeles) advertise 24-hour lobby access for PO Boxes, which can be a decisive perk if you work late. (postallocations.com)

Step-By-Step: Mailbox Rental in Los Angeles

  1. Check availability & price by ZIP in the USPS online finder; compare a couple of nearby branches for price + features (look for Street Addressing and 24-hr lobby). (usps.com)
  2. Pick the right size (USPS offers 5 standard sizes). If you expect parcel volume, consider Size 3-5 so overflow goes to a delivered parcel locker less often. (usps.com)
  3. Apply online (PS Form 1093) and bring two IDs to the chosen branch within 30 days to collect keys/combinations. (usps.com)
  4. Ask about Street Addressing at that branch and request the correct format for non-USPS packages (street address + #box). (postalpro.usps.com)
  5. Add USPS Informed Delivery to preview incoming letter mail and track packages. (usps.com)

Where to Have a Package Delivered in Los Angeles

If you’re asking “where can I have a package delivered”, here are practical tips for Los Angeles:

USPS-mailed packages: If you have a PO Box, address the package to:

 Your Name

PO Box ___

[City] CA [ZIP]

  •  This works seamlessly for USPS deliveries.

Courier packages (FedEx, UPS, Amazon, DHL): If your post office branch supports “Street Addressing” for PO Boxes, you may address the package to:

 Your Name

7101 S Central Ave (or specific branch street address)

Los Angeles CA 90001

  •  And include the PO Box number or instructions for collection. Confirm with the branch that this is permitted.
  • Direct to Private Mailbox / CMRA: With a private mailbox provider you’ll get a full street address (not just PO Box) such as “Suite #” or “PMB #”. Couriers deliver there without the USPS limitations.
  • Virtual mailbox services: Orders delivered to your assigned address get logged, scanned, and you receive alerts. Useful if you’re not local or travel frequently.

Common LA Pain Points (and How to Avoid Them)

1) “UPS sent my thing back” (Street Addressing confusion).

 Community threads describe shipments being returned when the address included “PO Box” on a UPS-handled package, even when the branch supports Street Addressing. Format it as Street Address + “#” + box number (no “PO Box”). (Reddit)

2) Mailroom theft in apartments.

 Even with a building, packages can disappear from common mailrooms. Data snapshots show a meaningful share of thefts come from multi-unit buildings in L.A. (e.g., Koreatown, DTLA).

Consider off-site pickup (UPS Access Points, Amazon Lockers, USPS PO Box with Street Addressing, or third-party package receiving services). (Crosstown)

3) Holiday spikes and underreporting.

 December thefts surge citywide (436 reports in Dec 2024 vs ~295 monthly average), and experts note many thefts go unreported, so the real risk is likely higher. Plan alternate delivery locations during November-January. (Crosstown)

Better Delivery Alternatives If Los Angeles PO Box Won’t Fit Your LA Life

A) USPS PO Box + Street Addressing (hybrid)

 Best if you want USPS reliability + the ability (where offered) to receive UPS/FedEx/Amazon to the post office’s street address. Confirm availability at your branch. (postalpro.usps.com)

B) UPS Store Mailbox / CMRA (Commercial Mail Receiving Agency)

 You’ll get a real street address that accepts all carriers and often text/email alerts. Pricing is location-specific; UPS Store promotes the benefits (street address, package acceptance). Expect higher monthly costs than USPS for similar capacity. (theupsstore.com)

C) UPS Access Point / FedEx OnSite (per-package pickup)

 Have carriers hold packages at a nearby shop, pharmacy, or mailbox center for pickup. Works well if you only need occasional secure deliveries. UPS lists dozens of Access Points across L.A. (example: United Mailboxes in Bel Air; multiple in Hollywood/Westwood). Usually no monthly fee, you just ship to that location. (locations.ups.com)

D) Amazon Locker & Counters

 Great for Amazon orders; L.A. has many Locker locations (e.g., Hollywood Blvd; LMU area). Pickup is code-based; hours vary by host site. (MapQuest)

E) Dedicated Package Receiving Services (Stowfly)

 Third-party package receiving and package acceptance lets you ship every carrier package to a vetted nearby shop for secure in-person pickup. It’s useful if your building is risky or you don’t want a monthly Los Angeles mailbox rental.

Stowfly’s Los Angeles package receiving network offers convenient package storage locations near you for easy package pick ups. Affordable subscription plans start at $7.50 for 5 packages per month and $15 for 15 packages per month. This helps avoid frequent package mishaps like lost packages, Amazon missing packages in Los Angeles, UPS lost packages, FedEx stolen packages, and USPS missing packages.

What Should You Pick in Los Angeles?

Quick chooser:

  • “I want a cheap, secure place for USPS mail, and I don’t mind picking up.” Pick USPS PO Box (confirm Street Addressing if you need couriers). (usps.com)
  • “I receive lots of UPS/FedEx/Amazon.” Pick UPS Store/CMRA or PO Box with Street Addressing if your branch supports it. (theupsstore.com)
  • “I only need occasional safe pickups.” Pick UPS Access Point, FedEx OnSite, or Amazon Locker.( locations.ups.com)
  • “I want a flexible, nearby pickup spot for all carriers without renting a full mailbox.” Pick Package receiving services by Stowfly

Final Word: The Smart LA Play in 2025

If your question is “Where can I have a package delivered and PO Box Los Angeles?” the honest answer is: it depends who’s delivering it and how often.

  • If most shipments are USPS and you want low cost + late-night pickup, a Los Angeles PO Box works, and it’s even better if your branch supports Street Addressing.
  • If your life is courier-heavy (UPS/FedEx/Amazon) or you’ve had mailroom theft, you’ll likely be happier with UPS Store/CMRA, Amazon Lockers, UPS Access Points, or a package receiving network like Stowfly that accepts all carriers for secure pickup near home.

By weighing your volume of mail, carriers used, desired convenience, and budget, you can choose the mailbox delivery solution that fits your lifestyle in Los Angeles in 2025.

Before you rent a mailbox, make sure you know your options! Read our Complete 2025 USA Mailbox Rental Guide.