What is a Post Office Box (P.O. Box)?

A Post Office Box (P.O. Box) is defined as a locked and secure mailbox located at a post office. This option highlights key aspects of a P.O. Box: its security and its centralized location at the post office. Customers rent these boxes to receive mail securely, often providing an added level of privacy and protection from theft or weather-related damage that might occur if mail were delivered to an address where it could be left outside.

Moreover, P.O. Boxes are convenient for individuals who may not have a traditional mailing address or for businesses that prefer to have a separate mailing address from their physical location. The features of being locked and specifically located in a post office are what distinguish P.O. Boxes from other types of mail delivery systems, such as personal mailboxes at home or shared community boxes.