You need a real US mailing address. Maybe you’re shopping from a US retailer that won’t ship internationally. Maybe you’re running a business and need a professional US presence. Or maybe you just want a second address for privacy, mail consolidation, or package forwarding.
Whatever the reason, you have three main options: a traditional PO Box, a virtual mailbox service, or a mail forwarding service. They look similar on paper, but the differences matter — especially when it comes to what carriers can deliver, what you can actually do with your mail, and how much you’ll pay over time.
Here’s how to choose the right one.
Three Options Compared
| Feature | PO Box | Virtual Mailbox | Mail Forwarding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accepts UPS/FedEx | No (USPS only) | Yes | Yes |
| Real street address | No | Yes | Yes |
| Scan mail to PDF | No | Yes | Sometimes |
| Forward anywhere | Domestic only (PFS) | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| 24/7 access | No (counter hours) | Yes (online portal) | Varies |
| Typical cost | ~$200–400/yr | Pay-per-use or monthly | Monthly subscription |
The PO Box Route
A USPS PO Box is the most familiar option. You rent a box at your local Post Office, get a PO Box number, and pick up your mail during business hours.
The limitations:
- Only USPS delivers to a PO Box. UPS, FedEx, Amazon Logistics, and other carriers can’t use it. If you’re ordering from an online retailer, you’ll need to verify they ship via USPS — and many don’t.
- Cost: A parcel-capable PO Box typically runs ~$200–400/yr depending on size and location. The smallest boxes (letters only) are cheaper, but most people need something that can handle packages.
- No scanning or forwarding. You have to physically visit the Post Office to collect your mail. If you’re traveling or live across a border, this becomes a recurring trip.
- Counter hours only. Most Post Offices close by 5 or 6 PM and operate limited weekend hours.
What about Street Addressing?
Some Post Offices offer “Street Addressing,” which lets you use the Post Office’s street address instead of a PO Box number. It’s inconsistent by location, still USPS-only, and doesn’t solve the forwarding or scanning problem.
What about Informed Delivery?
USPS Informed Delivery emails you a scanned image of the exterior of your letter mail each morning. It’s a nice preview, but you still have to visit the Post Office to retrieve the actual mail — and it doesn’t cover packages or give you any way to forward or archive.
What about USPS Package Forwarding (PFS)?
PFS Residential is a domestic-only forwarding service. It’s USPS-only, doesn’t include scanning, and won’t ship internationally. If you’re outside the US or need multi-carrier support, it’s not viable.
The Virtual Mailbox: A Real Street Address with Digital Tools
A virtual mailbox service gives you a real street address — not a PO Box number — that accepts mail from any carrier. When something arrives, you’re notified online. You can view scanned images, request forwarding to any address worldwide, or schedule in-person pickup.
This is the modern answer to “I need a US mailing address.”
What makes it different:
- Any carrier works. USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon — all accepted at the same address.
- Real street address. You can use it for business registration, online shopping, or anywhere a PO Box is rejected.
- Scan to PDF. Open your mail remotely without waiting for physical forwarding. Helpful for checks, contracts, or time-sensitive documents.
- Forward anywhere. Ship your accumulated mail to Canada, Europe, Asia — wherever you are.
- 24/7 portal. No counter hours. Manage everything online.
Pricing models vary. Some services charge a monthly subscription (~$10–30/mo depending on location) whether you receive mail or not. Others, like In Out Parcel, charge pay-per-use: $4.25 per package or letter received, with no monthly fee. You pay $0 in the months nothing arrives, and your credit never expires.
The PO Box math: A mid-size PO Box at ~$250/yr is roughly equivalent to 59 packages or letters at $4.25 each — and the PO Box still can’t accept a UPS or FedEx parcel, scan your mail, or forward internationally.
For more on how virtual mailboxes compare directly to USPS PO Boxes, see our detailed comparison here.
Mail Forwarding Services
Mail forwarding services are similar to virtual mailboxes, but typically operate as monthly subscription plans with bundled forwarding or scanning included. They’re a good fit if you receive high volumes of mail consistently.
If your mail is sporadic — a few packages a month, or nothing for months at a time — the subscription model means you’re paying for service you’re not using.
Why In Out Parcel?
In Out Parcel operates 2,000+ automated lockers at the US-Canada border in Point Roberts, WA. We’ve been serving cross-border shoppers, remote teams, and international customers since 2014.
Here’s how it works:
- Register online. You get a real US street address:
145 Tyee Dr, PMB (your Customer ID), Point Roberts, WA 98281. - Ship anything. USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon — all carriers deliver.
- Get notified. When your package arrives, we send you an email with a 6-digit PIN.
- Pick up 24/7 or forward. Visit the locker facility any time, or request forwarding to your home address anywhere in the world.
Pricing: $4.25 per package or letter received. No monthly fee. Pay-per-use. $0 in the months nothing arrives. Credit never expires.
Trust: 4.9★ from 700+ reviews. Owner-operated since 2014, not a venture-backed SaaS aggregator.
Flexibility: Receive mail for as long as you need. Pause for months. Resume when you’re ready. No subscription lock-in.
For a deeper look at what a virtual mailbox is and how it works, check out this guide. Or see our full pricing breakdown here.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose a PO Box if:
- You only receive USPS mail
- You live within a short drive of the Post Office
- You’re comfortable with counter hours and in-person pickup
- You don’t need scanning or international forwarding
Choose a virtual mailbox if:
- You need a real street address for any carrier
- You want remote mail scanning and worldwide forwarding
- Your mail volume is sporadic (pay-per-use makes sense)
- You value 24/7 access and digital convenience
Choose a traditional mail forwarding service if:
- You receive consistent, high-volume mail every month
- You want bundled scanning/forwarding in a flat monthly fee
- You’re comfortable paying even in months with no mail
For most people who need a US mailing address — especially if you’re outside the US, shopping cross-border, or running a remote business — a virtual mailbox offers the best balance of flexibility, cost, and features.
Ready to Get Started?
Setting up your US mailing address with In Out Parcel takes about five minutes. No monthly fee. No long-term contract. Just a real US street address that works the way you need it to.
Learn how it works here, or browse our virtual mailbox hub for more details.