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United States Postal Service (USPS)
All incoming mail must be University business related.
The University of Alabama Campus Mail Service receives mail from the United States Postal Service twice a day, Monday through Friday. Mail that is delivered to the University of Alabama by the USPS arrives on campus at approximately 4:00 am and at 6:30 am. Campus Mail Service receives mail that is addressed to all faculty, staff, and departments that have a 35487 zip code. All departmental mail is separated and sorted into the proper boxes for delivery by Mail Delivery Clerks. Except for unusually high volume days, such as Mondays and after a University or Postal Service holiday, all USPS Mail received by 6:30 am is delivered to your department the same day.
A campus box number assignment corresponds to a particular delivery route, department and location on campus. It determines how your mail is processed from receipt to delivery. This includes where your mail is sorted, who is sorting your mail, where your mail is queued for the route, and the order of delivery.
Departmental boxes are assigned by the Mail Center manager. Campus Mail Service evaluates requests for new box numbers solely from the standpoint of mail volume, number of employees and geographical location. Due to the steady increase in mail volume and growth of departments, Campus Mail Service is forced to centralize mail delivery stops and box numbers as much as possible.
Incoming mail addressed to the University must bear the correct name, department, BOX number, city, state, and ZIP code on each piece. The correct address format is as follows:
example:
NAME JOHN DOE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT NAME ARTS & SCIENCES DEAN'S OFFICE BOX NUMBER BOX 870268 TUSCALOOSA, AL 35487- ???? TUSCALOOSA, AL 35487-0268 * NOTE:
Your +4 on the end of your zip code is determined by the last 4 digits of your BOX numberUSPS Mail received by Campus Mail Service with a vague or incorrect address could result in a delay of your mail or have your mail considered "Undeliverable As Addressed" and returned to the sender for proper addressing. It is very important to notify people who send you mail of your correct address. If you have questions concerning you campus address, contact Campus Mail Service for assistance.
All outgoing mail must be University business related.
All outgoing USPS Mail is either picked up from University departments by Mail Delivery Clerks while out on their routes or brought to Campus Mail Service by departments for processing. Currently, the USPS picks up all outgoing USPS Mail twice a day from Campus Mail Service during the regular work week, once at 2:30 PM and then later at 4:30 PM. All outgoing USPS Mail that is picked up from University departments by Mail Delivery Clerks is processed and in the hands of the USPS the same day. However, unusual peak periods, equipment down time, and situations beyond our control could cause your mail to be delayed in processing, but is very uncommon.
Campus Mail Service makes every effort to make sure your mail is processed quickly and professionally.
All outgoing USPS Mail should be at Campus Mail Service no later than 3:00 PM in order for Mail Processing Clerks to have ample time to process your mail and get it out that same day.
The sooner your mail is brought to Campus Mail Service, the sooner your mail can be processed and on its way to being delivered to its destination.
If you are unable to meet the 3:00 PM cut off time and your mail has to be processed that same day, contact a Mail Operations Shift Leader to make special arrangements to get your mail processed.
We strongly encourage mailers to plan ahead in their mail production.
First Class Mail is material wholly or partially handwritten (including carbons), postcards, completed forms, statements, invoices, and typewritten or computer processed correspondence. This is what most people have in mind when they mail something through the United States Postal Service. All mailable matter may be sent as First Class Mail with the exception of certain items shown in the Domestic Mail Manual C010.9.0. In addition, the following items may be mailed only as First Class or Express Mail: matter that is written or typewritten, matter that is closed against postal inspection, matter having the character of actual and personal correspondence, bills & statements of account. First Class Mail receives expeditious handling and transportation in an effort to achieve the following service objectives: overnight delivery between the point of mailing and the locally designated cities and sectional centers, second day delivery for locally designated states, third day delivery for the remainder of the USA. The USPS does not guarantee the delivery of First Class Mail. However, First Class Mail deposited before 5:00 PM at sectional centers and destined for a local metropolitan delivery area is often delivered overnight.
PRIORITY MAIL
Priority Mail is used for documents, gifts, and merchandise. Any mailable item may be sent as Priority Mail. The maximum weight is 70 pounds. The maximum size is 108 inches or less in combined length and distance around the thickest part. Mark each package "Priority Mail" in the postage area or use a USPS-provided Priority Mail envelope or box.
Features
Priority Mail offers 1-3 day service to most domestic destinations. Priority Mail envelopes, labels, and boxes are available at no additional charge at most post offices or by ordering from our Online Order Form.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope & Box
$4.60 is charged for matter sent in a Priority Mail Flat Rate envelope provided by the Postal Service, regardless of weight or destination.
$8.95 is charged for material send in a Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box provided by the Postal Service, regardless of weight or destination.
USPS EXPRESS MAIL
Express Mail offers overnight service to many destinations and is guaranteed or your money is refunded. Express Mail is delivered to many locations 365 days a year including weekends and holidays - at no extra charge - and delivered next day by noon to select locations. All packages must use an Express Mail label. Maximum weight is 70 pounds.
Express Mail Delivery Commitments
Features
Express Mail provides tracking and insurance up to $100 at no additional cost. Additional merchandise insurance is available up to $5,000. Free Express Mail envelopes, labels, and boxes are available. Features include merchandise and document reconstruction, tracking and tracing, delivery to post office boxes and rural addresses, domestic rates for APO and FPO addresses, money-back guarantee, COD, and return receipt service.
The USPS has the ability to track Express Mail.
You can obtain the delivery status of an Express Mail package at any time by calling 1-800-222-1811.
Standard Mail weighs less than 16 ounces. It consists of four subclasses: Regular, Nonprofit, Enhanced Carrier Route, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route. These subclasses include printed matter, pamphlets, catalogs, newletters, direct mail, and merchandise.
Package Services is the new name for the previously named Standard Mail (B). Package Services is mailable matter that is neither mailed nor required to be mailed as First-Class Mail, not mailed as Standard Mail, and not entered as Periodicals (unless permitted or required by regulations). It consists of four current subclasses:
- Parcel Post
- Bound Printed Matter (BMP)
- Library Mail
- Media Mail (previously named Special Standard Mail)
CERTIFIED MAILCertified Mail provides the mailer with optional proof of mailing and a record of delivery at the delivering post office. The record of delivery is retained for two years by the USPS. Certified Mail travels enroute with all other First Class Mail and receives no identity until it reaches the delivery post office.
In situations where a proof of delivery is the real concern and the item being mailed has no cash or intrinsic value, Certified Mail would offer a viable alternative to Registered Mail. Certified Mail does not have to be presented at a post office. Only mailable matter on which the First Class or Priority rate is paid may be mailed as Certified Mail. Certified Mail along with a Return Receipt is a good way to send First Class Mail if you need proof that you sent it and proof that the recipient received it. Contact Campus Mail Service for more information on sending Certified Mail.
