Incoming Mail
All incoming mail must be University business related.
The University of Alabama Campus Mail Service receives mail from the United States Postal Service once a day, Monday through Friday. Mail that is delivered to the University of Alabama by the USPS arrives on campus at approximately 8:00 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 8:00 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:
John Doe
The University of Alabama
Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office
Box 870268
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0268
NOTE: Your +4 on the end of your zip code is determined by the last 4 digits of your BOX number
USPS 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.
Outgoing Mail
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 from Campus Mail Service during the regular work week at 4:20 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.
How to Prepare Your Outgoing Mail
Discount & Automation Mail
Bulk Mail processing is a cooperative venture with the University of Alabama bulk mail unit and the post office. Click here for more information.
Hazardous Materials
Campus Mail Service does not handle any Hazardous Materials or Infectious Substances. This includes inbound shipments as well as outbound shipments. All outbound shipments, including any pre-paid returns, that are considered or defined as hazardous, infectious or dangerous should be directed through the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
Please contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at the University of Alabama for assistance, (205) 348-5905. Click here to view the Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Shipping Guidelines and Instruction.