Mail and Shipments

Incoming Mail and Shipments:

  • USF collects USPS mail and packages from the local USPS distribution center every weekday morning.
  • All incoming packages are sorted by purchase order number and department. Even if you receive a delivery notice from the vendor, packages must be entered and routed by the Central Receiving department before the Mailroom or Laborers can deliver them.
  • Packages for departments with delivery service will be delivered to the department’s main area within three business days, unless special instructions are provided.
  • For time-sensitive items, such as perishables or priority packages, retrieve them from Central Receiving or send an urgent delivery request to both Central Receiving and the Mailroom. These items will be delivered the next business day upon approval.

Large or Oversized Shipments:

  • For packages exceeding ten items or 50 lbs, provide Central Receiving with a FOAP and destination. A Facilities work order will be initiated for Campus Services to deliver within five business days.

Delivery Attempts:

  • The Mailroom will not redeliver packages after the initial attempt. To retrieve your package, make an appointment during Mailroom operating hours within five business days. Unclaimed packages will be returned to the sender. For appointments or inquiries, contact the Mailroom.

Personal Mail:

  • Mail addressed to USF at 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117, becomes University property. The Receiving Department opens all parcels for purchase orders and invoices. Personal mail should not be sent to the University address. This reduces mail burden and avoids marketing or junk mail.

Biohazardous and hazardous materials:

  • The Mailroom cannot deliver bio/hazardous materials. Retrieve such items directly from Receiving.

University Office Location Updates:

  • Mail and packages are routed by department name. To ensure accurate delivery, update your office address in Workday by contacting your Business Manager. They can make changes using the Change Work Space task in Workday.

 

Outbound Mail and Shipments:

  • The Mailroom does not handle personal or student outbound shipments. Use USPS, UPS, or FedEx locations for personal mail.
  • Outgoing mail must include a University return address and a Shipping Request Form. Ensure envelopes are bundled with flaps open or wrapped with a rubber band if unsealed.
  • At processing, you will be asked if the parcel contains liquids, fragile items, perishables, or hazardous materials. The Mailroom reserves the right to open and/or refuse packages missing the Shipping Request Form or content verification.

Packaging materials and best practices:

  • The Mailroom has limited carrier-provided boxes; special packaging materials must be purchased. Contact the Laboratory Safety Manager or the Environmental Health and Safety Manager for packaging advice.
  • Ensure outer packaging is properly labeled and marked according to the carrier and DOT regulations. Reused boxes must have old labels covered or removed. Affix labels securely to avoid delays.
  • Contents should be secured in containers that do not rattle, break, or leak. Polystyrene coolers are not acceptable as outer packaging; use a box or rigid container instead.

Optional Domestic Prepaid Return Label:

  • Departments can request a prepaid return label, which results in a double-shipping charge. Provide the following information:
    1. Return address
    2. FOAP and department name
    3. Contact email and phone number
    4. Package weight in lbs
    5. Ground or Express shipping
    6. Insurance amount (if needed)

International sHIPMENTS:

  • For international mail (excluding Mexico and Canada), use DHL World Mail service to reduce costs. Note that carriers cannot guarantee delivery dates due to international conditions.
  • Complete a "Commercial Invoice" for international shipments. Compliance with local customs regulations is required, and dutiable items may face delays.
  • The Commercial Invoice should include:
    1. Exact description of goods
    2. Detailed contents and their uses
    3. Unit price and total value for each item
    4. Quantities
    5. Full consignee and shipper details, including contact information

Additional Resources:

USF Mail Services

Andrew Revelli

USF Mailroom
Hayes Healy Lower Level
2299 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118

Hours:
Monday - Friday - 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Close on University observed holidays

(415) 422-6341