(U.S. Mail)
The UMC Mail Service's primary responsibility is to provide service for UMC business purposes. Business-related mail is metered and paid from state-appropriated funds allocated for postage. Only the postmaster has the authority to allow a department to use a U.S.-prepared postage permit.
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Personal use of UMC's permit is strictly forbidden and could result in legal action!
Self-Service Postal Center:
A self-service postal center is conveniently located near The UMC Mail Service. Stamp machines, U.S. Postal Service drop boxes and overnight express boxes are located at the center for your convenience.
The stamp machines provide books as well as single stamps. Any malfunction of the stamp machines may be reported by calling 351-7073 or notifying The UMC Mail Service. Rolls and Books of stamps are available at The UMC Mail Service counter.
Personal packages requiring weighing can be handled through The UMC Mail Service.
The following will ensure the most efficient handling of UMC mail:
- Always seal and separate domestic and international mail from campus mail.
- Keep all UMC business mail to be metered separate from all other mail.
- Batch envelopes for one mailing to face the same direction.
- Group envelopes by size and weight (do not mix).
- Separate postcards from envelopes.
- Indicate class of service for all mail other than first-class letters.
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For private and personal mail, use stamp machines and mail boxes conveniently located near The UMC Mail Service.
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All private practice mail to be metered must have a charge code slip with department charge code and authorized signature.
Types of Shipping:
Speed, cost, content, weight, and quantity are criteria used to determine the best method of mailing a package. Choosing the right service class can save money while meeting objectives. The following descriptions highlight key services for each domestic mail (not international) service class and are listed in cost and delivery-speed order. Click here for a Domestic Mail Rate Calculator. Click the text below to jump to a detailed description:
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Remember to label each piece of mail with the appropriate service class before sending to The UMC Mail Service, except for #10 or smaller first-class letters and postcards.
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Express Mail is the fastest service, with next-day delivery by 12 noon to most destinations and second-day delivery to remote areas. Express mail is delivered 365 days a year with no additional cost for weekend or holiday deliveries. If a business is closed, the mail will be delivered the following business day. All packages must use an express mail label. Special express envelopes are also available. The maximum weight is 70 pounds. The postage rate is determined by item weight. Back to List
Priority Mail is first-class mail weighing over 13 ounces. At your option, any mail weighing less than 13 ounces may also be mailed as priority mail. Priority mail offers two- or three-day service to most locations. Special priority envelopes are available at no additional charge, or priority labels may be used on your own envelope or package in conjunction with your own address label. The maximum weight is 70 pounds. Delivery zones and shipping weights determine the postage price. Back to List
First-Class Mail is the basic postal service mail class for business mail. Items normally mailed first-class include postcards, letters, and non-letter mail that is personal in nature. This would include bills, invoices, checks and letters containing personalized information and anything sealed against postal inspection. It is not necessary to identify service class on the piece. Delivery varies from one to seven days, depending on travel distance. The maximum weight is 13 ounces. Back to List
Bound Printed Matter is a standard mail (B) rate that is typically catalogs, books, and other printed materials that meet specific eligibility standards. These standards include items that:
- Are securely bound by permanent fastening;
- Do not have personal correspondence;
- Are not stationery (blank printed items); and
- Contain 90% imprinted matter by any process other than handwriting.
The minimum weight is one pound, and the maximum weight is 15 pounds. Delivery varies from several days to two weeks, depending on distance. Delivery zones and shipping weights determine the postage price. Label these items "bound printed matter." Back to List
- Media Mail is generally used for books, films, printed music, printed test materials, sound recordings, manuscripts, printed educational charts, loose-leaf pages and binders consisting of medical information and computer-readable media. Label these items "media mail."
- Library Rate is used for books, recordings, educational and museum materials mailed between libraries, schools, universities, non-profit organizations and museums. This rate may be used when mailing from the University Medical Center to an individual who has no financial interest in the sale, promotion or distribution of the materials. Label these items "library rate."
Advertising restrictions apply. The minimum weight is one pound. The maximum weight is 70 pounds. The maximum dimension is 108 inches in length and girth combined. Delivery ranges from several days to two weeks, depending on distance. There is no delivery zone up-charge. Shipping weights determine the price. Media mail and library rate share the same fee structure and compliance standards. Package labeling will remain unchanged. Back to List
Standard Mail (A) (Formerly known as bulk mail) is used to mail large numbers of identical items without applying individual postage. This process requires preprinting a mailing permit number (indicia) on each mail piece. The minimum requirements are 200 identical pieces for mail not requiring first-class service. It is not necessary to label the mail piece with this service class. Back to List
Standard Mail (A) (Non-profit) is used for most University mailings that qualify for a special standard mail (A) rate, known as nonprofit mail. Extensive procedures are in place to ensure compliance to nonprofit regulations. Those mailings that do not qualify for the nonprofit rate can still be mailed at the regular standard mail (A) rate. It is not necessary to label the mail piece with this service class. Back to List
Special Services may be added to many classes of domestic and international mail for an additional fee. These provide tracking and insurance and verify that delivery was made. Back to List
Types of Special Services:
- Registered Mail provides a level of security for valuable items such as stocks, bonds, gems, currency, and tickets. All items sent registered mail must meet minimum packaging specifications. Registered mail requires a signature at each postal location. While this provides an audit trail, it also delays delivery. Each piece of registered mail must have a declared value, even a $0 amount. Registered fees are based on the declared value. Domestic declared values are limited to $25,000, while international is $34.75. Use of a return receipt with registered mail defers a tracking fee. Domestic registered mail and international registered mail use different forms. See below for types of special services. Back to List
- Certified Mail is a service that provides the sender with a mailing receipt. A record of delivery is kept at the post office of address. This type of mail must be sent at first-class or priority mail rates to domestic addresses. Items generally sent certified mail include notices, important letters, legal documents, and non-negotiable items. Items sent certified mail must have a receipt for certified mail form filled out and attached to the mail piece. The UMC Mail Service recommends the use of a return receipt with all certified mail. Certified mail is only available to domestic addresses. Back to List
- Insured Mail provides coverage against loss or damage. The fee is dependent upon the declared value, and items must not be insured for more than their value. Insurance is used for parcels or merchandise that are shipped at the parcel post rate. Limits are $5,000 for domestic and vary from country to country on international mail. The UMC Mail Service recommends the use of a return receipt. Back to List
- Return Receipt is a form used to verify delivery where a receipt is signed and returned. The return receipt then serves as legal proof of delivery. The UMC Mail Service recommends the use of a return receipt with all registered, certified and insured mail. The two different return receipt forms are domestic return receipt and international return receipt mail. Use of a return receipt avoids additional tracing fees. Back to List
- Restricted Delivery Return Receipt is a form (pink for international mail or green for domestic mail) used to verify delivery where a receipt is signed and returned. Only the addressee can sign for the item. Back to List
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Any mail returned for postage due is paid by The UMC Mail Service and billed back to the originating department. Payment is due by the department immediately upon receipt of the billing.
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