Say goodbye to the Facebook notifications and hello to handwritten letters and care packages.
With the holidays right around the corner, many are getting a head start when it comes to mailing their holiday correspondence.
However, if you lack know-how consider looking over these steps to guarantee success according to the University mail room and the U.S. Postal Service.
Play by the rules
Before sending something ask yourself if the item abides by the rules. According to the USPS, “all matter that is outwardly or of its own force dangerous or injurious to life, health, or property is nonmailable.”
University post office clerk, Reta Leavitt, said the mailroom has the same policy as the USPS. This means it is prohibited to ship and receive certain items through the post office, including firecrackers and illegal drugs.
Though not illegal, when sending something fragile excessive cushioning is highly suggested to avoid breakage or an injury from broken glass as the package is being handled.
Compare shipping rates
Whether it is domestic or abroad, consider comparing shipping rates to see what type of delivery is best.
Websites such as shippingsidekick.com allow users to get an approximate estimate of what they can expect to pay by entering the weight and dimension of their item.
Post Office Supervisor Janet Curry said the mailroom has all the proper tools in case students ever have questions regarding the weight of their mail.
Label envelopes properly
With over 16.5 billion cards and packages delivered between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, labeling correspondence correctly is a critical for efficient delivery.
The USPS suggests to first check the address for accuracy. Several websites offer quick tools that help by looking up the zip code to ensure that the correspondence is being sent to the correct location.
Once you have verified the information, remember to label the item according to USPS guidelines. This includes having the delivery and return addresses printed on the same side of the item, parallel to the longest edge.
However, if you are the one receiving mail, Leavitt reminds students to use their “actual name rather than a buyer’s name,” when having the item delivered to the school.
If the student’s name is not on the package, “it makes it really difficult to track down who the package belongs to,” she said.
The mail room is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are closed weekends and during chapel. from 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday. They are closed weekends and during chapel.