Outgoing Mail
Outgoing mail is processed through meter machines. Parcel rates may apply to non-machinable mail.
Criteria for non-machinable letters:
- It is irregular in shape
- It contains very rigid items such as wood or metal
- It has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices
- It contains items that cause the thickness of the mail piece to be uneven
Envelopes with Clasps
Distribution Services strongly discourages the use of clasped envelopes. If you use one for US Mail weighing 1 ounce or less, it will be subject to a surcharge of $0.17 each. If you use one for mail weighing more than 1 ounce, do not secure it with the clasp. Instead, seal the flap over the clasp and place a piece of packing tape over the hole and clasp.
Self-mailers
To avoid surcharges and damage to self-mailers:
- Tri-fold with the last fold at the bottom
- Seal with a permanent adhesive tape or tab
- Do not staple
- Do not use removable seals
Sealing Envelopes
Individual outgoing envelopes should be sealed by the originating sender, although a large quantity of #10 envelopes (2 ounces or less), can be sealed by Distribution Services. The envelopes need to be bundled facing in the same direction with the envelope flaps down as if already sealed, or with all the flaps up and out.
FedEx Shipping
The UCI campus uses a FedEx Direct account or FedEx Expedited account for FedEx Shipping, which is managed by the PALCard Team in Procurement Services. FedEx Direct and FedEx Expedited accounts provide access to UC discounted shipping rates. To acquire a FedEx account please go to Procurement FedEx. You may also request FedEx packaging and mailing forms from UCI Distribution Services with the Mail Supply Form.
FedEx Express is scheduled for a daily (Monday-Friday) at 3:30pm. If you have a FedEx Express package ready for shipping, please call UCI Distribution Services so we can pick up your shipment. You may also drop off any prepaid FedEx Express item at any of our mail lockers or drop boxes. Our last pick up is at Aldrich Hall Mail Room at 3:00pm.*
*FedEx dry ice shipments need to be scheduled or dropped off before 1:00pm, Monday-Friday.
Personal Mail
U.S. Postal Service collection boxes should be used for outgoing personal mail. Faculty and staff should have all personal mail and parcels directed to their home or other non-University address.