Central Mail Service FAQ

When utilizing the reusable envelopes provided by Central Mail Service (order at extension 73133 or 77484), please take the few extra seconds to furnish a complete name and campus address. For example, our carriers may not know where to deliver a piece addressed to “Bill at CUC.” Because of the large volume handled, we must set aside mail with incomplete addresses, resulting in a delay at best.

Be sure to provide a complete and accurate mailing address to all publishers, vendors, friends, and relatives. Again, incomplete and/or inaccurate addressing will cause a delay in delivering the USPS pieces. We may be unable to deliver pieces that lack sufficient information.

The Claremont Colleges Central Mail Service, is a central service provided by the Claremont University Center. It is designed to be a prompt and efficient means to handle and deliver mail within the six campuses. Students, faculty, staff, and campus organizations may use Central Mail Service for individual letters and multiple mailings, subject to the restrictions below.

Deposit Central Mail Service in the designated place in your department or building for pickup and delivery by the Central Mail Service carrier. Central Mail Service provides free reusable envelopes in two sizes. Central Mail Service reserves the right to refuse to pick up or deliver any mail for just cause, such as excessive size or quantity, illegal or dangerous mail, etc.

• Each mailing address should contain the recipient's name, department, and college or central service. Insufficient addressing may delay delivery or result in the return of the mail to the sender.
• Envelope size must conform to the United States Postal Service (USPS) restrictions.
• If you have a large bulk mailing you must call in advance to the mailroom. Bulk mailings (20 or more pieces) must face the same way, grouped by building or college, and bundled with rubber bands. Size 8 ½ x 11 inch single sheets used as self-mailers should be folded in thirds, with the address on the outside. Registered student organizations may use bulk mail for appropriate campus activities.
• Mail marked “personal” or “confidential” will be accepted if sealed.
• Parcels in excess of forty pounds or five in number will NOT be delivered by the Central Mail Service, and must be picked up within five working days or they will be returned to sender.

The following may not be sent by central mail service:

• Any package unacceptable to the USPS, e.g., longest length plus smallest girth exceeds 84" and/or weight exceeds 40 pounds
• Campus-originated personal announcements or advertisements
• Political announcements (any document endorsing a candidate for public office, supporting or opposing or soliciting signatures on a petition for any issue that may appear on a ballot)
• Mail containing cash, stamps, or negotiable instruments
• Mail requiring special handling or delivery
• Mail to be delivered off-campus other than via USPS
• Mail considered illegal by USPS, including chain letters (3/96)

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has made changes in package collection for stamped domestic and international packages weighing 16 ounces or more. The changes became effective on August 16. They are designed to enhance airline security measures and to protect the traveling public, postal employees and postal contractors who transport U.S. Mail. The changes have been developed in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Effective August 16th, the new procedures are:

• All domestic packages or parcels bearing stamps and weighing 16 ounces or more and all international mail or military APO/FPO mail weighing 16 ounces or more may not be deposited in mail collection boxes, including street, lobby, apartment boxes, and rural mailboxes.
• The USPS is asking customers with parcels weighing 16 ounces or more to enter to drop them off in person at their local post office. Customers in rural areas can give the parcels to rural letter carriers. (Rural letter carriers can provide the same level of service as a post office.
• Parcels weighing 16 ounces and over mistakenly deposited in collection boxes, will be returned to the sender with a note asking the sender to deliver the parcel in-person at a post office.
• Postage on an item improperly deposited in a collection box may be re-used when the item is re-mailed at a post office.