INTERNATIONAL MAIL

Contents:
USPS International Mail
UPS International Shipping



U.S. Postal Service International Mail

Procedures for letters and postcards:

  1. Weigh item on postal scale.
    Envelopes weighing 16oz. or more should be treated like packages.

  2. Stamp "AIR MAIL" and "LETTER POST."
    For letters to Canada and Mexico, envelopes should be stamped "FIRST CLASS" and "AIR MAIL."
    Letters to Puerto Rico are treated like domestic mail.

  3. International Mail should be banded and accompanied by a Campus Mail Services Request form.


Procedures for packages:

  1. Weigh item on postal scale.

  2. Check the international USPS International Online Rate Calculator. Select country and level of service.

  3. Items marked "First Class" or "Air mail" are to be sent via "AIR MAIL-PARCEL POST." Be sure to stamp "AIR MAIL" and "PARCEL POST" or items will be returned. For items that are time-sensative, choose the approprate Global Express Service. Global Express Flat Rate envelopes and shipping boxes are available in the mailroom.

  4. For items not specifically marked, check the rate for "ECONOMY (Surface) PARCEL POST." In most cases the cost savings over AIR MAIL service is negligible relative to the shipping time. For example, it may cost $3.00 more to send a package air mail, but it will arrive in 4-10 days rather than 4-6 weeks. If this is the case, send the item AIR MAIL - PARCEL POST.
  5. For packages less than 16oz. no customs forms are necessary. All levels of service for packages 16 oz. or greater require customs forms.

 

Level of service
Weight
Custom Form Required
Global Priority Mail Less than 16 oz. None
16 oz. - 4 lbs. PS Form 2976
Greater than 4 lbs. PS Form 2976-A
Airmail Letter Post Less than 16 oz. None
1 lb - 4 lbs PS Form 2976
Greater than 4 lbs PS Form 2976-A
Airmail Parcel Post Less than 16 oz None
16 oz. or greater PS Form 2976-A
Economy (Surface) Letter Post Less than 16oz. None
1 lb. - 4 lbs. PS Form 2976 CN22
Greater than 4 lbs. PS Form 2976-A
Economy (Surface) Parcel Post Less than 16 oz. None
16 oz. or greater PS Form 2976-A
    1. PS Form 2976: A green customs sticker with barcode and detachable Sender's Declaration. Be sure BOTH parts of this form are signed, or mail will be returned. If you are uncomfortable signing this, give it to the the mailroom manager.
    2. PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note: A large white 4-part form. Once completed and signed, place this form in the large clear plastic envelope with the adhesive backing and attach to the parcel. Do not seal the envelope closed and do not cover the address.

       

  1. International packages should be separated into two outgoing mail bins:
    1. "AIR MAIL - LETTER POST " under 16oz. and all GLOBAL PRIORITY can be placed in domestic first class mail bin. Be sure that you include Campus Mail Services Request forms for each level of service.
    2. All other international packages 16 oz. or greater must be in a separate bin. Be sure to include the Campus Mail Services Request form and a "TARGET MAIL" slip.

 


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United Parcel Service International Shipping

UPS offers a number of services for sending international packages. For more detailed information on each service, see the UPS International Services website or call the UPS International Customer Service center at 1-800-782-7892.

  • UPS SonicAir
    --ensures the earliest delivery of your urgent shipments to more than 180 countries worldwide.
  • UPS Worldwide Express Plus
    --Delivery to Europe by 8:30 am - 2nd business day.
    --Delivery by 8:30 a.m. on the next business day to Canada.
  • UPS Worldwide Express
    --Guaranteed next day delivery by 10:30 a.m., noon, or by the end of the business day to Canada.
    --Guaranteed second day delivery by 10:30 a.m. to major business centers in more than 1,000 cities across Europe, and by noon or end of business day to other destinations.
    --Letter and document delivery is guaranteed by end of next business day to Europe and Asia when you call for an early pickup.
  • UPS Worldwide Expedited
    --Most shipments from Canada are delivered within two business days
    --Most shipments from Mexico are delivered within three business days
    --Shipments from Europe, Asia, and Central and South America are delivered within four to five business days

 

Mailroom Procedure for Preparing UPS International Packages:

  1. Log on to our user account on the UPS website. See the mailroom supervisor for account information.
  2. For Documents:
    The Libraries have a special UPS account for the international shipping of documents. This account negates the need for customs documentation. See the mailroom supervisor for the proper account number and follow the usual Create a Shipment procedure on the UPS website.
  3. For all other international shipments, customs documentation is required. Determine the appropriate level of service and use the online tools to Create a Shipment.
  4. Required documentation. Information on each of these forms can be found on the UPS website.
  1. Adhere clear plastic documentation envelope to the package. Place all required documentation in the envelope.
    UPS delivery person will check to see that all necessary documentation is present upon pickup.


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Last revised: 7 June 2006 - blb
URL: http://libweb.buffalo.eductsstaff/mail/intlmail.html