Puzzled by postal rates? Seeking stamps? Wondering when it will arrive? Look for your answer among the alphabetized topics below. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, then call our Customer Service Center at 412-624-6500 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Account Numbers
Our accounting system requires the use of a 32-digit account number by all departments. A mailing requisition, available through FormFlow or through the Forms Administration/Stockroom, must be attached to the item(s) being processed. Mail without a requisition will be returned.
Addresses
Please inform your correspondents of your complete University address, including the correct nine-digit zip code for buildings on the lower campus, buildings on the upper campus, or student residence halls. For campus mail, please use complete, correct addresses as listed in the Find People Directory.
Addressing U.S. Mail
The accuracy of the addresses of outgoing U.S. mail affects the speed and handling of your mail. See the convenient United States Postal Service customer guide.
Bulk Mail
Our bulk mail operation offers the full range of mail processing functions, including addressing, inserting, metering, sacking, and zip code sorting. Learn more about bulk mail.
Campus Addresses
Learn the appropriate format to use when addressing campus mail.
Certified Mail
Certified mail provides proof of mailing, at time of mailing, and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. You can obtain a return receipt which provides the date of delivery and the recipient's signature.
Change of Address
Planning an on-campus move? Complete an online change of address form.
Classes of Mail
Uncertain what class of service to use for your letter or parcel? Connect to the convenient United States Postal Service customer guide.
Courier Services
The University of Pittsburgh has contracted with American Expediting to meet your same-day delivery service needs throughout the city of Pittsburgh, local areas, and out of state. To schedule a delivery, contact the Pittsburgh office of American Expediting at 412-321-4546, and let them know that you are with the University of Pittsburgh, account 34188, so that you will receive our contracted rates. Caller must supply their first and last name, phone number, complete pickup and delivery address including zip code, and complete 32-digit departmental account number to receive contracted rates. Please specify requested pickup and delivery time. Invoices will be submitted to University Mailing Services for verification and processing. Learn more about American Expediting.
Delivery Schedules
The United States Postal Service delivers mail to the University each day at 8:00 a.m. We deliver and collect mail on campus each morning between 8:00 a.m. and noon and collect it again each afternoon between 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Drop Boxes
There are more than 30 UPS Letter Center pick-up sites on campus. See a list of drop box locations.
Express Mail
The University contracts with UPS to ship next-day letters and packages, second-day letters and packages, and Saturday deliveries, as well as ground shipments. Find more information on express mail services.
First-Class
First-class mail service is available for letters, flat items and small packages that don’t exceed 13 ounces. First-class mail generally is delivered in one to three days. Don’t always assume that first class is your best choice. Check the convenient United States Postal Service customer guide to see how another class of service might save you money. Refer to priority mail for items over 13 ounces.
Forwarding Mail
When you move out of University housing, you are required to complete an online forwarding address form. Mail will be returned to the sender if no forwarding address is submitted.
Only letters and packages sent through the United States Postal Service can be forwarded. Mail will only be forwarded when a student has moved out of their on-campus accommodation, and will not be forwarded during University holidays or breaks.
Ground Shipping
Proship is the University’s preferred partner for ground shipments, as well as express mail. Find more information about shipping and express mail services.
Handling Suspicious Mail
What should you do in the event you receive a suspicious letter or package? Visit the United States Postal Service's site for suspicious mail to gain valuable information about recognizing and handling suspicious mail. You must report any suspicious mail to campus police at 412-624-2121 or City of Pittsburgh Police at 911.
Hazardous Materials
UPS will not accept shipments of hazardous material. To determine whether material is classified as hazardous, please call the University’s Environmental Health & Safety Office at 412-624-9505. You also can call the UPS HAZMAT hotline at 1-800-554-9964. If your shipment is considered hazardous, call the Express Mail Office at 412-624-6500 to arrange for an approved shipper.
Hours of Operation
University Mailing Services
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Customer Service Center: 412-624-6500
Express Mail and Shipping Office
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
412-624-6500
Insurance
You can insure a valuable item with the United States Postal Service against damage or loss. Insurance is available on standard and priority mail. To learn more about insuring your mail, check the convenient United States Postal Service customer guide.
International Mail
A variety of regulations regarding addressing and custom declarations apply to international mail. We suggest that you use ProShip for your international shipping needs.
Labels and Mailing Lists
The University does not sell or otherwise make available to outside agencies name and address lists or mailing labels of University faculty, staff, students, or alumni. Mailing labels are used only for official business of the University.
Mailboxes
Each residential student is assigned a mailbox in one of our Panther Post locations. Find more information about student mail addresses, deliveries, and collections.
Mailing Supplies Order Form
Need to reorder mail materials? Film out our mailing supplies order form.
Mailing Requisition
A mailing requisition must be attached to the item(s) being processed. Mail without a requisition will be returned.
Nonprofit Rate
A special bulk rate for nonprofit organizations is available through University Mailing Services. If you plan to use the University’s postal permit for a mailing, you must contact our Customer Service Center at 412-624-6500 before you print the piece. Find more information about bulk mailing.
Personal Mail
The University mail system is a restricted service. It is not to be used for personal use, for private gain, by non-University groups, or for the advertisement of programs not sponsored by the University. Contact Panther Post for help with your personal mailing needs.
Pick-Up Schedules
We deliver and collect mail on campus each morning between 8 a.m. and noon and collect it again each afternoon between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Postage Rates
You can easily find the postage rate for a package of almost any size or weight on the United States Postal Service Price List.
Postal Permits
A special bulk rate for nonprofit organizations is available through University Mailing Services. If you plan to use the University’s postal permit for a mailing, you must contact our Customer Service Center at 412-624-6500 before you print the piece. Find more information about bulk mailing.
Preparing Mail and Packages
Careful preparation of your mail and packages helps to ensure safe delivery. For information on preparing mail, visit the United States Postal Service convenient online customer guide. Learn more about the USPS's guidelines on mailing or sending packages.
Priority Mail
Priority mail is first-class mail weighing more than 13 ounces. Priority mail rates are based on zone and weight. The maximum weight is 70 pounds, and the maximum size is 108 inches in combined length and girth. Learn more about USPS's guidelines on priority mail.
ProShip
The University uses ProShip to rate shop express and shipping services.
Read Green
Complete the Read Green mailing requisition form to request a Read Green mailing.
Refusing Mail
You may refuse unopened mail. Simply cross through the address, mark "Refused" or "Return," and put it with your interoffice mail. Nonprofit, bulk rate, or standard mail that is not marked “Address Service Requested" cannot be returned to the sender. If it is yours and you do not want it, you can either shred it if it contains personal information or recycle it if it does not. Please be advised that opened mail must be repackaged and postage paid.
Registered Mail
Registered mail is the most secured service that the USPS offers. It provides the sender with a mailing receipt and, upon request, electronic verification of delivery. You can obtain a return receipt which provides the date of delivery, and the recipient's signature. Learn more about registered mail.
Requisitions
A mailing requisition, available through FormFlow or through the Forms Administration/Stockroom, must be attached to the item(s) being processed. Mail without a requisition will be returned.
Return Receipt
A return receipt gives you proof of delivery. The receipt identifies the item delivered, who signed for it, and the date and address where it was delivered. You also can purchase restricted delivery service for confirmation of delivery to the addressee or his or her agent. Learn more about return receipts.
Routes and Schedules
The United States Postal Service delivers mail to the University each day at 8 a.m. We deliver and collect mail on campus each morning between 8 a.m. and noon and collect it again each afternoon between 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sealing
University Mailing Services seals all domestic open-side envelopes, such as standard #10 business envelopes and flat-size booklet envelopes. The envelopes should be submitted to University Mailing Services with flaps closed. Open-ended envelopes, such as coin envelopes or flat-size catalog envelopes, cannot be sealed automatically on metering equipment and should be sealed prior to giving them to University Mailing Services. Envelopes with metal clasps should be sealed prior to sending to University Mailing Services.
Stamps
Students, Faculty, and Staff can purchase individual stamps ($0.66) and books of 20 ($13.20) in the Towers Mail Center. The Student Mail Center (Panther Post) only accepts Panther Funds for stamp purchases.
Student Mail
When mail is received for a residential student, recipient will receive an email and can pick up the letter at the mail center. Find more information about student mail addresses, deliveries, and collections.
Tracking Your Shipment
The University uses ProShip for express mail and ground shipping. Use ProShip to track your parcel or package!
Types of Mail Service
Access a list of the types of delivery services provided by the United States Postal Service, the delivery time of each, and a description of the class of service.
Zip Codes
Need a zip code for an on-campus facility? View zip codes for buildings on the lower campus, buildings on the upper campus, and student residence halls. Or find any United States Postal Service zip code.