Postal services

We recommend this service as the most reliable and cost-effective method of sending urgent or valuable UK letters and packages (under 2Kg), items are:

• Tracked from the University and must be signed for by the recipient (tracking numbers are retained by the Post Room).
• Kept in a secure area by Royal Mail.
• Insured for 500 pounds as standard (which can be raised to 2500 pounds for an extra fee).
• Guaranteed for next day delivery before 1pm as standard (or before 9am for an extra fee).
• Saturday delivery is an option for an extra fee.

International Priority Services:

1.    Airsure (Tracked):  is only available to certain countries and is tracked in the UK and onwards to delivery.
More information about Airsure (including the countries covered).

2.   International Signed For:  is available to any overseas destination; however it is only tracked on the UK stage of its journey for some countries so we do not recommend it for any valuable or urgent items.   More details including the level of tracking available for each country.

3.   Tracked & Signed: offers full end to end tracking, signature on delivery and an online delivery confirmation. More details about full end to end tracking.

Parcelforce can be used to send UK parcels over 2Kg that require tracking.  The following services are available:

• PF48:  2 working day service (cheapest option)
• PF24:  next working day service
• PF12/PF10/PF9:  next working day before 12pm, 10am, 9am
• SATURDAY:  Saturday delivery is available for a higher price

Please add your 3 digit department code to the parcel plus which service you require i.e. PF48, PF24.

Please contact us for the latest prices.

DHL is the best choice for any urgent or valuable overseas items and it can also be used for UK letters and parcels.  Items are delivered quickly around the world, are fully tracked at all stages of their journey and have to be signed for at their destinations.  Enhanced insurance can also be offered.  DHL prices are dependant upon what you are sending, where you are sending it and the weight of the item, please contact us for a quote.

The DHL paperwork can be generated on-line.  Postal Services can supply an easy to follow guide and all your log in details. 

https://mydhl.express.dhl/gb/en/auth/login.html

Very important: All international packages (anything other than documents) must be booked via DHL. The correct export documentation must be completed, otherwise customs will destroy the package.

We use DHL to send our normal Airmail.  Airmail must be banded separately and clearly marked in the top left corner.  Please Note - The Republic of Ireland is classed as Airmail whereas Northern Irish addresses (which have a BT postcode) are classed as normal UK mail.

Very important: All international packages (anything other than documents) must be booked via DHL. The correct export documentation must be completed, otherwise customs will destroy the package.

Relocation: If your department or Unit moves offices or buildings please inform Postal Services here.

(NB: please do not use this form for individual moves only departmental moves)

Postal Prices  - postal prices are always changing so if an accurate quote or costing is required please contact the Post Room.

Saturday Deliveries  -  weekends are not classed as 'working days'  by the postal companies.  If a Saturday delivery is required this must be specified on the item and can be arranged for an extra cost for UK items.

Large Volumes of Post (Mailshots) or Very Heavy Items  -  Postal Services should be notified about large mailshots or very heavy items in advance. Please call the Post Room (preferably midday) and we will collect the mailshot/heavy item separately from the normal run. Please band your mailshots into bundles facing the same way and keep sacks light enough to be lifted with one hand (Max 10Kg).

Business Reply Service  -  this refers to the pre-paid envelopes that can be sent out for the return of research questionnaires etc. to the University.  The University has licences covering this for the UK , thus you only pay for items that are returned.  The envelopes used have to conform to certain Post Office specifications and can be ordered from Central Printing Services who hold the tenplate.  please e-mail the Post Room for full details.

Internal Mail  -  this should be addressed to the person you are sending it to, with the department and building clearly marked. Acronyms are not helpful (e.g. not many people know where Campus Services is!) and just stating the College can also lead to confusion as the College may be spread over several locations.  Please remember when using internal envelopes to cross out the previous address.

Internal Courier Services -  if you need something delivered urgently to another part of the University or require a signature as proof of delivery we can normally help.  Please contact us for a quote and further information.

External Courier Services - if you need something delivered urgently within the UK please contact the Postal Services Team who will be able to assist you with your enquiry.

Our commitment is to provide the University with the most efficient customer focused range of services, supporting its global reach of delivering world-class research and education.  Read the complete Customer Service Charter by clicking here. 

Personal Mail  - – Personal Mail – SHOULD NOT be sent via the University Post Room as it WILL NOT be accepted or delivered via the Post Services. We cannot take any responsibility for any personal items lost or undelivered.

Dangerous Goods  -  Advice on Dangerous Goods.

This form must be filled in if you are sending dangerous goods. 

Should you require further information please contact the Post Room

Please ensure that you record which categories of dangerous good you are sending using the check boxes in the Optional Services box: