Shipping Options

Airmail

When preparing Air Mail for processing through Mail Services, please remember to separate and band from other outgoing mail.

Airmail Endorsements

If you are sending mail overseas, it is important that it is marked "Air Mail" or "Par Avon". Without the endorsement, the mail pieces end up in the domestic mail stream, causing delays. Place the endorsement on both the front and back of the mail piece. Mail Services strongly encourages the use of official "Air Mail" envelopes. These envelopes tend to stand out and are easily recognized by postal employees. If not using official "Air Mail" envelopes, the next best option would be to purchase a hand stamp with the words "Air Mail" or "Par Avon".

Airmail Custom Form 2976

The U.S. Postal Service is requiring Custom Form PS 2976 to be prepared by the sender for each international package. This form, to be completed by the sender in each department, must be applied before Mail Services processes the package. Mail Services will return Airmail Packages that do not have the PS 2976 Form attached. This is a two part form and must be intact when mailed. Order your supply of Custom Form PS2976 from Mail Services at 395-2116.

Form Instructions

Complete both the green and white portions.

Green side must contain the following:

• Detailed Description of Contents
• Total Value $
• Signature

Mail Services will fill in the weight.

White side must contain the following:

• Name of Sender
• Address
• Signature and Date

Record tracking number and address for your files.

Business Reply Mail (BRM)

Business Reply Mail enables mailers to receive First-Class Mail back from customers by paying postage only on the mail returned to them from their original distribution of BRM pieces. The current cost of Business Reply Mail is nine cents plus the price of postage. Longwood University must use the Farmville zip code 23901 on all BRM pieces.

Business Reply envelopes may be ordered through Longwood University Printing Services at 395-2476. Contact Mail Services before ordering new Business Reply Mail envelopes.

Certified Mail

Certified mail provides a receipt to the sender and a record of delivery at the addressee's post office. No insurance is provided. Only First-Class mail can be certified.

Return Receipt

This is the sender's proof of delivery. A return receipt can be purchased for mail sent Express Mail, insured for more than $50, registered or certified. The return receipt shows who signed for the item and the date that it was delivered. For an additional fee, the sender can get the addressee's correct delivery address or request restricted delivery service. Restricted delivery only allows the addressee to sign for the package.

Note that fees are in addition to postage

Delivery Confirmation

USPS Tracking^TM - You can verify when your package was delivered or get information on delivery attempts, forwardings, or returns. Delivery Confirmation is now available to most APO/FPO destinations and some Pacific Islands.

United States Postal Service (USPS)

Longwood University Mail Services offers all USPS services except Postal money orders, Registered mail, and Delivery Confirmation. Stamps are available for sale during regular window hours Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Packages and letters are accepted for all domestic and international locations. All packages MUST be ready to ship as no packaging supplies are available for sale.

Departmental stamp purchases can be made by using your departmental purchase card in person at the US Post Office located at 301 East Third Street in Farmville. Stamps for personal use will not be delivered by Mail Services staff. Outgoing US Mail deposited in the receptacle in the Longwood University Mail Services lobby is dispatched Monday - Friday at 4:00 PM. The USPS blue mail box located behind Lankford on Redford street and across from the Library, is picked up Monday through Saturday at 2 p.m.

Please contact Mail Services for any questions or requests.

The United States Post Office in Farmville is located at 301 East Third Street.

• Business Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Phone: 1-800-275-8777

United Parcel Service (UPS)

United Parcel Service must be used by departments for GROUND shipment. Please indicate this choice on the mail charge slip. Mail Services may use UPS on all unmarked packages if determined more cost effective for the University. All next day letters and packages MUST be sent UPS NEXT DAY if the University is being charged for it. This is by State contract and must be followed. There are no exceptions.

Most UPS services are available at the Post Office window on a cash basis for personal use. All packages to be shipped by UPS should be brought to the Post Office window BEFORE 2:00 PM. Packages received after this time may be held until the following day. All packages shipped UPS will be assigned a tracking number and can be tracked by using our direct link on the Mail Services home page or by calling 1 800 PICKUPS (1 800 742 5877).

Note: incorrect addresses may result in a $5.00 address correction charge (per address) from ups. Check your address with the zip + 4 lookup

• UPS Customer Service / Supplies: 1-800-742-5877

Insured Mail

You can purchase insurance coverage up to $600 for Standard Mail as well as for Standard Mail matter mailed at the Priority Mail or First-Class Mail rate. The amount of insurance coverage for loss will be the actual value, less depreciation. No payments are made for sentimental losses or for any expenses incurred as a result of the loss. Contact Mail Services for more information.