Packages and Shipping
Shipping Packages
Who Does What
Front Desk staff can answer questions about shipping.
Lab staff are responsible for:
- having their own shipping accounts* (UPS CampusShip, FedEx)
- preparing shipping orders
- placing and paying for the orders via lab funds
*FedEx is the preferred shipping vendor at Russell Labs.
Receiving Packages
The Mailroom
The mailroom is a holding area. It is not staffed, and incoming packages are not formally received, logged, or tracked.
Tracking Delivery
Lab staff are responsible for tracking package delivery.
Once the vendor or shipping software shows “delivered,” lab staff should pick up the package promptly.
Why It’s Important to Pick Up Packages Promptly
The longer a package sits, the greater the chance:
- it could be misplaced or damaged
- the contents could deteriorate (e.g. plant samples or frozen materials) or leak. Please factor in weekends and holidays when placing the initial order.
Perishables
Front Desk staff availability varies due to workload and staffing. Some days they may not be able to check the mailroom as frequently as other days.
Labs should track the delivery of their packages with perishable items.
Package Pickup Schedule
| Vendor | Pickup Day(s) | Pickup Location |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | Mon. - Fri. | Reception desk room 237. |
| UPS | Wed. | Loading dock – bin marked for UPS pickup. Place package in bin by Wednesday morning. For a full list of UPS drop-off locations, see the UPS drop-off locator. |
| FedEx | NA | You will need to contact FedEx and schedule a pickup or drop the package off at a FedEx location . |
Postal Scale
There is a postal scale in room 237 for weighing packages.
Choosing a Shipping Vendor
The vendor must have a current contract with the State of Wisconsin:
- UPS - United Parcel Service
- FedEx - Federal Express
- USPS - United States Postal Service (Post Office)
Warning - Shipping Rules Vary by Vendor
Each shipping vendor has their own rules regarding things like weight, shipping certain substances, and ways to seal packages.
Example: the USPS has very specific rules about tape.
Moral: read the rules carefully, or the vendor may reject your package.
Choose by Package Type
- Small packages - ask the Hub Administrative Specialist.
- Large packages - use UPS or FedEx.
Where is My Package?
Sometimes a package makes it to the building, then goes missing. This could be due to someone picking up the wrong package, or the package being delivered to the wrong person/location.
If the shipping services says they delivered the package, try checking the following locations in Russell Labs:
- Upstairs mailroom – room 218
- Loading dock
- Tables in the lobby
- Outside the PDDC office – room 183
After searching those locations, if you still haven’t located the package:
- check with everyone in your lab group in case someone else picked up the package
- contact the shipping service
If you still haven’t found the package, contact the Hub Administrative Specialist.
How to Setup Shipping Accounts
Visit the How to Ship Packages web page to learn how to setup shipping accounts with FedEx and UPS.
How to Prep and Ship Packages
Visit the How to Ship Packages web page to learn how to ship packages with FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
Questions on Package Shipping or Receiving
- Please contact the Front Desk team.