Gradient blue background

Shipping and Traffic

Guidelines

We will assist University departments with outbound domestic and international shipments through our contracted carrier(s) on request. Shipping services may include:

  • Standard/ Normal outbound freight
  • Materials returned to vendors
  • Return of duplicate shipments
  • Equipment returned for repair
  • Return of damaged or defective equipment
  • Exchange of equipment or materials
  • Return of loaned equipment/ material 
a box with an umbrella over it on a wooden floor with other shipping boxes piled up in the background

Insurance for Shipments

The University’s normal property insurance already covers freight shipments, including items in transit, with a deductible of $25,000 per loss. Risk Management can also arrange to purchase special cargo insurance with a deductible of $1,000 if the unit feels it’s necessary, and usually at a lower cost to the unit than what the shipping firms normally charge (the minimum insured value per shipment for this insurance program is $50,000).  

If you have questions concerning insurance coverage or want to purchase special cargo insurance coverage with a lower deductible, feel free to contact David Snowe (814-863-4241) or Kim Hannon (814-863-5545) in Risk Management.

a rack with a sign on it that reads "Back to stock" then a solid line under those words then "Returns"

Material Returns

Returns should be coordinated through Central Distribution and Central Procurement.

Returns
Hazardous materials seran wrapped in a warehouse

Hazardous Materials

Federal Regulations do not permit us to ship certain types of hazardous materials.

Materials
plain brown boxes unevenly stacked on top of one another

Short-term Storage

Departments may make special arrangements for short-term storage.

Storage

Contracted Freight Carrier(s)

Ward Trucking (domestic only)

FedEx Freight (domestic and international)

  • Domestic freight carrier, middle and western states
  • LTL customer service, 1-866-393-4585
  • eCommerce/my account help desk, 1-800-435-7949
  • Bill of Lading for FedEx Freight

* After completing a Bill of Lading (BOL), please email [email protected].

* If you have any questions, please contact CDS at 814-865-8620.

Bill of Lading and Pick Up Shipping Request Form

The department must complete all required information on the Common Carrier Bill Of Lading and Central Distribution Services Pick-Up and Shipping Request Form.

How to complete a Bill of Lading:

  1. Shipper field must be completed.
  2. Consignee field must be completed.
  3. If shipper is not paying for freight charges, the "Bill Freight Charges to" field must be completed.
  4. Description of articles field must be completed (units, description, weight, and class or NMFC#)
  5. Questions about freight NMFC# or class, contact Ward Trucking or FedEx Freight.
  6. Hazardous material/freight - Bill of Lading emergency number field must be completed and all necessary hazmat documentation must be attached to freight. See Hazardous Materials for additional information.
  7. Email completed BOL to [email protected].

Packaging

We will assist departments with packing the material. (Limited to paper wadding and cushioning within cardboard containers and address labeling.) We do not crate material. Strapping, shrink wrapping, and skids are available at an additional fee. Contact CDS for additional information at 814-865-8620.

Payment of Freight Charges

Depending on the reason for the return, freight charges may apply and will be charged to the requesting department using the billing information entered in the Common Carrier Bill Of Lading and Pickup and Shipping Request Form. Motor freight charges are billed to Purchasing Services (Accounts Payable) and then direct billed to the respective department by Accounting. If the vendor is paying the shipping charges; the department will need to obtain from the vendor their carrier of choice and account number. 

Cash on Delivery (C.O.D.)

C.O.D. shipments cannot be arranged through Central Distribution Services.