Mail Services


Mail Services receives, sorts, processes, collects and distributes mail and courier packages for the campus community. Services include a contract station post office, FedEx ship center, and mail distribution center. We also manage bulk mail, non-profit indicia, postage dues, and business reply. Please consult with us prior to any mail-piece design to assure your mailing is within postal and print regulations and to determine if your mailing qualifies for bulk or non-profit discounts.

POST OFFICE
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Location: Spalding Administration Building - Room 102 • 626-395-6371

Mail Services operates Caltech's post office (contract station #626). We service the campus community, local neighborhood and businesses within a few mile proximity of campus. The post office provides most common services and products including sales of stamps, money orders, postcards, shipping supplies, domestic and international priority, express, registered, certified, and insurance. Forms for voter registration, passport applications and renewals, vacation mail hold, and mail forwarding are also available.

FEDEX SHIPMENT CENTER
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. • Location: Spalding Admin. Building - Room 104

Mail Services operates a FedEx ship center for time sensitive documents and packages requiring traceability and overnight delivery. Our high annual volume allows our customers to benefit from discounted shipping rates (10-30% off published rates). Our mail clerks can pick up your mailing (under 50 lbs.) at your departments mail stop. Deadline for overnight express is 3:00 p.m.

MAIL DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. • Location: Spalding Admin. Building - Room 104

Mail is received from the postal service twice per day at 6:00 and 8:00 a.m. Mail is sorted and ready for distribution or pick-up daily between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Mail is also metered throughout the day and distribution takes place between 8:00 a.m. and12:00 p.m. to over 128 mail stops once per day. FedEx leaves campus daily at 4:00 p.m. while the United States Postal Service departs at 4:30 p.m.

JPL Mail


All mail addressed to JPL should bare the recipients name and mail code. JPL courier delivers to campus mail services daily at 10:00 a.m. All mailings received for JPL prior to 10:00 a.m. will be dispatched back to JPL for their afternoon delivery. All mail received from JPL for campus departments will be distributed on the next scheduled delivery time.

 Departmental Campus Mail


All intra-campus department mail should have the recipients campus recognized name (in the campus directory), and mail code (MC#).


If using a recycled campus/JPL envelope, cross out the last recipients name and provide the new recipients name and current mail code. The mail piece will be delivered on the next scheduled delivery time.

 Collection Schedules


(please click the link at
left for locations and times)


Last p.m. collection for stamped mail, mail to be metered, and FedEx which needs to leave campus at end of the day.


PACKAGING AND GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE

Let the Mail Services staff package your items for shipment. Departmental or personal items that weigh up to 50 pounds are eligible. Packaging options include cushioning and boxes appropriate to the size of your item(s). Mail Services will pick-up your items from any campus location. Packaging services are a separate fee which does not include postage cost.

SHIPPING TIPS FOR WORK AND HOME

WHEN SENDING MAIL

 

Always include name, full address and return address, double check spelling of names, addresses, and titles.

 

Avoid the use of excessive amounts of tape or improper packaging. Alert the addressee prior to sending out your packages.

WHEN RECEIVING MAIL

 

ASK YOURSELF: Is the mail from someone you do not know?

Do you recognize the return address?

Is the mail sealed with excessive tape or postage?

 

Does it look stained or soiled?

 		 IF YOU RECEIVE
SUSPICIOUS MAIL:

 

Do not shake or sniff it!

 

Isolate it by covering or place in a sealed envelope or plastic bag. Keep others away from the area.

 

If on campus contact security at extension 5000.

 

If at home call 911 or your local law enforcement authorities. Wash your hands for 5 to 10 minutes with soap and water.


OFFICIAL ADDRESS FORMAT

MAIL CENTER - All incoming mail from the United States Postal Service and express overnight couriers FedEx, and DHL (under 50 lbs.) should be addressed to 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125. In addition, all incoming mail and packages should bare recipients name, mail code, and department to assure timely delivery. Be sure to keep your on-line directory address updated. CENTRAL RECEIVING - All incoming packages from FedEx ground, UPS, and express overnight couriers FedEx and DHL (over 50 lbs.) should be addressed to 391 S. Holliston Ave., Pasadena, CA 91125. In addition, packages should bare recipient's name, delivery code, and department name to assure timely delivery.

If any incoming mail lacks adequate addressing information, expect a possible delay (for security and safety reasons), as the mail or package has to be manually looked up in the campus directory for proper routing.

PRIVATE/PERSONAL MAIL

Mail Services is responsible for handling Institute related mail and student mail. Our service should not be used for personal mail. We handle the personal mail of undergraduates residing on campus whose zip code is 91126. All others should receive personal mail at your off campus residence. We are not responsible for non institute related stamped personal mail left for pickup with departmental mail, although we will handle it as a courtesy.