From CSGSA

FedEX + UPS runs through the department, and is definitely the way to go, regardless of the size or shape of the package.

• Data point: I had success getting FedEx and UPS packages delivered straight to my office. This includes large items such as a projector screen and some light furniture.
• Sometimes your packages get opened by the department guys, since it's their job to check package contents vs. shipping labels for department purchases, and it's not always obvious who paid for the stuff in your box.

USPS (the postal service) runs through campus mail. Central campus policy is that USPS mail for personal use is not allowed.

• Data point 1: The campus post office will hold packages, and on their whim, send you a note or not. If you don't get the note or respond in time, it will be returned.
• Data point 2: Campus mail is pretty reliable for junk mail and small packages (CD's, books) that fit in your department mail box, though it can take a couple days longer than normal USPS.

Why not just send my box to my apartment?

• You probably won't be home when the package arrives, and the driver might not leave it on your doorstep.
• Data points
  • Berkeley USPS is incredibly unreliable. If you're not around when they try to deliver your package the first time, then they usually 'lose' it for a few weeks (so they can ship it to some damp place where it can be adequately crushed by larger packages, then scraped against greasy stuff...). The process works like this:
    • They leave a note on your door telling you to pick it up at the downtown Berkeley post office.
    • When you get there, you'll wait in line for ~15-30 minutes, then stand around for 5-10, while they look for your package, which they won't find.
    • Then a few weeks later, they'll call you to tell you they found your box, and you can pick it up (and it will actually be there).
  • UPS is a bit better about undeliverable packages, though they don't coordinate with the drivers very well, so you'll sometimes go to pick up your package at the depot (during the stated pickup time-frame), only to find that it's out in a UPS truck for delivery.

Does anyone know if this is actually the department policy? I have always thought any personal package delivered to the department is frowned upon. Yuzhu 21:39, 16 January 2009 (UTC)