Gulf Park Shipping and Receiving

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Responsibilities and Services:

The Gulf Park Shipping and Receiving Department is responsible for the receipt and distribution of mail and packages.  We service all the USM Costal sites, including the Gulf and Ship Island Building.  Additionally, we provide a courier service to and from the Hattiesburg Campus for the transportation of interdepartmental mail and packages. We also assist with the transfer of surplus items to the Hattiesburg Inventory Control Department.

At the Gulf Park Campus, we offer shipping services through the United States Postal Service (USPS), United Postal Service (UPS), and FedEx. A limited selection of boxes and envelopes for USP and FedEx shipments are available at no additional cost to the departments.  We facilitate interdepartmental, domestically and international shipping.  If you are uncertain about your specific shipping needs, our team is available to assist you.

Department mailboxes, located in the Gulf Coast Library, are also managed by our department.  We offer both standard and large boxes based on departmental needs.  There is no cost to the departments for mailbox use; however, availability is limited.

At the Gulf Park Shipping and Receiving Department, we understand that shipping or receiving packages can be a stressful and, at times, overwhelming.  Our goal is to support and guide you through the process. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. 

How to Ship an Envelope or Package

Need to send a package using FedEx or UPS? Follow these simple steps to ensure your shipment is processed quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Complete the Shipping Request Form

To begin, fill out the Shipping Request Form and email it to gpshippingandreceivingFREEMississippi.

Include the following information:

• Your name and department
• Your department budget string
• The signature approver associated with the budget string
• Any special instructions for the shipment
• Preferred carrier (FedEx or UPS) and service type (Ground, Express, etc.)

Shipping more than 10 packages?

Please contact the Shipping & Receiving Department to coordinate. Additional instructions will be provided.

Step 2: Prepare Your Package:

If you are using your own packaging, make sure the box or envelope is securely sealed.

Keep in mind: packages may be handled roughly during transit.

Need Packaging?

We offer a limited supply of carrier-specific packaging (e.g., FedEx and UPS boxes and envelopes) at no cost to departments. Contact us for availability.

Step 3: Schedule a Pickup

Once your form is submitted:

The courier will pick up your shipment during their next scheduled stop at your location.

For large shipments or time-sensitive deliveries, special pickups may be arranged. Please reach out to coordinate.

How to Mail a Letter or Package via USPS

Follow the steps below to send mail using the United States Postal Service (USPS) through the Gulf Park Shipping and Receiving Department.

Step 1: Complete the Post Office Charge Card

Before mailing, you must fill out a Post office Charge Card with the following information:

• Department Budget String
• Number of pieces being mailed
• Department Name
• Date
• Department Mailbox Number
• Phone Number
• Approved By (authorized signature)

Need blank charge cards?

Request them by emailing: gpshippingandreceivingFREEMississippi

Step 2: Drop Off Your Mail

Place the completed charge card and your mail items in the designated USPS Drop Box on campus.

The courier will collect the items during the next scheduled pickup and return them to the mailroom for processing.

Step 3: Prepare Your Package Properly

When using USPS:

• You must provide your own boxes and envelopes.
• Ensure all items are clearly labeled with:
  • Recipient’s Name and Address
  • Sender’s (your) name and return address

Tip: Proper labeling and secure packaging help prevent delays or lost items.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Gulf Park Shipping and Receiving Department. We’re here to support your mailing needs!

Receiving a Package at Gulf Park

Each day, Gulf Park Shipping and Receiving Department processes incoming packages from both external carriers and the internal USM Courier service.

External Carrier Deliveries

(Carriers include FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL and Amazon)

Here is what happens when a package arrives from an external carrier:

• The tracking number is scanned into our internal system upon receipt.
• An email notification is automatically sent to the recipient, including package details and pickup/delivery instructions.
• LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipments require coordination for delivery.
• Packages are sorted for delivery:
  • Internal Gulf Park Routes
  • External Routes to:
    • Stennis Space Center
    • Gulf Coast Research Lab (GCRL)
    • Gulf and Ship Island Building (GSI)
    • Marine Research Center (MRC)
    • Hattiesburg Campus

Internal Courier and USPS Mail

• Mail delivered by the internal courier or USPS is sorted first by campus, then by department mailbox number.
• Mail is delivered to other campus locations on their designated delivery days.
• On the Gulf Park Campus, mail is delivered daily to department mailboxes located on the first floor of the Gulf Coast Library.

Interoffice Packages and Mail Without Tracking Numbers

Some internal mail does not have a carrier-issued tracking number. These items (e.g., interdepartmental mail or priority internal packages) are handled as follows:

• We generate a tracking number internally and process the item through our system.
• An email notification is sent to the recipient once the item is received.
• Mail and packages destined for other campuses will be delivered on their assigned delivery days.
• Packages staying on the Gulf Park Campus are delivered daily along internal mail routes.

Gulf Park Buildings Not on a Scheduled Route

• Packages will be delivered to non-routed buildings as time permits.
• If your location is off the standard delivery route and you need your item urgently, you are welcome to pick it up from the Gulf Park Mailroom.

Mailroom Pickup Option:

If you are unable to wait for the regular delivery, you may retrieve your package directly from the Gulf Park Mailroom during business hours.

How to Address Incoming Mail and Packages

To ensure timely delivery, all incoming mail and packages should be addressed using one of the approved formats below. Incorrect addressing may result in delays or returned shipments.

 

Important: Failure to use one of the above formats may result in your mail or package being delayed or returned to the sender.

How to Track a Package

Tracking a package is easy – whether you are the sender or recipient. Follow the steps below to track your shipment.

External Carrier Tracking:

Select one of the following Carrier Tracking Links

• USPS Tracking
• UPS Tracking
• FedEx Tracking
• DHL Tracking
• Amazon Tracking

You will need your tracking number provided at the time of shipment.

Internal Package Tracking (Interoffice Mail)

For internal mail or packages with tracking numbers generated by the Gulf Park Shipping and Receiving Department:

Please contact the department directly for tracking updates:
Email: gpshippingandreceiving@usm.edu.

Delivery Hours

The Gulf Park Shipping and Receiving Office Hours and Receiving Hours:

*Receiving hours are times that we except LTL Shipments or Large Box Truck Deliveries.   

Courier Delivery and Pickup Schedule

For Locations Outside of Gulf Park:

• Hattiesburg: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• Stennis Space Center: Tuesday and Thursday
• GSI Building: Tuesday and Thursday
• Marine Research Center (MRC): Tuesday and Thursday
• Gulf Coast Research Lab (GCRL): Tuesday and Thursday
• Marine Education Center (MEC): Packages are delivered to the GCRL Mailroom

Gulf Park Delivery and Pickup Schedule:

For convenience, the Courier makes daily pickups and deliveries at six designated locations across the Gulf Park Campus.

 

Additional Pickup Requests and Time-Sensitive Mail

• All other campus locations not on the daily courier route must coordinate directly with the Shipping and Receiving Department to schedule pickups as needed.
• Time-sensitive mail must be placed in the building’s outgoing mailbox or delivered to the Shipping and Receiving Office by 8:30 a.m. to ensure same-day processing.

Submitting a Surplus Request

If your department has items that are no longer needed, they are considered Surplus Items and mut be transferred to the Hattiesburg Campus in accordance with USM Procurement and Contract Services procedures (https://www.usm.edu/procurement-contract-services/disposal-equipment.php).

Steps to Request Surplus Pickup

1. Submit a TMA Work Order

Use the TMA Submit/Query Work Order system to request pickup by Shipping and Receiving Department, TMA Submit/Query Work Order.

2. Transfer Tagged Assets (if applicable)

If items have an Inventory/Asset Tag and are listed in AssetWorks, follow USM policies to transfer them accordingly.

3. Complete Required Forms

Fill out the Request to Dispose of Item/Transfer to Surplus form. Ensure all documentation is signed and complete prior to pick up.

4. State Items for Pickup

Place all surplus items in a designated, accessible area.

Important: If paperwork is incomplete or not available at pickup, the items will not be transported.

Size and Transport Guidelines

• Surplus equal to two office spaces or fewer will be transported by Shipping and Receiving Department at no cost.
• Surplus exceeding two office spaces requires coordination with a third-party mover.
  • A budget string must be provided for billing.
  • This is not a standard service provided by the Shipping and Receiving Department.

Not sure how much you have?

Contact the Shipping and Receiving Department to evaluate your request before submitting.

Forms and Links

Gulf Park Physical Plant: Gulf Park Physical Plant    Hattiesburg Property Control: HBG Property Control

Disposal of Equipment: Disposal of Equipment Site Hattiesburg Post Office: HBG Post Office

Gulf Park Map: Gulf Park Map        Transfer To Surplus  

Shipping Request Form Instructions       Shipping Request Form

Post Office Charge Card Example

Gulf Park Shipping and Receiving Contact:

Address:

730 E. Beach Blvd. #5128

Long Beach, MS 39560

Email:        gpshippingandreceivingFREEMississippi

Phone:      228-214-3487