Skip to main content

System Status: 

International Shipping

How to send international packages and letters

 Learn How to Send Packages and Letters Internationlly 

To find out Country Codes view this PDF

Letter

Find out how to send U.S. Postal Service (USPS) international mail through UCSD Mail Services and recharge the cost to your department index.

Important: When preparing your international mail, the most important consideration is the contents. Be sure to read USPS Service Alerts and check the content and service restrictions in certain countries.

1. Decide what USPS international delivery service you want

Choose from this list of available international services:

Expedited services

Standard services

Business services

Questions about international rates? See USPS International Rate Calculator

2. Consider your insurance needs

By completing a Logistics Request Form, UCSD Risk Management covers your item through its transit insurance programs.

3. Complete, if any, customs forms you need

A customs form is required if your mail contains items other than documents or weighs more than 16 ounces

4. Get your free mailing supplies

Complete the Logistics Customer Supplies (PDF). 

Note: Most items will be delivered to you within 24 hours.

5. Complete your address labels
  • Use all capital letters.
  • Type or legibly write the address in English.
  • Use no more than 5 lines including:
    1. Addressee's name
    2. Street address or P.O. box number (USPS International Mail will ship to P.O. boxes.)
    3. City or town, principal subdivision such as province, state, or county, and postal code. In some countries, the postal code may precede the city or town.
    4. Country name
Complete your return address label in the following way:
  • Sender's name
  • Department and phone number
  • University of California, San Diego
  • 9500 Gilman Dr. plus Mail Code
  • La Jolla, CA 92093 plus Mail Code

Important: If your item requires a customs form, the return address on your item and on the customs form must be identical.

6. Prepare your mail
  • List the following information in the top right corner:
    • Delivery service desired
    • Index to be recharged
  • Attach your return address label to the top left corner.
  • Attach your recipient address label in the center.
  • If your item requires a customs form, attach the customs form to the bottom, left corner.

  • Reminder: A customs form doesn't replace your address label.
7. Mail your international mail
  • Put your mail with your outgoing mail, or
  • Take your mail to Logistics by 3:00 p.m.

Packages

The University of California has contracts with Customs Brokerage & International Freight Forwarding Services, who have our Power of Attorney, to clear import shipments through U.S. Customs.

Note: If you are shipping multiple packages outside the United States, follow the additional steps in this PDF

Note: If you need additional export documentation see this PDF

1. Before Shipping Internationally
Contact Export Control for assistance in determining whether an export license is required, securing a license when needed, and for record keeping advice for shipments that do not require a license when Logistics is not conducting the shipment for you.
2. Obtain Insurance
  1. It is important to insure your shipment. To determine your insurance needs, see Transit Insurance.
  2. Receive required approval before going to the next step.

If you have insurance questions, contact ehsrisk@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-2454.

3. Fill out an International Outbound Shipment form
  • Login to the Logistics Portal: https://logistics.ucsd.edu
  • Select Single Sign-On from the login screen to login via your SSO
  • Look for the 'Logistics Request Form' icon (pictured right)
  • Click on the icon to access all Logistics forms
  • Select Select International and/or Hazardous Outbound Shipment and fill out the required fields

Once you submit your form, you will receive a confirmation with the documentation for your service.

logistics request forms icon
Logistics Request Form 
Note: If your shipment contains:
If you need additional documentation, the Logistics Shipping Coordinator will assist you.
All other requests for pickup require 24-hour notice.
4. Prepare your package.
  • Securely package each item you want to ship.
5. Give the package to the driver.
  1. The driver will pick up your package and deliver it to Logistics.
  2. For liability reasons, Drivers can only pick up shipments that they have a pick up request form.

Customs Brokerage

Find contact information for Customs Brokerage & International Freight Forwarding Services.

Contact information

First: Always contact UCSD Shipping prior to processing shipments outside the United States. The Logistics Shipping Coordinator will advise you if you need to contact American Cargo Service (ACS) directly about your shipment.

Second: If the Logistics Shipping Coordinator asks you to contact American Cargo Service (ACS),use the information below:

American Cargo Service, Inc.
7886 Convoy Court
San Diego CA 92111
Local: (858) 565-4125
Toll free: (800) 508-4888 
Email: UC@acssan.com, Website: http://www.acssan.com

Background

  • Exports: Logistics handles most outgoing shipments destined for foreign countries and then passes the shipment freight forwarding companies, where the items are cleared through U.S. Customs and booked with a carrier for transport.
  • Imports: Customs Brokerage & International Freight Forwarding companies can provide the following services:
    • Arrange transportation logistics for inbound domestic and international shipments. 
    • US Customs clearance services for incoming goods from foreign countries.
    • Notify departments when goods arrive into the USA.
    • Request payment and delivery information.
    • Deliver goods to UCSD Receiving.

See Customer Clearance FAQs here (PDF)

Find answers, request services, or get help from our team at the UC San Diego Services & Support portal.