Metered Mail

Metered mail refers to mail, including packages to be shipped by UPS and FedEx, from a K-State department that requires postage. All metered mail must have a meter code typed or written below the department's return address. If no postage meter number is provided and Central Mail Services is unsure which number to charge, the mail piece will be returned to you. A Central Mail Services information sheet or shipping label is required for all packages over 13 ounces. A package is defined as anything that is not an envelope. This policy applies to all USPS, FedEx, UPS and international mail.

When shipping packages, we compare rates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx to find the most cost-effective option that meets the sender's delivery needs. All prices and rates used by Central Mail Services are corporate discounted state rates, which means that mailing a package through Central Mail Services will be cheaper than taking it to a UPS or FedEx store. Priority and express mail packages are shipped using commercial base pricing, including flat rate packaging.

Please ensure that you separate campus mail and metered mail into the correct slots at the mailbox. If campus letters get mixed in with metered mail, they might be sent through the federal mail system. Additionally, if a letter has an incomplete address, it will be returned to you via federal mail for a better address, which would result in your postage being wasted. While Central Mail Services does its best to catch any campus mail mixed with metered mail, they may not be able to catch every piece, especially in the case of large mailings.

Letters and packages being sent to an international address are separated and bundled together. You can indicate that the mail is international by placing a sticky note or band around them. If they do not have the correct international postage, they will be returned to you via federal mail for additional postage. While our staff does their best to identify international mail mixed with metered mail, they may not catch every piece.

For any large mailings or oversized packages (packages that require a dolly or cart for moving), contact Central Mail Services to arrange a pick-up. We provide letter trays and mail tubs for large mailings.