Outbound Shipping Preparation
This document is intended to provide general information about preparing outbound shipments. Specific questions about shipping requirements can be addressed to the individual carrier (Federal Express, UPS, etc.) that will be used to transport the shipment.
- Domestic Shipments
- International Shipments
- International Shipping Checklist
- Packaging, Labeling, and Shipping Infectious Substances
(Latest information is mid page at link labeled: "Shipping and Receiving Hazardous Materials") - Shipping Terms
- Shipping of Biological Materials
- Shipping of Chemical / Hazardous Materials
- Shipping of Radioactive Materials
Packages for domestic destinations can be shipped from the Shipping/Receiving office located in the basement of University Hospital. All outbound shipments must include a completed and signed Request for Shipping form. It is the responsibility of the department to supply the proper packaging and documentation prior to delivery to a carrier. Packages left at the shipping/receiving dock must be ready to deliver to a carrier, such as Federal Express. Package contents must be packed for the type of material being shipped. If dry ice is to be included, proper labeling must be attached to the package, indicating the weight of dry ice at the time of shipment.
Checklist of items to verify before leaving your package:
- Must have sender's name and phone number
- Department account number, even if third party is paying for freight
- Complete address of recipient, with phone number
- PO boxes are not valid delivery address
- Zip Code must match address
- Type of service and carrier must be specified
- Special handling instructions, such as dry ice, must be identified
- Type of payment
- If contents are valued in excess of $100, and additional coverage is desired, a value must be declared
- All required fields on forms completed
- Typed or hand written
International Shipments
Packages for international destinations (including Canada), must meet the customs requirements for the destination country. Requirements for packaging, documents to be included with each package, and products accepted will vary by country. It is the responsibility of the department to supply the proper packaging and documentation prior to delivery to a carrier. Packages left at the shipping/receiving dock must be ready to deliver to a carrier, such as Federal Express. As a general rule, for all international shipments, always include a copy of your Commercial Invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Origin inside the package.
If you are shipping dangerous good, your air waybill must be accompanied by two copies of a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, along with a 24-hour emergency response phone number.
International Shipping Checklist
- Make sure your shipment has a properly completed and signed international air waybill.
- Make sure your commodity is acceptable for shipment to the destination country via the service you have selected.
- Include a commercial invoice when required.
- Be specific in your content description on the air waybill, commercial invoice, and other required documentation.
- Make sure the Declared Value for Customs you enter reflects an accurate value. This value, along with the description of goods, is used to determine duties and taxes.
- Make sure all information on the air waybill, commercial invoice and any other required document is consistent. Discrepancies can cause delays.
- Include telephone, telex, or fax number for both sender and consignee.
- When shipping to international P.O. boxes or APO, always include the recipient phone number and fax number, if available. Often it is the only way to notify recipients of their shipment.
Terms
- Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is the official transaction record between an exporter and an importer. Along with the air waybill, it's the paperwork customs officials rely on to clear shipments across international borders. Generally, the invoice is required of dutiable commodities. This varies by country, size, weight, quantity and value. Research material is considered to have no commercial, or dutiable, value, and should be declared as such on the commercial invoice. One signed original and two copies of the commercial invoice are required. - Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin certifies the county of manufacture of the goods being shipped. Many countries have customs/tariff regulations restricting the importation of goods from certain countries, regulations limiting by country the amount of a particular commodity that can be imported, or favorable duty treatment for goods origination in specific countries. - Packing List
A list showing the information necessary for the transport, and the number and kinds of items being shipped.
Shipping of Biological Materials
Individuals must complete mandatory online training to ship diagnostic, clinical, and research specimens or cultures or stocks of biological materials.
Start by reviewing this web site.
Shipping of Chemical / Hazardous Materials
We have trained staff in our EHS department who can assist. Visit this site for answers to many Health and Safety issues. Contact the Compliance Assistance office at 303-724-0344 for specifics. EHS contracts with Chemtrec for 24 hour response for all hazardous materials shipments from UC Denver campuses. Contact the Hazardous Materials Group at 303-724-0344 for additional assistance.
Shipping of Radioactive Materials
Any shipments of Radioactive Materials from this campus must go through the Radiation Safety Office. Visit this site for answers to many Health and Safety issues.
To import materials
To obtain a permit for import of agents, hosts or vectors of human disease, thru the CDC
To obtain a permit for import or transport of animal agents, hosts, vectors, etc, thru the USDA
We have trained staff in our EHS department who could assist.