POSTAL SERVICE
The Federal Government manages the postal service through a network of local post offices. The U.S.A. is divided into ZIP coded postal zones. The first three numbers of the ZIP code locate the city; the last two designate the section of the city or area. The Madison City and Postal ZIP Code Map, which is in the information pages of the Madison telephone directory, will show your ZIP number. You should always include the zip code as part of your return address whenever you send letters or packages. To find the zip codes, telephone the post office (246 1249), consult ZIP code books available at the post office, use the US Postal Service website http://usps.com/.
Some Madison post offices:
- Main Post Office, 3902 Milwaukee St., Far East
- Capitol Station , 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Capitol Square
- University Station, 22 University Square, Campus
- Hilldale Station, 601 Sawyer Terrace, West (near Eagle Heights)
Look in the "government" section of the 'Yellow Pages" for other post offices. There are also contract stations in some neighborhood stores. Look for a sign in the store window reading, "United States Postal Station."
Post Office Hours: Hours vary, but in general are: Monday through Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday: 8:30 am - 12 pm. Some post offices are closed on Saturday; check hours by calling 1 800 274 4725.
You can buy stamps at any post office or contract station. Many public buildings also have stamp machines. There is a stamp machine in Memorial Union. Postal Rates Change Frequently: Call postal information at 1 800 274 4725 to verify current rates, or if you need other information. Current rates are also posted in the post offices, and on the US Postal Service website.
Aerogrammes: The least expensive way to send a letter airmail overseas is the aerogramme, which folds into an envelope and must not contain enclosures. You can buy aerogrammes only at post offices.
Mailing Letters: You can mail letters at post offices, contract stations, or, with proper postage, in any of the blue painted mailboxes (letter boxes) throughout the city. Collection times are posted on the boxes. Do not put stamped letter mail in boxes labeled "Metered Mail." You can also leave letters in or near your mail box; the mailperson will pick them up while delivering your letters. Ask roommates or neighbors if you're not sure where to leave your letters. Priority Mail: For additional postage, the Post Office guarantees delivery anywhere in the US within three days. To send a letter by Special Delivery or Express Mail costs more than regular mail.
Mail Delivery: Mail is delivered once each day, Monday through Saturday. No mail is delivered on Sundays or legal holidays, except Special Delivery or Express Mail.
"Mailing Lists" and "Junk Mail": Soon after you move into your new residence, you might find that your mailbox is full of advertisements, special offers, and sweepstakes information. You might wonder how the organization received your name and address, especially if you just moved to the United States. Organizations that wish to advertise through the mail purchase lists of addresses, called "mailing lists" of people who live in a certain area. Sometimes, you'll receive mail addressed to the "occupant" of your current address a sure sign that the sender used a mailing list. If you would like to reduce the amount of "junk" mail you receive, you can write to the sender and ask to have your name removed from their mailing list. Occasionally, you may receive an unsolicited item in the mail: a sample of soap or breakfast cereal, for example. You do not have to pay for these items or return them.
Mailing important documents: Use certified, registered, or express mail for important documents or valuable items. Check with the post office as to which is suitable for your purpose. Use certified mail if you ever have to send your passport to your consulate for renewal, or for any application or document you send to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Request a "return receipt," which gives you a record that the document has been received.
Mailing Packages within the U.S.A. (Parcel Post): Rates for parcel post are calculated by the weight of the package and the distance it is to go. The total measurements of the package must not be more than 108 inches girth (which is the measurement around the package plus length), and must not weigh more than 70 pounds. The post office will not accept even a "slightly" larger or heavier package. Do not enclose letters inside the package. You can attach a letter, with proper postage, to the outside of the package. Packages within the US can also be sent via First Class or Priority Mail.
Greyhound: 257 7144. If your package is too large to mail through the postal service, you could possibly send it through Greyhound Bus Lines. The package must weigh under 100 pounds; total dimensions cannot exceed 141 inches.
United Parcel Service (UPS): 1 800 242 2111. For packages that weigh less than 70 pounds; total dimensions not to exceed 130 inches. To transfer heavy packages within Madison, check the Yellow Pages, "Delivery Service."
Mailing Packages overseas:
Consult the main post office for information on mailing packages overseas.
Inquire about special rates for small parcels.
We recommend that you have this information before you buy anything to send home.
You may have to pay expensive tariffs, or it may cost so much to send the item that it's not worth sending it.
You can mail books and other printed material for lower rates than other packages.
Mark the parcel clearly "Books" or "Printed Matter," and do not include any messages inside.
Pack books separately from other printed matter.
Insurance:
For a small additional sum you may insure packages against damage or loss.
The post office will not insure a package unless it is very securely wrapped and sealed.
For information about shipping large unaccompanied items abroad, check the air freight service of the airline that flies to the desired country, or inquire at International Student and Scholar Services, (ISSS) 115 Science Hall.
Change of address: Whenever you change your address, be sure to notify the post office. That way, any mail that you receive will be forwarded to your new address. You can notify the post office of your change of address by completing a "Change of Address" card, available at all post offices.