Messenger services
The University Messenger Service (UMS) collects and delivers internal University mail. UMS successfully delivers and collects over 1.2 million items per year. This is a cost effective, efficient and prompt way of delivering mail around the University.
Currently, the Messenger Service circulates small items of internal mail and cannot usually accept parcels. This is under consultative review and your departmental administrator will be advised of any changes to this service.
The Colleges operate a Pigeon Post service via Magdalen College.
Addressing your mail
All post for delivery through the Messenger Service should be clearly marked with the name and address of the recipient. It is helpful for mail to have a return address (either by address stamp or label). If envelopes are not addressed clearly or correctly the UMS will attempt to locate the person the mail is addressed to, or return the mail to you. If items are not marked private and confidential, and there is no return address, they may need to open the envelope to establish the originator of the mail.
High value items
UMS is extremely reliable, but they are unable to track individual items and cannot be held responsible for any items of value which may go astray (such as cheques). Departments and Colleges are advised to consider the Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Service for items which require recorded delivery.
Bulk mailing
UMS will try to assist with bulk mail wherever possible but the team do have limited resources. If they cannot help, departments will need to arrange delivery of bulk items through a third party such as the Royal Mail, Parcel Force or couriers in Oxford. Please contact the Messenger service in advance for all your bulk mailings, to establish if this service will be possible.
Van deliveries/collections
The van’s scheduled service delivers to and collects from pre-determined buildings. As a result the Messenger team cannot carry a large amount of boxes. Any items that are too bulky or too large will be rejected if they are not on the van route. Departments may contact the Head Messenger to establish if a special arrangement is possible. This must be agreed in advance.
For further information on the UMS, including high value items, bulk mailing and van deliveries/collections contact Paul Dyson, Head Messenger on Tel: 01865 270226 or email: paul.dyson@admin.ox.ac.uk
We are currently consulting with and inviting departments to indicate if they would be interested in bulky deliveries being included in our service. For further information contact Lisa Hofen on Tel: 01865 614694 or email: lisa.hofen@admin.ox.ac.uk
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