Packages via U.S. Mail
U.S. Postal Service carriers deliver express mail to our processing facility on Hillsborough Road each day around 3 p.m. We deliver this mail on our next scheduled run. Because of the late delivery from the U.S. Postal Service, we recommend you use Fed Ex, UPS or DHL for time-sensitive packages.
Note: The U.S. Postal Service holds packages incoming to Duke at the West Durham Post Office, and we pick them up every day at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The Post Office considers packages that arrive at the West Durham Post Office after our 10:30 pickup "delivered" (and marks them as such in their online package-tracking system), even though those packages can't be delivered by Duke Campus Mail Services until the following day.
Packages via Other Carriers
All deliveries from private carriers other than the US Postal Service (e.g. FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) will route to Duke Postal Operations for handling and processing until further notice.
In order to receive packages, shipped by any carrier other than the U.S. Postal Service, you’ll need to provide your building’s official street address, which can be found by searching for the building with the campus map.
Please note: Please allow 24-48 hours for delivery of items to the Student Mailbox Center-SMC.
Amazon Parcel Lockers
Campus Mail Services has partnered with Amazon to help expedite packages and deliveries on campus. In November 2022, Amazon installed Seven parcel lockers and they are conveniently located near residential halls on the Duke Campus. Now Duke students will be able to order Amazon products from their website and select the delivery locations near their residential halls.
Tracking Inbound Packages to Campus
While we strive to have all packages delivered in a timely manner, generally 24-48 hours, sometimes it can take longer to receive your parcel. If you would like to check the status of a parcel you are expecting, please see Tracking a Package for more information.
Package Notification for Students
Campus Mail Services will contact students via email when package(s) are ready for pick up at Student Mailbox Center. In an effort to improve communication to Duke students, CMS has incorporated a CODE system for package notification that enhances customer service, minimizes wait times (in line), and speeds the delivery process overall.
Package Restrictions & Special Handling
There are several types of restrictions on the types of packages we are equipped to handle here at Duke Campus Mail Services. We ask that you please abide by these policies when ordering things to be delivered to campus.
Package Processing
Please allow 24-48 hours for package processing by Campus Mail Services - CMS staff. Packages are processed in the order in which they are received, with special priority given to Express, Next Day, and other express services. When packages are received at Duke Postal Operations, there is a three-step handling process involved.