Quick Tips From Our Experts
Need to Ship Something from MIT?
MIT Mail Services can help you determine the right carrier, assist with and/or coordinate pickup, and more.
Receiving an International Shipment?
The package will have to clear U.S. Customs and your supplier may request information about MIT’s Customs Broker.
Shipping Something Special or Out of the Ordinary?
Read about Fine Art Shipping below.
Shipping Something Expensive That Will Be Returned to the U.S.?
Your shipment may be treated as a temporary export, which may eligible for beneficial tax treatment.
How to Ship from MIT
- Review MIT’s insurance requirements.
- Contact MIT Mail Services (mailsvc@mit.edu or 617-253-6000) to determine:
- If and where shipping carrier should pick up your items or if you will drop off at Campus Mail, U.S. Mail, and drop box locations on campus
- If any special arrangements (movers, special handling) are needed for pickup or delivery to/from your department.
- Review MIT’s insurance requirements.
- Review MIT’s International Shipping Requirements.
- Contact MIT Mail Services (mailsvc@mit.edu or 617-253-6000) to determine:
- If and where shipping carrier should pick up your items OR if you will drop off at Campus Mail, U.S. Mail, and drop box locations on campus
- If any special arrangements (movers, special handling) are needed for pickup or delivery to/from your department.
U.S. Art Company, Inc. provides a complete range of services for international and domestic shipping of fine art and museum exhibits. They provide custom-built crates, packing and rigging, freight forwarding, and customs clearances across the globe with affiliate partners in every country.
Preferred Shipping Carriers
Some shipping carriers have different contacts for small and large (more than 100 lbs.) packages, so make sure you reach out to the correct person listed on the carrier's Supplier Search page when scheduling your shipments.
Customs Brokerage for Receiving International Shipments
All incoming international shipments must clear U.S. Customs. If you are receiving anything that is shipped internationally, please contact MIT’s Preferred Suppliers for customs clearance services — Watchpoint Logistics or UPS Supply Chain Solutions — to help ensure your shipments are in compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol regulations.
Temporary Exports
When exporting something with significant commercial value that will be returned to the U.S., you may be able to arrange for it to be treated as a temporary export by the destination country and avoid paying import duty and value-added tax. Before shipping your item(s), Identify/select the appropriate 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule Code for your item(s), purchase a carnet from Boomerang Carnets, and contact an MIT Preferred Freight Forwarder to arrange the shipment.
Purchase with Purpose
MIT VPF is committed to sustainability wherever possible throughout the purchasing process.
Our preferred shipping and mailing suppliers are working on sustainability improvements, such as reduced-waste packaging and electric delivery vehicles. Learn more on each supplier’s page on Supplier Search.
Questions About Shipping, Mailing, or Customs Brokerage?
Derek Welcome
Senior Strategic Sourcing Analyst
