Outbound Freight

The following pertains only to campus departments

Common Carrier Shipments

Central Distribution is the logistics solution for outbound freight shipped from the Central Campus. Central Distribution will assist in selecting a carrier and arranging for pick-up of materials being shipped off campus by common carrier.

Departments are responsible for packing items for outbound shipment, obtaining a vendor return authorization (if applicable) and placing labels on all items to be shipped.

Shipping costs (if applicable) will be re-charged to the department requesting shipping services. Call Central Distribution at 642-5330 to request outbound freight logistics services.

Vendor Returns

Central Distribution will assist campus departments in returning official UCB freight. Departments are required to contact the vendor for a return authorization first. After a Return Authorization is issued by the vendor, departments should call Central Distribution at 642-5330 with the following information:

  • The location of the items to be returned
  • The number of packages to be returned
  • Estimated weight of the package(s)
  • The name of the vendor
  • Original PO number
  • Return Authorization number(s)
  • The method of shipment back to the vendor (Common Carrier, UPS, Vendor's own truck, etc.)
  • Is the package being returned Hazardous Materials
  • Please label all packages being returned with the Return Authorization number and the original PO
Import/Export Shipments:
For Import/Export Services, please call:
Air Sea Forwarders
Phone (650) 877-4400
Fax (650) 952-2048
UC Berkeley Research Export Controls website on International Shipping

For more information regarding Outbound Shipments or Vendor Returns, please contact the Customer Service Representative at (510) 642-5330 or e-mail us at centdist@berkeley.edu.
Our Fax number is (510) 237-9147.