- Where is Stores Receiving located?
- What are Receiving's business hours?
- What types of packages does Receiving not accept?
- Can I have non-business related packages shipped to me?
- What if I am not available at the time the package is delivered?
- What if my packages are damaged?
- What if my shipment is sent freight collect?
- What if my shipment is sent Cash on Delivery?
- How do I find out if an item has been received?
- Who do I contact with a question or comment?
- What are the regulations and/or guidelines for shipping hazardous materials?
- How do I get CDS to pickup and ship out freight?
1. Where is Stores Receiving located?
0167 Physical Plant Bldg.
University Park, PA 16802
2. What are Receiving's business hours?
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
3. What types of packages does Receiving not accept?
- Perishable items
- Live Animals
- Items ordered by outside contractors for work being done at the University. These items are to be delivered by the carrier directly to the contractor.
- Radioactive materials and controlled substances.
- Packages labeled “refrigerate immediately,” “freeze upon arrival” or, “special handling.”
- Large loads for a single destination for which unloading and reloading would be impractical (Trucks 28 ft. and above with nine or more skids).
- “Cash on Delivery” (COD) or “Bill to Receiver” packages.
The shipments above will be re-directed by CDS and will be delivered by the carrier to the requesting department.
4. Can I have non-business related packages shipped to me?
Stores is not responsible for non-business related shipments for University employees. Stores receives and redelivers shipments relating to University business only. If personal items arrive at CDS, we assume no obligation for reporting damage claims, claiming concealed damage, or reporting incorrect shipments. Individual(s) will be required to pick up any personal items delivered to CDS.
5. What if I am not available at the time the package is delivered?
We will try and find a responsible individual to take it to the department office. CDS will not deliver/ leave a package(s) at the department without a signature.
6. What if my packages are damaged?
Once the package has been delivered, its contents should be inspected as soon as possible. If the contents are damaged, a department representative should contact CDS within 48 hours of receipt to file a claim with the carrier. Please save all portions of the shipping container and wrappings. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier within 15 days of receipt of the freight.
If a problem such as a shortage or overage is discovered after the department opens and examines the contents of a package, the department should contact Procurement Services to resolve the problem with the vendor. Damage valued at less than $25 cannot be processed.
7. What if my shipment is sent freight collect?
CDS cannot handle freight collect shipments
8. What if my shipment is sent Cash on Delivery?
CDS cannot handle COD shipments
9. How do I find out if an item has been received?
Before calling Central Distribution Services to check on the status of a shipment, please call the vendor and confirm that the material has been shipped. If a department needs to inquire about a package not yet received, a representative may contact CDS for information.
When calling to inquire about a package, please have the following information available. Otherwise, contact Procurement Services for assistance:
- Purchase order number, if applicable, or credit card information
- Name and address of sender
- Carrier name (Ward Trucking, ABF, Central Transport, etc.)
- Carrier assigned tracking number
- Department and recipient at Penn State
- Building and room number where the package is to be delivered.
- Information on who at Penn State may have signed for the package and when.
10. Who do I contact with a question or comment?
General information: order discrepancies, package tracking, problem resolution, etc.
Phone: (814) 865-8620 (George Witherite – Dispatcher/ Supervisor)
Front Desk: (814) 863-0317
Fax: (814) 863-7668
11. What are the regulations and/or guidelines for shipping hazardous materials?
The Department of Transportation (D.O.T) Federal Regulations do not permit us to ship certain types of hazardous materials. Departments are required to contact the Penn State Department of Environmental Health & Safety at 814-865-6391 about the shipping of these types of materials and to obtain the necessary paperwork prior to contacting Central Distribution for pickup.
12. How do I get CDS to pickup and ship out freight?
Departments can schedule package pick-up with Central Distribution Services by completing our Pick-Up and Shipping Request Form.
Fill out the form online and print. Then submit the completed form via fax to CDS at 814-863-7668. Departments should keep a copy for their records and place a copy on the pickup boxes for easy identification when our delivery driver arrives for pickup.