South SFV Today

Stanford University has launched a new Mail and Package Services (MPS) program to enhance mail and package management on campus. Initiated on September 1, 2024, the program aims to streamline package handling through a centralized system, improving convenience, reducing delivery traffic, and supporting sustainability goals.

Jack Cleary, associate vice president for land, buildings, and real estate at Stanford University, stated: “This program provides needed enhancements to mail and package services to address the year-over-year increase in the package volume we are experiencing on campus.” He emphasized that by centralizing operations and using sustainable practices such as electric vehicles and waste diversion, the university is enhancing efficiency while cutting down on traffic and emissions.

The MPS program features a centralized receiving warehouse located in Newark, California. This facility processes packages before they are delivered to campus using Stanford's fleet of electric trucks. The initiative is expected to reduce the number of delivery trucks entering campus by 50 to 70 daily, thus improving safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and buses.

Shirley Everett, senior associate vice provost for Residential & Dining Enterprises and senior advisor to the provost on equity and inclusion at Stanford University remarked: “We are pleased to have collaborated with LBRE and other stakeholders throughout this process to help resolve mail and package challenges facing students and the campus community.” She expressed confidence that this consolidated arrangement will benefit all who receive mail through MPS.

Additionally, redesigned package centers and an expanded network of 24/7 lockers have been introduced for convenient student access. A mobile app is also planned to facilitate streamlined package tracking.

The program also extends its services to faculty and staff by managing ID mail and overseeing mail codes. Plans are underway to expand services further into academic departments after assessing broader needs across campus. However, entities like the School of Medicine will continue their existing systems.

The creation of MPS addresses challenges such as thefts, misplaced deliveries, and increased traffic due to online shopping growth. In February 2022, a summit led by LBRE and R&DE recommended centralizing mail management. Following extensive research including studies with students and benchmarking with peer institutions, a plan was presented in April 2023 proposing the current system setup.

By incorporating electric vehicles for deliveries within campus boundaries, MPS contributes towards Stanford’s environmental targets of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Waste management strategies include recycling bins at package centers aligning with Stanford's zero waste goal by 2030.

Looking forward, MPS plans to open an advanced receiving warehouse in summer 2025 featuring modern conveyor systems for improved processing efficiency.

For inquiries related to student packages contact packageandmailservices@ug2.com; faculty or staff can reach out via mailandpackageservices@stanford.edu. More information is available at mps.stanford.edu.