Lamar University Mail Centre makes every effort to ensure your mail is secure. Only Mail Centre personnel are allowed inside the mail facility and around mail processing equipment unless otherwise accompanied by Mail Centre personnel. This is to ensure that your mail remains safe and free from tampering. Faculty, staff and students are required to present a valid university ID before any parcels may be picked up from the Mail Centre.

Odd-Shaped Items In Paper Envelopes

Pens, pencils, key rings, bottle caps and other similar odd-shaped items are not permitted in letter-size or flat-size paper envelopes unless they are wrapped within the other contents of the envelope to streamline the shape of the mailpiece and prevent damage during postal processing. If an odd-shaped item is not properly wrapped, it could burst through the envelope and cause injury to Mail Centre employees and damage to USPS processing equipment.

Odd-shaped items that are properly wrapped within paper envelopes and sent at the First-Class Mail or Standard Mail non-automation rates may be subject to the non-machinable surcharge under DMM E130 or E620, as applicable. Certain types of odd-shaped items, when properly wrapped , are permitted as automation rate letter-size mail subject to the standards in C810. Flat-size automation rate mail is subject to the uniform thickness requirement in C820.

Mail Bombs

The number of terrorist and criminal attacks by letter bombs has substantially increased over the last few years. A bomb is easily disguised in many ways, but the last thing a bomb is likely to look like is a bomb. Mail bombs come in all shapes and sizes and can look quite harmless. A small very powerful bomb can be concealed quite easily in a small box, package or envelope. If you suspect that a suspicious letter or package has been delivered to you, evacuate the area and contact the University Police department at 880-8307.

Things to look for:

• Excessive postage
• Vague or unfamiliar address
• No return address
• Mail addressed to correct person but incorrect job title
• Oily stains and/or strong odors
• Excessive packaging tape
• Exposed wires
• A box or package with all the weight shifted to one side

For more information about mail bombs and how to detect mail bombs contact the Mail Centre at (409) 880-2232.