DHL is the University’s preferred supplier for courier services and is used by the Department for the majority of shipments, both within the UK and internationally. The booking process is simple and efficient, ensuring reliable service for standard delivery needs.
However, for oversized items within the UK, or where same-day or next-day delivery is required, Cambridge Couriers is recommended as the most suitable option, due to their specialized capabilities in handling such requests.
To use this service, complete the Courier Shipment form and send to the Purchasing Office as a WORD Document. Colleagues at Electrical Engineering may request that staff at reception handle this for them. The form has clear instructions on how to complete it. You will need to know:
- The recipient’s full name and contact information
- The complete address, including the postcode/zip code of the delivery location
- A description of the contents, including their value, package size, and weight
Please take your package to the Department’s Stores at Trumpington Street. Your package should be well wrapped and clearly show full recipient name and address.
For valuable items we recommend that insurance is taken out. This costs an additional 1.5% of the value of the item, (minimum charge is £12). The University does have insurance in place, but the Sender must bear the excess, which is currently £1,000. The decision to have insurance through DHL is up to each consignor.
Export Information
There are several additional requirements and regulations you need to be aware of when exporting items overseas.
To see these please follow the link to the University’s Import Export Hub.
For all exports you will have to complete the Commercial Invoice. Please make sure that you provide the commodity code for each item in your shipment. The commodity code can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff.
Once you have completed the DHL form and the commercial invoice, please send both documents to purchase-enquiries@eng.cam.ac.uk and importexporthub@admin.cam.ac.uk.
You also need to complete the Licence Enquiry Form. Once completed, the form must be sent to researchgovernance@admin.cam.ac.uk , who are responsible for the export controls due diligence checks within the University of Cambridge.
If the item is to be exported on a temporary basis it may be possible to avoid paying duty/tax. Please contact the Purchasing Team to discuss BEFORE the export takes place.