Regional Delivery Shipping Procedures
What's a good way to ensure that your package gets to its proper destination on time? Here are a few hints to help you:
- Use a proper delivery label.
The new labels can be found on our website at: http://hrlc.org/delivery/deliveryinfo.htm. You can use the old forms but ONLY if they do not have the old Route #s and only if you are able to clearly write the ID # near the Region letter. The ILL forms DO NOT count as a proper form.
- Use the COMPLETE address of the library you are sending it to.
This includes library name, street address and town. Only send materials to libraries participating in the service in New Jersey. If a library is not on the delivery list, then the materials need to be sent via U.S. Mail. Please use the lists found at http://hrlc.org/delivery/deliveryinfo.htmfor the proper addresses for HRLC and the other Regions. Please be careful when reading the delivery lists - it is very easy to mistake one library for another when the names are similar (i.e. Bernards Township Library - ID#1107; Bernards Township School District, Ridge High School Library - ID#1011; Bernardsville Public Library - ID#1108).
- Use the ID Numbers.
ID Numbers, which help in the sorting process, can also be found on our web site (see above). The ID number you should be using is for the destination library, not your library's. They should be written either in the ID Number box or clearly near the Region letter. Do not use the old Route #s - they are meaningless to CD&L. ID Numbers are to be used for ALL libraries in the state, not just within the Highlands Region.
- Send items only within the state.
If you are shipping any items out of state, you CANNOT send the items via CD&L. Use either the U.S. Postal service or a carrier such as UPS or FedEx.
- Write clearly on the label.
Using dark ink and large letters make packages easier to read and sort.
- Stamp your library's address on the back of the delivery label.
Your address tells the delivery service where the package is coming from in case of any delivery problems.
- Secure bags using Ziploc closures or with rubber bands.
Closing a large bag with one small piece of tape almost guarantees that the contents will spill out and get lost.
- Do not overstuff the bags.
Overstuffed bags often spill open and materials get lost. If you cannot close the Ziploc, there is too much in the bag. Large bags should contain no more than 3 or 4 books (depending on size).
- Do not make boxes too heavy.
Boxes should be no heavier than 50 pounds. If you can't lift it, it needs to be repackaged. Close boxes securely using wide tape.
- Do not throw items loosely into canvas bags.
CD&L has no idea what to do with something like that and neither does the Regional Office.
Packages that are not properly packaged and labeled will be sent to the Regional Office for handling, which means your patrons are not getting their items when they need them. Please do not assume that CD&L will automatically know what to do with your packages..
PLEASE POST THIS PROMINENTLY IN THE AREA WHERE YOUR INTERLIBRARY LOANS ARE DONE