Your Central Hub for Campus Deliveries and Freight Receiving
The Central Receiving operation is located within the FM Logistical Services warehouse at the Severn Building. Our team serves as one of the University's receiving and distribution points for a wide variety of inbound shipments that cannot be delivered to original location due to access or size restrictions.
We receive and distribute numerous campus deliveries each day, including office supplies, freight shipments, oversized packages, and other materials that require centralized receiving before delivery to campus departments.
Services We Provide
Standard Receiving and Distribution
Central Receiving serves as the primary receiving location for:
- Guy Brown office supply deliveries
- Rudolph Office Products deliveries
- Oversized packages
- Freight shipments
- Inaccessible locations
- Locations without loading docks
Freight and Oversized Deliveries
Many freight shipments can be delivered directly to departments through Central Receiving. However, when shipments exceed standard weight, size, or handling limitations, our team will coordinate delivery with FM Special Services or an approved third-party transportation provider to ensure the equipment is moved safely and efficiently.
Examples include:
- Large laboratory equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Furniture systems
- Building materials
- Palletized freight
- Heavy equipment
Temporary Receiving Services
Central Receiving can serve as a temporary receiving location for inbound shipments when the ordering department is unable to accept delivery directly from the supplier.
Common situations include:
- Department personnel unavailable during delivery
- No loading dock available
- Building access restrictions
- Equipment requiring scheduled delivery
- Construction or renovation activities
When these situations occur, Central Receiving will:
- Receive and inspect the shipment
- Notify the ordering department
- Coordinate pickup or redelivery through Facilities Management Special Services when necessary
Storage Policy
Central Receiving is designed to support the University's daily receiving and distribution operations and does not provide long-term storage services.
Shipments should be picked up or scheduled for delivery as soon as practical after notification.
Departments requiring extended storage should make arrangements for off-campus leased or commercial storage facilities. Our staff can provide guidance on available storage options if needed.
Customer Responsibilities
Departments requesting Central Receiving services should:
- Provide accurate delivery information when placing orders
- Notify Central Receiving of anticipated large or specialized shipments
- Respond promptly to pickup or delivery notifications
- Coordinate delivery schedules for oversized or specialized freight
- Arrange for long-term storage when necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my department have shipments delivered to Central Receiving?
Yes. Central Receiving may serve as the receiving location when your department cannot physically accept delivery from the supplier.
Does Central Receiving store equipment?
Only on a temporary basis. Our warehouse is intended for short-term receiving operations and is not available for long-term departmental storage.
What if my shipment is too large or heavy?
Our team will coordinate transportation with Facilities Management Special Services or a qualified third-party vendor to ensure the shipment is delivered safely.
Will I be notified when my shipment arrives?
Yes. Departments will be contacted when shipments requiring pickup or coordinated delivery are received.
Contact Central Receiving
Facilities Management – Logistical Services
Email: fmmailservices@umd.edu
For questions regarding deliveries, freight shipments, temporary receiving, or oversized equipment, please contact our office before your shipment arrives so we can coordinate the most efficient receiving and delivery solution.