The university contracts with Federal Express and United Parcel Service (UPS) to grant these companies limited power of attorney to clear routine shipments through customs upon arrival at various ports of call within the United States and likewise to clear exported shipments at most locations around the world.
Freight Importing & Exporting
Using a Customs Broker
We recommend using a Customs Broker for individual shipments to ensure that shipments clear customs and reach their destination in a safe and timely manner.
- Shipments that contain hazardous or controlled materials that may require an export license
- Shipments that require “dry ice” packaging
- Shipments that are bound for, or coming from, countries on a restricted trade list
- Shipments that involve the movement of a lab, or donated lab equipment to be used for research purposes only and may fall under the category of “Duty-Free” entry
Importing Purchase Orders
In the instances above, specific paperwork should be filed prepared by the Supply Chain Management team and/or W.N. Epstein & Company, the university’s Customs Broker Representative.
W.N. Epstein & Company has offices and contacts at most U.S. ports of entry and around the globe with their local office located at 4433 Woodson Road St. Louis, MO 63134. For questions, contact Jerry Epstein at jepstein@wnepstein.com or 314-429-0673 ext. 112
The purchase order number must be referenced on all documentation and a copy of the invoice should be attached to all shipping papers. The import broker must be provided with the airbill number at the time of shipment.
The following shipping information should be included in the body of the purchase order:
Please ship to the Port of St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with notification to the university’s import broker:
W.N. Epstein
Attn: Jerry Epstein
4477 Woodson Road Ste. 140
St. Louis MO 63134
Tel: 314-429-0673
Fax: 314-423-3553
Email: jepstein@wnepstein.com
University faculty and staff traveling abroad should be provided with import broker information. Coordination with our import broker is required for individuals shipping items collected overseas back to the university. The broker should be notified immediately of any shipment bound for the United States.
If a purchase order is not used—for example, when exchanging goods, returning loaned equipment, or under similar circumstances—advance notice to the import broker will help ensure a smooth and timely customs clearance.
Supply Chain Management will receive an invoice for services rendered after the import broker has cleared shipment(s) through customs and delivery to its destination. A copy of the invoice will be sent to the department/school of record and to accounts payable with the correct purchase order number or a free balance account number.
Read more about duty-free imports in our Policies & Regulations.
Specialty Underwriting
WashU has partnered with Specialty Underwriters to help reduce and guarantee costs associated with your laboratory and scientific equipment maintenance and repairs. With this program, you continue to use the existing service providers on a time-and-materials basis.
Specialty Underwriters is an independent company who help manage the costs of equipment service through unbiased comparisons, pricing, repairs, and service issues when your equipment needs maintenance. They assist with converting to a time-and-materials basis as compared to a typical yearly service agreement and will review existing service agreements. Note: They do not manufacture, sell, or service equipment.
The preferred supplier agreement provides savings of 15-30% over the previous spending.
Yes, you decide which vendor you want to service your equipment.
Yes, preventive maintenance services (PM’s) are critical to equipment uptime and long-term cost management. Specialty Underwriters recommend that PMs be performed on a regular basis. They can assist you in setting up proper schedules for your equipment.
Usually, laboratory or scientific equipment valued at $10,000 or more is targeted. However, they will review your entire equipment list to help you determine what pieces should be included.
The help hotline at 1-800-558-9910 provides support before, during, and after a service call. They can also help with third-party alternatives for equipment service and parts.
Several departments are already enjoying the savings with this program, including Biochemistry, Anatomy, Neurobiology, and Anesthesiology.
You may contact Supply Chain Management at 314-935-7052. Since every department is unique, your equipment list and existing service agreements will be reviewed to prepare an Equipment Quotation that will allow you to identify the savings opportunities.