Option1 Ship with Eurofins	Option 2 Ship Yourself	Option 3 Use Dropbox
Free for a vast majority of orders. Print your digital shipping label from the order confirmation page.	Ship using your organization's shipping carrier.	If there is a local dropbox or courier pickup available, you can drop off samples instead of shipping.
More Info	More Info	More Info

Environmental Benefits of Digital Shipping Labels

Eurofins Genomics recently implemented a new system of digital shipping labels to replace overnight shipping kits and decrease its environmental footprint. The old system of ordering Overnight Shipping Kit was wasteful particularly because of the abundance of extra envelopes, paper, and packaging, much of which was thrown away. The new digital shipping label will be provided free for qualifying orders and printed locally, so the exact amount of material needed is used, leaving very little waste. Below are the three primary areas that we hope to reduce our environmental footprint in, although additional reductions are expected in auxiliary areas related to fuel and logistics.

1. Reduction in paper and plastic utilized by the shipping envelopes, which were not fully utilized. Meaning, many were thrown away.
2. Reduction in cardboard utilized to ship the overnight kits to customers.
3. Reduction in shipments due to consolidation of samples into fewer packages.

We currently ship enough prepaid, UPS envelopes each year to cover the same square footage as Buckingham Palace! We estimate that at least half of these envelopes go unused and eventually thrown away.

	Annual Material Used for Prepaid Envelopes	75% Reduction	50% Reduction
	About the size of Buckingham Palace

By switching to the new digital shipping label system, we expect to cut our environmental footprint in half in the first year, and reach 70-90% reduction over 5 years. This does not include the additional reduction in corrugated cardboard and logistics.

Digital Shipping Labels

Eurofins Genomics is the only sequencing company that provides digital shipping labels to any customer, anywhere, to make the sample submission process as easy as possible. Digital shipping label are free for over 90% of orders, and they can be printed instantly from the order confirmation screen.

Benefits

• Instant, online solution for shipping samples.
  
• Environmentally friendly solution that requires less material cost and fossil fuels to reach the end customer. Furthermore, we encourage customers reuse boxes found in their lab for shipping, as a way of recycling.
• Free for a vast majority of orders. As long as the order value meets the minimum threshold amount, the label is provided for free. The minimum threshold is approximately $25, which equates to 3-8 reactions. If the order value falls below the threshold, customers can still purchase the label for a small fee or choose an alternative shipping method. Furthermore, you can always wait a day and combine samples to reach the threshold, or combine shipments with another user to achieve the same goal.

Process

	1. Print shipping label and order details from order confirmation page. Shipping labels will be provided digitally moving forward. You can print the label on the order confirmation page, from your browser. The label is free if the sequencing items exceed $30 USD (equivalent of 3 - 8 reactions depending on options). If not, customers can still print a digital shipping label for a small fee. Order confirmation page print out includes: Page 1 is the shipping label. This label is securely taped to the outside of your envelope. Page 2 is the order details which goes inside your sample bag. Page 3 contains directions and is for your own personal use when submitting samples.
	2. Prepare Samples More details can be found on the sample submission guidelines page and help page. View sample submission guidelines
	3. Prepare Package Place your samples and the order confirmation print out inside a ziplock bag or other suitable container. Next, place all materials inside a shipping envelope or box. For environmental reasons, Eurofins Genomics no longer provides UPS shipping envelopes in advance due to the amount of waste. Options for how to package the samples: Option 1: customers are encouraged to reuse their own shipping boxes, found in the lab, for the smallest environmental footprint. Option 2: Order envelopes directly from UPS for free. Directions are on the last tab on this page. Option 3: Local UPS stores and interior letterboxes typically provide supplies for free, although it varies by location. Look up nearby UPS store.
	4. Add Label Securely attach the shipping label, which was printed from the order confirmation page, to the outside of your envelope or package. Did you forget to print the label or need more help? No problem, please see the FAQ tab for further information. Directions on how to order UPS envelopes for free are found on the last tab on this page.
	5. Drop off Drop off your envelope or package at any UPS box or location. Look up nearby locations.

Packaging

The following guidelines help to ensure that your samples arrive in optimal condition.

• Use a sturdy envelope or rigid box with flaps intact, that is strong enough to hold the contents. That means it shouldn't have tears, rips, bends, or other damage.
• Make sure to remove any old labels or cross out old markings on the box.
• Use adequate cushioning material. If possible, wrap items individually and surround them with recyclable or foam loose-fill materials. Content should not directly touch the inside of the shipping box.
• Securely seal your package using strong tape designed for shipping, such as pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon reinforced tape that's at least 2 in./5.08 cm wide. Do not use string or paper over-wrap
• Properly label your package, using a single address label that has clear, complete delivery and return information. Secure the label on the outside of the box or envelope and avoid placing it on the seams or tape.

Restrictions

• Digital shipping labels are not available in Canada due to the differences inherent in international shipping and customs.
• Digital shipping labels may or may not be available in the quoting system, depending on options. In a small number of cases, this means the quote amount may differ slightly than the order amount, if there is a fee for the digital shipping label.

Direct Shipping Directions

In essence, this option means shipping samples the way that you would ship any other package or envelope in your lab. Most organizations have an account with UPS, Fedex, USPS, or DHL. You would use this internal carrier account to ship the material.

	1. Print your order confirmation page. After completing your online order, print the order confirmation page from your internet browser.
	2. Prepare Samples More details can be found on the sample submission guidelines page and help page. View sample submission guidelines
	3. Prepare Package Place your samples, and page 2 of the order confirmation print out, inside a ziplock bag or other suitable container. Next, place all materials inside a shipping envelope or box provided by your organization.
	4. Ship Through Your Organization's Shipping Carrier Each organization is different but most have a contract with UPS, Fedex, DHL or another carrier company. Find out how your organization normally ships packages and ship the samples to: Each organization is different but most have a contract with UPS, Fedex, DHL or another carrier company. Find out how your organization normally ships packages out and utilize that resource to submit samples. United States DNA sequencing services 12701 Plantside Drive Louisville, KY 40299   Canada Customers Toronto (downtown only) University of Toronto Donelly CCBR, 160 College Street 12th Floor in Front of Room #1240 Cutoff time: 2:00PM Contact: Mufaddal Cutler, mufaddalcutler@eurofins.com, WhatsUpApp: 647-234-5152 Do not ship to this address, drop off only. Victoria University of Victoria Science Stores, 3800 Finnerty Rd. Petch Bldg. Rm. 168 Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Cutoff time: 11:00 AM. Samples Shipped Wednesday Contact: Rob Iuvale, scistore@uvic.ca, 250-721-8853   All Other Canada Customers Ship to: Eurofins Genomics DNA sequencing services 12701 Plantside Drive Louisville, KY 40299

Using Your Own Package

You can help to ensure that your package arrives safely and on time with these packaging guidelines and procedures developed from UPS research.

• Use a sturdy envelope or rigid box with flaps intact, that is strong enough to hold the contents. That means it shouldn't have tears, rips, bends, or other damage.
• Make sure to remove any old labels or cross out old markings on the box.
• Use adequate cushioning material. If possible, wrap items individually and surround them with recyclable or foam loose-fill materials. Content should not directly touch the inside of the shipping box.
• Securely seal your package using strong tape designed for shipping, such as pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon reinforced tape that's at least 2 in./5.08 cm wide. Do not use string or paper over-wrap
• Properly label your package, using a single address label that has clear, complete delivery and return information. Secure the label on the outside of the box or envelope and avoid placing it on the seams or tape.

Local Dropbox Directions

Dropboxes are small containers where customers drop off their samples, and later those samples are picked up by a daily courier driver or local consolidator and shipped overnight to our lab for processing. The primary difference between a Eurofins Genomics dropbox and a UPS letterbox is size and location. Due to the smaller size and flexibility of dropboxes, they can be set up within close proximity to a lab, such as inside your building. Approving a new dropbox depends on the volume of sequencing reactions coming from nearby labs. Inquire about setting up a dropbox near your location.

Request Dropbox

	1. Print your order confirmation page. After completing your online order, print the order confirmation page from your internet browser.
	2. Prepare Samples More details can be found on the sample submission guidelines page and help page. View sample submission guidelines
	3. Drop off Place your samples, and the order confirmation print out, inside a ziplock bag or other suitable container. It is important that you include the order details printout with your sample bag, since all sample bags will be consolidated into one envelope. Drop your sample bag into the local dropbox. No shipping envelope is needed. You should place the bag, with your samples and order details, directly into the box. The cutoff time for dropping off samples is different for each location. View nearby dropboxes and cutoff time
	4. Pickup All samples inside the dropbox are picked up daily, by either a courier or local consolidator. All sample bags are consolidated into one envelope and shipped overnight to our sequencing lab.

Request Dropbox

General Tips

Samples shipped by you are received in our lab and immediately set for processing. The barcodes on tubes and plates help us track the samples through all stages of the sequencing workflow. For receiving high-quality data efficiently and economically, adhere to the following guidelines:

• Ensure that your samples are closed tightly to prevent sample cross contamination. We, however, do not recommend applying parafilm to the tubes, since processing such samples will take longer.
• Include a printout of your order confirmation page. This ensures faster turnaround of results because the sequencing lab can quickly match your samples to the order.
• If you wish to track your package later, we advise taking a photo of the shipping label from your cellphone in case you need it later.
• Send your samples in padded shipping envelopes to avoid damage to the tubes in transit.
• With the new sequencing lab in Canada, customers in Canada must ship their samples to the new address (see below). Customers in the USA will continue to ship their samples to Louisville, KY.
• Please note that there might be a Eurofins Genomics dropbox near you. Deposit your samples in these dropboxes in a timely manner.

How to Order Envelopes

We encourage customers to reuse boxes found around their lab for shipping material, as a way of recycling. If none are available, customers can still easily order free envelopes directly from UPS.

Option 1: Order from your UPS account for free

The easiest way to continue receiving free overnight shipping envelopes, similar to how you received them before, is by creating a UPS account and requesting these free envelopes directly.

1.) Create a UPS account or login to an existing UPS account

2.) Click on “Order Supplies” tab

3.) Click on “Packaging”

5.) Under the tab called “Paks”, view the option “UPS Pad Pak”, select the required quantity and check the box “Update Supplies Order” as seen below.Once done, Click on “Add selected to your order”.

6.) Click on “Review Your Supplies Order”. Click on Submit order

Option 2: UPS Stores and Letterboxes

You can pick up an envelope for free at any UPS store, and most UPS letter boxes contain supplies as well. However, each pick-up is limited to one free envelope.

Option 3: Order Envelopes from Eurofins Genomics

You can order a box of shipping envelopes and other supplies from our website. However, the package will no longer contain shipping labels and include a cost to cover shipping the envelopes to the customer. We advise against this method due to the free, local options for obtaining envelopes and due to the added environmental impact. This option requires two shipments: 1.) UPS ships the envelopes to Eurofins and 2.) we reship them to the customer. By creating your own UPS account, you can order exactly how many envelopes you plan to use, which reduces waste, cost, and time for all parties. Regardless, if you wish to order the envelopes from Eurofins Genomics, directions are below:

1. Login to your account at eurofinsgenomics.com.
2. Visit the shipping supplies webpage.
3. Add the envelopes to your cart.
4. Complete order.

Package Types

You can help to ensure that your package arrives safely and on time with these packaging guidelines and procedures developed from UPS research.

• Use a sturdy envelope or rigid box with flaps intact, that is strong enough to hold the contents. That means it shouldn't have tears, rips, bends, or other damage.
• Make sure to remove any old labels or cross out old markings on the box.
• Use adequate cushioning material. If possible, wrap items individually and surround them with recyclable or foam loose-fill materials. Content should not directly touch the inside of the shipping box.
• Securely seal your package using strong tape designed for shipping, such as pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon reinforced tape that's at least 2 in./5.08 cm wide. Do not use string or paper over-wrap
• Properly label your package, using a single address label that has clear, complete delivery and return information. Secure the label on the outside of the box or envelope and avoid placing it on the seams or tape.