All about mailing your Care Package

I thought I might as well post about some basics on how to ship your Care Packages, as well as Do's and Don'ts.

You can find a lot of this information out on the inter-web but since I am doing a blog about Care Packages it only makes sense for me to have this on here!

Most of this I will be pulling off of the USPS website, also a few things that have been told to me by my post office (Spanish Fork, Utah) also if anyone one has questions let me know, I am personally friends with the Post Master and he can clear up any confusion we may have! :D

APO/FPO/DPO Guidelines and Restrictions

"Our troops work hard for us overseas. Far from home, few things brighten their days more than mail from friends and loved ones. Technically, APO/FPO/DPO ships at domestic rates, however, you'll need to follow these special guidelines."

Addressing Tips

Get the address right.

Use the service members full name

All mail must be addressed to someone specific; addressing mail to "Any Service Member" is no longer permitted.

Include the Unit and APO/FPO/DPO

(Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine digit zip-code (if one is assigned).

SSGT Kevin Taylor

Unit 2050 box 4190

APO AP 96278-2050

ABHAN Samuel Johnson

USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72
V1

FPO AP 96612- 2872

Remember to print clearly!

Mailing Restrictions

Before you send a letter or package to one of our troops overseas, make sure you are aware of some of the restrictions. Every country has costumes regulations regarding incoming mail.

Although there are specific regulation to each five-digit military post office zip code (APO/FPO/DPO), generally, the following are prohibited in the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

* Obscene Articles: Prints, Paintings, Cards, Film, Video Tapes, etc.

* Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-autherized political materials.

* Bulk Quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.

* Pork or Pock by-products.

To make sure package contents arrive in good shape, take into consideration:

* Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees, this can damage delicate good e.g. electronics.

 Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes

Features: Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are available at many Post Offices and can be ordered online at USPS.com/Shop. You can print Priority Mail labels and postage with Click-N-Ship at USPS.com and receive a price discount.

When sealing a Flat Rate Box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container; provide the design of the container is not reconstructed in any way.

Small Flat Rate Box

Size: 8-5/8" x 5-3/8" x 1-5/8"

International Prices: $5.20 

The weight limit is 4 pounds to international destinations.

Medium Flat Rate Box

Sizes: 13-5/8" x 11-7/8" x 3-3/8" (rectangle-shaped)

11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" (square-shaped)

International Prices: $10.95

The weight limit is 20 pounds to international destinations.

Large Flat Rate Box

Size: 12" x 12" x 5-1/2"

23-11/16" x 11-3/4" x 3"

International Prices: $12.95

The weight limit is 20 pounds to international destinations.

A few things with the Large Flat Rate Box. My Post Office told me if you are sending to a military address the Large Flat Rate Boxes are $10.95 instead of the $12.95 so make sure to ask! Also, as far as the weight limit I know it's not 20 pounds I have sent WAY heavier boxes, and I was worried about it exceeding the weight limit. I asked the guy helping me and he told me something different (70 pounds I believe) when I go in next I will ask.

Well, I just looked at the USPS website again and I got the Pricing wrong for the Large Flat Rate Box it is $14.95 and to military address it is 12.95. They must have upped the pricing on that.... bummer! 

Customs

Generally, you'll need a customs form for all international mail except First-Class Mail International items and Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes that weigh less than 16 oz, are no more than 3/4" thick, and which contain only documents.

What forms you need depend on the service you're using and the declared value of your mail.

Do's and Don'ts

Don't send chocolate- It melts as simple as that

Keep it small/cheap- They don't have a lot of room

Make it fun!

Make it frequent!

Don't send porn

Don't send alcohol

It's pretty much common sense, if you have questions about something ask!

Well for now that is all I can think of, if I think of anything else I will add it. I hope that this has helped some of you!