These guidelines are provided by the US Postal System.  For additional help contact our local Post Office at 467-2250 or go to http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/welcome.htm 

SHIPPING OPTIONS  |  RESTRICTIONS  |  PACKAGING TIPS  |  ADDRESSING TIPS

  SHIPPING OPTIONS:

One of the best deals is the new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Boxes (12" x 12" x 5 ½" or nearly 800 cubic inches).

Flat-Rate Boxes are free and can be obtained at Post Offices, at usps.com/supplies or by calling 800-610-8734. Some of the boxes are co-branded with the logo of "America Supports You", a Department of Defense program that connects citizens offering support to the military and their families. The "America Supports You" version of the new box is available online, or by calling 800-610-8734.

Smaller flat rate boxes are not eligible for the military discount for U.S. addresses. All flat rate boxes can be used for international shipping, and all packaging is environmentally friendly, exceeding the highest standards for recyclables.

For specific restrictions and mailing rates to an APO/FPO address, visit the Rate Calculator. You can also call 1-800-ASK-USPS, consult your local Post Office™, or phone the Military Postal Service Agency at 1-800-810-6098. [ Back to top ]

  MILITARY MAILING RESTRICTIONS:

Before you send a letter or package to one of our troops overseas, make sure you’re aware of certain restrictions. Every country has customs regulations regarding incoming mail.

Although there are specific restrictions for each five-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code™ (APO/FPO), generally, the following are prohibited in the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc).

Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials.

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

Pork or pork by-products.

For packages, print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion.

For specific restrictions and mailing rates to an APO/FPO address, visit the Rate Calculator. You can also call 1-800-ASK-USPS, consult your local Post Office™, or phone the Military Postal Service Agency at 1-800-810-6098. [ Back to top ]

  MILITARY PACKAGING TIPS:

To make sure package contents arrive in good shape to our troops overseas, take the following factors into consideration:

Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees.

The Box: Select a strong box with room for cushioning. On recycled boxes, cover all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive labels.

Cushioning: Cushion contents with Styrofoam or bubble wrap to keep items from shifting. We recommend fragile items be double boxed, with cushioning inside and between the boxes to absorb shock.

Batteries: Battery powered items will sometimes get turned on during shipment. Remove and wrap the batteries separately.

Sealing: Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2 inch wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine.

Include a card describing the contents: Improperly wrapped packages can fall apart during shipment. Including a card inside, listing the sender’s and recipient’s addresses plus a description of the contents, helps in collecting the items. [ Back to top ]

  MILITARY ADDRESSING TIPS:

It’s important to make sure your mail gets to the right person, in the right place.

The Department of Defense has issued the following guidelines for addressing your mail to military and civilian personnel deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Use the service member’s full name. The Department of Defense cancelled the Any Service Member program so mail must be addressed to someone specific.

Include the unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code™ (if one is assigned). Click-N-Ship customers should be advised that the Postal Service and the Military will continue to add and update valid APO/FPO addresses for your online labels.

Include a return address.

For packages, print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion or print a postage-paid label online with USPS Click-N-Ship. (Please note that ZIP Codes 093XX and 964XX are currently unavailable for electronic labels.)

Updated 01/07/13