How do i send one?
Before you rush out to the store for packing tape and boxes, you should know that the U.S. Postal Service offers free supplies to families preparing care packages for service members overseas. Their "Mili-kit" includes:
The flat-rate boxes also make postage very affordable. To get the kit, call the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734 (option 1 for Priority Mail supplies).
Your box should be full enough, but not too full. You don't want the items to move around that much. If they do, add some more bubble wrap to reduce damage. Don't overpack your box to the point it might break.
When addressing your care package, be sure that you include the service member's full name, unit and APO/FPO/DPO, as well as the nine-digit zip code (if assigned). Place an extra mailing label inside the box, as well as the one on the outside. If the package becomes damaged or unreadable in transit, it still has a chance to get where it's going if there's an address label inside. Try to mail care packages as early as possible before the holidays.
The Department of Defense does not accept mail addressed to “any service member.” Use the U.S. Postal Service when mailing packages and flat mail to the troops. You can mail all packages by Priority Mail, Parcel Post or flat mail box. America Supports You Priority Mail
Flat rate boxes come in size 12” x 12” x 5-1/2” for a flat rate of $10.95. There are other flat rate boxes for $12.95. Maximum weight is 70 pounds. Parcel Post can be cheaper but it also takes longer to arrive since they do not travel by aircraft within the U.S. prior to overseas dispatch.
Do not send anything of great value or items that are breakable. All packages sent to military addresses must have a custom form (available at your Post Office).
Priority mail and flat rate boxes and other shipping supplies can be ordered free of charge by calling 1.800.610.8734. Visit the USPS online: https://www.usps.com/
Depending on their location, Service Members do not pay postage on their mailings, so please do not send postage stamps. Cushion your packages with plenty of crumbled newspaper. Do not use foam peanut packing material. If you use popped popcorn to secure the contents of your package, place the popcorn in zip lock type plastic bags so that the corn does not spill out when the box is opened. Use plenty of shipping tape to secure the package. Put ALL food and any liquid (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) in zip lock plastic bags in case the containers burst in transit. Our Soldiers say, “When preparing packages, assume it will be handled by a herd of elephants! Mail Restrictions: Each country has custom regulations that apply to all incoming mail. These may include prohibitions on certain kinds of food or entertainment products. Military ZIP Code restrictions may change as military units move to different locations. You will find all restrictions for overseas military ZIP Codes in U.S. Postal Service bulletins: http://about.usps.com/forms/welcome.htm. BE SURE TO READ THE RESTRICTIONS in the bulletin from the post office. Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith cannot be sent to military installations located in Muslim countries. Religious items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible. Pork or pork by-products cannot be sent to Muslim countries.
Q. Where is a good place to get shipping supplies?
A. I found using Stamps.com very useful. During deployemts is great, I can print postage right from my computer. And I think they are offering a free trial. Click on their button on the next page to visit them:
Q. Can I send mail free to a person in the military?
A. No. The free mailing privilege only applies to military service personnel and designated civilians in specially designated areas with limited postal support. In other words, it is only free for those deployed personnel in designated overseas locations identified by The Department of Defense(DOD). This program is not for their loved ones, family, or friends back home.
Q. Does it cost more for mailing overseas to military service personnel?
A. Regular domestic postage rates apply for mailing overseas. There are no additional charges for mailing from the U.S. to overseas APO and FPO addresses.
Q. Do you have any packing tips I should follow?
A. Use plastic bags with zip-style closures for everything. They keep out sand, they keep out rain. Resourceful Marines are re-using them for all sorts of things. Quart size are great to keep their wallets and personal photos with them, in one of their many pockets, and they stay dry. If you're shipping a liquid (shampoo, eye drops), or items that are likely to melt or drip (Chapstick, deodorants, chocolate) be sure to pop it into a tightly sealed plastic bag first. That will help keep the rest of the items from getting gooey or ruined, just in case.
- Two Priority Mail APO/FPO/DPO flat-rate boxes
- Two Priority Mail medium flat-rate boxes
- Priority Mail tape
- Priority Mail address labels
- Appropriate customs forms
The flat-rate boxes also make postage very affordable. To get the kit, call the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734 (option 1 for Priority Mail supplies).
Your box should be full enough, but not too full. You don't want the items to move around that much. If they do, add some more bubble wrap to reduce damage. Don't overpack your box to the point it might break.
When addressing your care package, be sure that you include the service member's full name, unit and APO/FPO/DPO, as well as the nine-digit zip code (if assigned). Place an extra mailing label inside the box, as well as the one on the outside. If the package becomes damaged or unreadable in transit, it still has a chance to get where it's going if there's an address label inside. Try to mail care packages as early as possible before the holidays.
The Department of Defense does not accept mail addressed to “any service member.” Use the U.S. Postal Service when mailing packages and flat mail to the troops. You can mail all packages by Priority Mail, Parcel Post or flat mail box. America Supports You Priority Mail
Flat rate boxes come in size 12” x 12” x 5-1/2” for a flat rate of $10.95. There are other flat rate boxes for $12.95. Maximum weight is 70 pounds. Parcel Post can be cheaper but it also takes longer to arrive since they do not travel by aircraft within the U.S. prior to overseas dispatch.
Do not send anything of great value or items that are breakable. All packages sent to military addresses must have a custom form (available at your Post Office).
Priority mail and flat rate boxes and other shipping supplies can be ordered free of charge by calling 1.800.610.8734. Visit the USPS online: https://www.usps.com/
Depending on their location, Service Members do not pay postage on their mailings, so please do not send postage stamps. Cushion your packages with plenty of crumbled newspaper. Do not use foam peanut packing material. If you use popped popcorn to secure the contents of your package, place the popcorn in zip lock type plastic bags so that the corn does not spill out when the box is opened. Use plenty of shipping tape to secure the package. Put ALL food and any liquid (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) in zip lock plastic bags in case the containers burst in transit. Our Soldiers say, “When preparing packages, assume it will be handled by a herd of elephants! Mail Restrictions: Each country has custom regulations that apply to all incoming mail. These may include prohibitions on certain kinds of food or entertainment products. Military ZIP Code restrictions may change as military units move to different locations. You will find all restrictions for overseas military ZIP Codes in U.S. Postal Service bulletins: http://about.usps.com/forms/welcome.htm. BE SURE TO READ THE RESTRICTIONS in the bulletin from the post office. Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith cannot be sent to military installations located in Muslim countries. Religious items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible. Pork or pork by-products cannot be sent to Muslim countries.
Q. Where is a good place to get shipping supplies?
A. I found using Stamps.com very useful. During deployemts is great, I can print postage right from my computer. And I think they are offering a free trial. Click on their button on the next page to visit them:
Q. Can I send mail free to a person in the military?
A. No. The free mailing privilege only applies to military service personnel and designated civilians in specially designated areas with limited postal support. In other words, it is only free for those deployed personnel in designated overseas locations identified by The Department of Defense(DOD). This program is not for their loved ones, family, or friends back home.
Q. Does it cost more for mailing overseas to military service personnel?
A. Regular domestic postage rates apply for mailing overseas. There are no additional charges for mailing from the U.S. to overseas APO and FPO addresses.
Q. Do you have any packing tips I should follow?
A. Use plastic bags with zip-style closures for everything. They keep out sand, they keep out rain. Resourceful Marines are re-using them for all sorts of things. Quart size are great to keep their wallets and personal photos with them, in one of their many pockets, and they stay dry. If you're shipping a liquid (shampoo, eye drops), or items that are likely to melt or drip (Chapstick, deodorants, chocolate) be sure to pop it into a tightly sealed plastic bag first. That will help keep the rest of the items from getting gooey or ruined, just in case.