Basic Training
It all starts with an address to ship to military…
Military address use the same basic fields we know for personal addresses. There is a bit of a twist… The city, state, and Zip Code are special for military shipments and the special designations identify troops without disclosing their location to keep them safe. Details such as name and address are critical.
Here is what you need to know…
Name = Service Member’s Name: Personal full name, including middle name or initial per the USPS and DOD
When you ship to Military addresses, mail MUST be addressed to an actual person or it won’t be delivered. Soldier, Any Service Member, etc. is not allowed and won’t be delivered for security reasons. Rank/grade/rating should be skipped if sending to a DPO (example: CPT for Captain).
Don’t get confused if you see the acronym “MPO”. The military has an equivalent function to the post office and is referred to as MPO which stand for Military Post Office.
Addressing Details and Guidelines
Addresses are laid out differently depending on the type of post office they are going to. Aside from the service members full name the USPS and DOD says each shipment to an APO, FPO, or DPO should include a “Unit”, “CMR” (Community Mail Room), or “PSC” (Postal Service Center) number along with the box number.
So why is this important?
Because with military packages you are only paying domestic rates to one of these locations. Once they are at a military post office packages have to be sorted and redistributed again. Here are some average shipping times for USPS shipments.
EUROPE / ATLANTIC (APO / FPO AE ZIP Codes beginning with 090-092 and 094–099)
Express Mail® Military Service 3 Days
First-Class Mail® / Priority Mail® Service 7–19Days
Ground Advantage™ 30-45 Days
IRAQ / AFGHANISTAN / MIDDLE EAST (APO / FPO AE ZIP Codes beginning with 093)
Express Mail® Military Service Not Available
First-Class Mail® / Priority Mail® Service 7–13 Days
Ground Advantage™ 20–24 Days
JAPAN / KOREA / PACIFIC ISLANDS / FAR EAST (APO / FPO AP ZIP Codes beginning with 962–966)
Express Mail® Military Service 3 Days
First-Class Mail® / Priority Mail® Service 7–9 Days
Ground Advantage™ 30–45 Day
CENTRAL AMERICA / SOUTH AMERICA / CARIBBEAN (APO / FPO AA ZIP Codes beginning with 340)
Express Mail® Military Service Not Available
First-Class Mail® / Priority Mail® Service 7–9 Days
Ground Advantage™ 18–21 Days
AFRICA
Express Mail® Military Service Not Available
First-Class Mail® / Priority Mail® Service 15-18 Days
* Ground delivery service for U.S. addresses, including PO boxes and military addresses.
Source: USPS FAQ: Military and Diplomatic Mail
Finally Shipping a Military Package
Restricted Items
Be sure you know what can and can’t be sent overseas.
General prohibited items include:
- GPS tracking devices (used cell phones, transmitter radios, etc.)
- Offensive or pornographic images (including semi-nudity),
- Bulk quantities of religious materials
- Pork products abd sometimes even other meat products
- Items with aerosols and glass can break in transit
- Sometimes coffee is restricted
- There may even be box size restrictions
The best way to know what is prohibited is to use this Military Restricted Items Link: https://postcalc.usps.com/militaryrestrictions
Enter the deployment Zip Code in the box and you’ll get a list of restricted items specific to the deployment location.
Package Maximums
When you ship to military addresses:
Package cannot exceed 70 pounds.
Length + Girth cannot exceed 108 inches.
Length is the measurement of the longest side and girth is the distance around the thickest part (perpendicular to length).
Ship to Military Tips
- Take individually wrapped items out of bulky packaging.
- Buy on sale and save items for future care packages.
- Pack liquids/powders in plastic zip lock bags or containers.
- Be aware of timing for sending chocolate because it melts.
- Use quality boxes.
- Skip restricted items.
- Don’t ship air.
- Use plastic grocery bags, reusable items, or candy for fillers.
Note: USPS prohibits mailing hand sanitizer, aerosols, and other hazardous materials, there may also be base-specific restrictions which you can find here:
https://postcalc.usps.com/militaryrestrictions.
Drinks & Sauces
Food & Snacks
Hygiene & Personal Items
Games & Misc
So, Two More Pieces Of Information: Customs And Drop Off
Customs Forms
Required for all military packages.
Your Customs Form is included on your label when you use Ship Thrifty’s shipping tools, so you skip the forms.
Drop Offs:
You can drop you package off at any Post Office or request a pick up.
PS FORM 2976
Under 1 LBS
PS FORM 2976-A
Over 1 LBS
January 2019 Customs Form Update: People who ship to military destinations at USPS retail locations using hard copy customs forms (2976, 2976-A, 2976-B), will be requested to use the 2976-R. The Postal Clerk will be required to enter the data into the postal service systems. Source: Director, Global Trade Compliance, USPS Headquarters