Question about shipping a package to military.......

[crazyme5kids]

Dumb question, but is there a weight limit on mailing a package to a military address? Also, (an equally dumb question) can I package it in a regular box or does it need to be a USPO box?

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Well, I've sent any number of packages to military addresses and the weight limit was always driven by the method of shipment.

Packaging was done in the strongest cardboard box available. Those things are tossed around something fierce!

If you are sending it overseas don't put anything perishable in it. (Chocolate for intance, it will most likely be a melted mess by the time the recipient gets the package).

 

[crazyme5kids]

I'm sending dog and cat food. I'd like to ship in one box, but before packing it up I just wanted to see if there might be a problem weight wise. I don't think it is more than 30 pounds.

 

[Briarmom]

I'm sending dog and cat food. I'd like to ship in one box, but before packing it up I just wanted to see if there might be a problem weight wise. I don't think it is more than 30 pounds.

That shouldn't be a problem. You'll have to ship it priority mail so it gets there in the next couple of weeks.

Is the food in a bag? If so, I would wrap it in saran wrap or something. You don't want it to get maggots or something.

Are you going to have to do this every other month for years? Can they not find the right food at the Commissary? If this is the case, I'd have them start looking online where it can be properly wrapped.

Sorry, don't mean to be nosy, just trying to make sure the service member can get what they need and you can do less work.

 

[crazyme5kids]

Maggots !

I am sending a request for the dog and cat food from the Any Soldier web site, I don't think I'm committed to do this all the time unless I want to. The bags are sealed dry food, dog biscuits, cat treats and wet cat food that are in those metallic type pouches. Oh, also a frisbee and ball. I figured I would have plastic bags around everything.

Apparently it is hard to get dog and cat food and when they can find it, it is expensive.

 

[Briarmom]

Maggots !

I am sending a request for the dog and cat food from the Any Soldier web site, I don't think I'm committed to do this all the time unless I want to. The bags are sealed dry food, dog biscuits, cat treats and wet cat food that are in those metallic type pouches. Oh, also a frisbee and ball. I figured I would have plastic bags around everything.

Apparently it is hard to get dog and cat food and when they can find it, it is expensive.

Ah, I see. That makes sense.

Thanks for sending the food.

 

[Sleepy]

As far as postal service, it is USPS. You will need to fill out a customs form. They will give it to you at the post office. As someone said, if you send it priority, it will take 7-14 days. Regular mail will take a month or more. Of course, the priority costs more, but if it is an item which is needed pronto, go that route.

It does not matter what kind of box you use. Doesn't have to be a box from the post office. I use the regular boxes like the ones you find in Wal-Mart. You can also use a used box that held candy or whatever. Get some of that brown wrap in the section with the boxes. Works great. I suggest using heavy duty tape and tape up all the edges to prevent the box from opening. Use clear tape to cover the address. Sometimes it rains and stuff can get smudged.

I suggest you use smaller sized boxes. Any box can weigh up to 70 pounds and be ok with USPS, but the problem is once it arrives at its destination stateside (for us it is NYC), the military takes over. This is why something priority that has the 2-3 day guarantee in America can take longer. Once the military takes over, the smaller boxes get taken first even though all of them might be priority.

As someone said, if I was in this person's situation (the one needing the pet food), I would be finding a website that delivers USPS....FPO/APO. PetSmart and PetCo are a few I use. Just a heads up, but the weight of those food items is going to be costly. If I could get someone to pay for both the cost of my pet's food as well as the shipment I would be in heaven. As a side note, I have found that with those online sites I mentioned, PetCo is fantastic, but PetSmart always does a crappy job with the packaging and all the cans end up dented like someone played football with them and the boxes are banged up.....box too big for items and no packing material to cushion them. I would also drop them a note to let them know it is possible for them to order online. Not trying to be ugly, but they will just have to deal with the expense like the rest of us in similar situations. It is part of owning an animal over here. You are kind to help though.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I would also drop them a note to let them know it is possible for them to order online. Not trying to be ugly, but they will just have to deal with the expense like the rest of us in similar situations. It is part of owning an animal over here. You are kind to help though.

I'm wondering if OP is sending to Iraq/Afghanistan since it was mentioned it was a request from Any Soldier? I know a local scout troop sent dog treats to a unit in Iraq (moral booster, they'd befriended some local pups and really no place for the remote guys to buy dog food).


OP- there are reduced-cost flat rate APO priority boxes. It may be less to send them in a few of those vs one big box. I don't think you need to worry about maggots/bugs sending commercially packaged products. As said, you will need to fill out a customs form at the PO. (It's US postage, but since it's to another country, needs a customs form.) Don't know what you're sending specifically for treats, but FYI you can't send pork products to Iraq.

http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/mailingrestrictions.htm

 

[englishteacha]

I'd use a flat rate box. It will probably be the cheapest way to send it.

 

[Sal]

I second the flat rate box suggestion. The largest size is even discounted $2 when sending to APO addresses. It will cost $12.50 regardless of the weight.

 

[LuvN~Travel]

FTR, 70lbs is the maximum weight allowed through the USPS. However, considering you may have about 30lbs, if you can get it int the large flat rate box you would definitely come out cheaper that way. I would recommend double bagging if possible and even putting some foam peanuts. Yes, packages can get handled roughly by the PO, the airlines and the military PO.

Good luck!

Kim

 

[crazyme5kids]

Thanks everyone. The package is going to Iraq. I didn't buy any pork type stuff, but I'll check to see if there are any pork ingredients listed (pork by products etc...).

 

[ginna74]

I second the flat rate box suggestion. The largest size is even discounted $2 when sending to APO addresses. It will cost $12.50 regardless of the weight.

I got boxes from the post office and it is a flat rate no matter how heavy it is. You just have to list everything there is in the box and as some have stated you cant send pork, porn, or alcohol. You can send bigger packages but you will have to pay a lot more. although my hubby is deployed he has not reached Iraq yet so I am still getting a few boxes together.