Questions about sending packages to military personel

[crazyme5kids]

Is there a certain size you can or can't send? Can you send more than one at a time (if you are sending a lot of stuff), or are the amount of packages restricted? Operation Military Pride said to use a brown box, but can I use the ones they have at the post office, I usually package my stuff right there, it is just easier for me. Any other advice about sending packages out?

 

[lacool]

I have been using the larger priority mail boxes that the PO provides to send care packages to my DH. They WILL NOT get there in 2 - 3 days as priority mail would if he were on US soil. Delivery time appears to be closer to 3 weeks. You will have to fill out a customs declaration listing everything inside the package. If you will be sending things regularly the PO will give you a stack of them so you can fill them out in advance. No alcohol or pornography (not that you would, but those were the guidelines I received).

 

[crazyme5kids]

Thank you!

 

[luv2nascar]

I read due to package having to go in a mail bag
it should not be larger than the size of a shoe box

 

[nativetxn]

I read that too, I think on the MarineMoms website? Twinmom7 posted a link that was helpful <b>HELPFUL TIPS</b>

I got my soldier's name and I'm excited about that

 

[TwinMom7]

Everything stated by lacool is absolutely correct. I've been mailing boxes for the past 6 weeks and each box has been the large Priority Mail sized box from the post office. What they told me is that using Priority Mail will get the package to the APO office in two days, but from there it's all in the hands of the military. It looks like it's taking about 3 weeks to reach our soldiers. I was told (by the postal clerk) that mailing a box by parcel post will take a week to get to the APO office. I'm here in Indiana and my son's APO address is out of California, so by using Priority Mail, I know it's at least getting to California in two days - from there, it's anybody's guess.

 

[tiggerlover]

Another important aspect is weight, if a package weighs more than 12-15 pounds it will go oversea's by ship as opposed to by air, thereby effecting the time is takes to get to its destination. First class is the best way as anything that is not sent first class is given a lower priority.

There is no limit to the amount of packages you send to an APO or FPO address, at least not that I know of.

I have an APO address and mail from the US varies from 6 days to 45 days. Once the mail reaches the APO/FPO station in the states it is out of the hands of the post office and into the hands of the military, that is why there is such a difference in the delivery times.