APO Shipping Restrictions for the US Post Office
In addition to shipping to residential mailboxes and P.O. boxes, you can also send letters and parcels to military APO (Army/Air Force Post Office) locations through the United States Postal Service (USPS). APO mail boxes are specifically designated for active servicemen and servicewomen overseas. Specific questions regarding restrictions may be directed to 1.800.ASK.USPS.
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Printed Material
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Print materials containing any horror, obscene, and sexual content and are prohibited. You are not allowed to mail bulk materials that promote political views. Bulk mailers that promote religious views against the Islamic faith to APO addresses located at Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are also banned. Also prohibited are perishables that include pork or pork-related contents.
Liquids
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All liquids are not allowed in parcels shipped to APO destinations--especially those that are carbonated--as pressure changes during transit may cause them to explode. Lotions, shampoo, and other toiletry items must be concealed in a tight-seal bag prior to placing into a box for shipping.
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Addressing
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The USPS no longer allows you to send letters and parcels to any serviceperson stationed domestically or overseas. All letters and parcels must be addressed to specific individuals; the address label must include the person's full name and complete APO address. You must also include your address in the return address field. Packages that do not include both a specific individual's name and your return address will not be sent to the addressed APO location.
Discounts
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The USPS offers a special discount for packages sent via Flat Rate boxes. You can pack up to 70 pounds into each Large size Priority Mail Flat Rate box you want to mail to an APO address. Additional discounts are available if you utilize the Ship 'n' Click; this is an online service that allows you to purchase postage for packages directly from the USPS website to be sent to APO destinations.
Custom Forms
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You must also fill out a U.S. Customs form to accompany each letter and parcel you address to an APO destination. On the form, you must include detailed descriptions for the contents you are shipping.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit air mail image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
