What Is FPO & APO?
FPO and APO stand for Fleet Post Office and Army Post Office respectively. An APO or FPO address encompasses all of the information that someone must include on a letter or package so that the military can get the package to the intended soldier.
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History
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The military has legal authority abroad under U.S. law to establish and provide postal services to members of the armed forces, defense workers and immediate family. In effect, the military can act as an extension of the United States Postal Service. Prior to 1980 each military branch managed a unique mail program. Then, the Department of Defense designated the Secretary of the Army as the managing authority for all mail. The Military Postal Service Agency was created to more efficiently deliver mail among all branches of service.
Purpose
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The Military Postal Service Agency focuses on quickly and efficiently getting mail to service members. To do this, the MPSA must follow the rules of the United States Postal Service, all federal laws and appropriate international laws. MPSA focuses on delivery in more than 85 countries and also is involved with contingency planning related to information flow. The delivery of military mail is partially subsidized through use of the APO and FPO addresses to ensure that those at home can afford to send messages and support. MPSA manages the overall budget related to transportation and delivery of mail from when it reached one of the military's mail processing centers to final delivery.
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Shipping Companies
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The United States Postal Service is a primary way that many people ship letters and packages to military members overseas. A wide variety of APO-oriented shipping companies are also available. Claims range from faster service to lower prices; however, direct experience with a company or referrals from friends are probably the best indicators of what service might be the best. Lastly, numerous companies have seen military members serving overseas as a potential market and are now shipping directly to APO and FPO addresses.
Restrictions
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Restrictions will vary depending on the country of destination. The experts at the United States Postal Service can provide specific restrictions by country. However, the following restrictions apply universally. You cannot ship obscene articles (including photographs), horror comics, pornographic items, bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith (single items for personal use are fine), or pork products. As well, your package must be under 70 pounds and less than 130 inches in combined girth. Firearms, alcohol and perishable food items also are prohibited.
Packaging Tips
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Always consider the destination when sending packages. If you are shipping a package to the desert remember that the temperature can exceed 100 degrees. Don't send anything that will melt and potentially damage the rest of your care package. Select a strong box and make sure you provide plenty of cushioning for items. Remove any batteries from items and wrap them separately. Include a card describing the contents so that the box can be re-assembled if it breaks during transport. Never use twine or string to secure a box. Use a sturdy tape to close the box and reinforce all seams.
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References
- Photo Credit military image by T.Tulic from Fotolia.com
