How to Mail a Package to a Soldier Overseas
There are thousands of soldiers stationed overseas in wartime and peace. Perhaps you have a relative or friend who is serving overseas in the armed forces, or maybe you'd simply like to send a package to soldiers overseas to show your support and loyalty. Whatever the circumstances, here's how to ship a package to a soldier overseas.
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Instructions
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Know the rules and regulations for shipping a package to a soldier overseas. Some restrictions apply. See the list of military restrictions on the United States Postal Service website.
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Wrap whatever you are shipping in strong, reinforced packaging. Packages sent to soldiers overseas travel a long distance and are handled many times. Assure your package will arrive undamaged by using the proper material.
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Address the package directly to the soldier. Include name and rank. Address it to an Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) and include a zip code. A list of military postal codes can be found at the Operation Home Front website.
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Write a detailed description of the contents of the package on the customs form. Be specific. Do not write simple explanations like "medicine" or "food."
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Check postal deadlines for sending packages overseas if you are shipping for the holidays. For instance, December 11th is the last day priority mail is sent for arrival before Christmas. Ask at your local post office.
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Tips & Warnings
It is cheapest to send packages to soldiers through the U.S. Military Postal Service. Check out their website for details.
If you organize a large effort such as through a school or company to ship packages to soldiers overseas, do not send more than 5 packages per day.
Do not mix food with any chemical or hygiene materials you might be shipping to a soldier overseas. Keep these items separate and mail in a different package.
Sending a package to a soldier overseas that is insured or registered will require the soldier to go to his or her base camp to retrieve the package. If the material you are sending is expensive, insure it.
Sending a package to a soldier overseas can be quite expensive, depending on how much you are sending. Rates are determined by the weight of the package.
