How to Ship a Package to a Military (APO FPO) Address

Shipping a package to an APO or FPO address is really no different than mailing a regular domestic package. Learn how to increase your online sales by offering shipping to US military addresses. Remember, our service men and women may be stationed all over the world, but they still have access to the internet and can shop online - and they miss products from home!

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. APO (Army Post Office) and FPO (Fleet Post Office) addresses are considered domestic addresses, even if the recipient is stationed on foreign soil. All items sent to an APO / FPO address must be sent through the US Postal Service.

2. The package is delivered to the military post office by the USPS, and then shipped overseas through the military postal system.

3. Address the package as usual. If you are using an online shipping service such as Stamps.com or Endicia, enter the address as a domestic address, not as an international address.

4. If the package is going to an APO / FPO address outside of the USA, you will need to include a special customs form. The forms vary depending on the weight of the package, so check with your postal clerk to help you choose the correct form.

5. Packages shipped to APO / FPO addresses may not exceed 70 lbs. You can always break the shipment down into several smaller packages that fall under the weight limit.

6. Packages may not exceed 130 inches in combined length and girth.

7. Firearms, alcohol, perishable foodstuffs and certain hazardous items also are restricted.

8. Include insurance or Delivery Confirmation on all items sent to military addresses. For example, a package going to an APO / FPO address will take longer to arrive in Japan than it would to arrive in North Carolina. Including insurance or DC will allow the sender to track the package and file a claim if the package is lost.

9. Pack the items carefully. Packages sent to APO / FPO addresses travel through the US and arrive in California, are placed on a barge or plane, travel an average of 5,000 miles, are processed at a sorting facility, then dispatched to all of the bases around the world. Your package will experience a long rough journey - be sure it is packed carefully.

10. If you are an eBay, Amazon, Etsy, or online seller, make a special notation in your listings that you will ship to military addresses. Offering this service will increase your sales and customer base - and you will be offering a valuable service to those serving our country.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are confused about this process, just talk to a clerk at your post office. They will be glad to help you.

Resources

• Learn More About eBay Selling