How to Ship Care Packages to Iraq
Since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, tens of thousands of American troops have been sent to Iraq. With deployments often lasting more than nine months, soldiers vastly appreciate packages from the U.S., which brighten their days and remind them of home. The best way to send a care package to Iraq is via the United States Postal Service, which offers several options on how to ship mail to American soldiers.
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Instructions
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Select a sturdy box to hold your goods. If you are reusing a box, cover the previous shipping labels with a black marker or tape. Use bubble wrap or newspaper to cushion your objects. Keep in mind not to send objects that may melt in the extreme temperatures of Iraq, such as chocolate and other candy.
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Do not send restricted materials. Generally, you will not be allowed to send the following objects: pork or pork by-products, pornography, obscene materials (paintings, films, videos, etc.), and bulk quantities of religious materials that run contrary to Islam.
If you have questions about packing restrictions, you can call 1 (800) ASK-USPS to speak with an USPS representative; consult your local post office; or call the Military Postal Service Agency at 1 (800) 810-6098.
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Print the soldier's address in the lower center portion of the package. Print your return address on the upper left portion of the box. Alternately, you may print a postage-paid label online with USPS' Click-N-Ship or fill out a shipping form at your local post office.
Make sure to spell and print the address correctly to ensure your care package arrives at the proper place. You must include the service member's full name, the APO/FPO address of the service member, and a return address.
Example of a soldier's address:
SGT Justin Taylor
Unit 2051 Box 4390
APO AP 95274-2051 -
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Fill out a customs form. To complete this form, you need to provide a detailed list of the contents in your package. Take the form and your package to the post office. The workers will help you adhere the form to the box.
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Choose how you want to mail your package. USPS provides options on how to send your package to Iraq, including Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International and Priority Mail International. If your package includes expensive materials, it is highly recommended for you to insure your package.
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Tips & Warnings
You must include a soldier's full name on the care package. Consider using a Priority Mail APO/FPO flat box. Customers purchase a flat box for a flat fee and then they can ship the box to a service member with an APO or FPO address. No matter how much the flat box ends up weighing, customers only pay for the initial flat fee of the box. These boxes can be ordered online at USPS' website.
