How to Ship Army Care Packages Overseas

If you want to ship a care package overseas to an Army soldier, you should be aware of rules and restrictions regarding box size and content. You'll want to send items that soldiers overseas do not have access to, such as lip balm and lotion. You can make a soldier very happy by sending a few simple items that we take for granted in the United States. When sending a care package overseas to a Middle Eastern country, you must be sure to respect their laws.

Things You'll Need

• Marker
• Boxes
• Packing materials
• Tape

Instructions

1. Write the soldier's full legal name, unit and APO/FPO address with a 9-digit ZIP code on one side of the box. Write down your return address clearly at the top. You cannot address it to "Any soldier."
   For example, write:
   SGT Susan Reynolds
   PSC 800 Box 72
   APO AE 09488-0071

2. Pack your item securely, using plenty of tape and packing material. Nothing should rattle around inside. The box must be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear because it will take up to three weeks to arrive overseas. The package must weigh less than 70 lbs. Place a card inside the box that contains the name and address of the soldier in case the label gets damaged.

3. Send items that are nonperishable and will not melt in heat. If the package is going to a Middle Eastern country, do not mail alcoholic beverages, pornography or food that contains pork. Do not send mass quantities of a religious material that is not Islam.

4. Ship the package through a U.S. Postal Service office. You can save money by using Flat Rate boxes.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not send food.

• Packages containing contraband may be confiscated.

References

• U.S. Postal Service
• Equipped to Survive
• Operation Shoebox