How to Ship From eBay to an APO Address

Soldiers shop online, too.

As of March 31, 2010, the U.S. Armed Forces employed more than 1.4 million active-duty soldiers, according to the Department of Defense. If you sell on eBay, offering to ship to APO and FPO addresses increases your potential customer base by 1.4 million people. Don't let the foreign-looking addresses scare you; all APO and FPO addresses ship as domestic mail, since the United States Postal Service delivers the package to a Military Postal Service base located in the U.S. If the package's final destination is overseas, the Military Postal Service handles the international aspect of shipping.

Things You'll Need

• Shipping box
• Packing materials
• Black marker

Instructions

1. Select a strong box with enough room for packing material to cushion the merchandise. Packages shipped to APO/FPO addresses may not exceed 130 inches in combined length (longest side of the box) and girth (measurement around the thickest part of the box).

2. Pack the box and distribute weight evenly. Packages sent to APO or FPO addresses may not exceed 70 pounds.

3. Write the destination mailing address on a separate piece of paper (or include a packing slip with this information) and put it in the box. If something damages or obscures the address on the box, military personnel will open the package to determine its destination.

4. Seal the box with clear or brown packing tape, and reinforce all seams with tape. Do not use string or twine.

5. Cover any existing markings on the box using a black permanent marker. Address the box using the service member's full name and include the unit and APO/FPO address with nine-digit ZIP code. Do not include a city and state. Shippers may use electronic services such as PayPal shipping or Click-N-Ship for most ZIP codes.

6. Include a return address on the box or mailing label. The Military Postal Service will not deliver a package without a return address.

7. Fill out and include a 2976-A customs form if the recipient is stationed overseas.

8. Take the parcel to your local post office to ship.

Tips & Warnings

• Restricted items include firearms, alcohol and obscene articles. Additional mailing restrictions may apply depending on the destination ZIP code. Consult your postal worker or call 1-800-ASK-USPS for destination-specific restrictions.

References

• USPS: Military Addressing Tips
• eBay Guide: APO FPO Shipping Guide
• USPS: Military Mailing Restrictions

Resources

• USPS: Supporting Our Troops
• USPS: Customs Forms