How to Mail a Care Package & Shipping Cost
Boost the morale of our troops by sending a "care package" whenever you can afford to. The items enclosed make life a little easier and more pleasant to those in difficult situations. Stress can build up for troops in dangerous locations, so a care package lets them know they are appreciated and gives them supplies or treats they may not have access to otherwise. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offers discounted rates on Priority Flat Rate boxes going to APO/FPO/DPO addresses.
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Things You'll Need
- Sturdy box
- Cushioning material
- Blank note card (optional)
- Black marker (optional)
- Packing tape
- USPS Customs form
Instructions
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Line the inside of a sturdy box with cushioning. According to the USPS, if you use a flat rate priority box, you will pay the same price regardless of how much your package weighs, up to 70 pounds. A discounted price also is applied to flat rate priority boxes going to a military address. The USPS website states that flat rate packages range in price from under $5 for envelopes to $14.50 for large boxes. If you choose to use your own box, the shipping cost will depend on the weight of the package and the distance it will travel.
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2
Wrap breakables separately in cushioning such as bubble wrap, newspaper or plastic grocery bags. Put the items in the box and place cushioning between items to keep them from rubbing or knocking against each other. Care package items might include snacks, hygiene products, or entertainment items such as a deck of cards or a hand-held video game.
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Write on a blank note card or sheet of paper in black marker or pen a list of the items included in the package as well as its destination address in case the package should become damaged or lost. Include this note card or paper list inside the box.
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Push additional cushioning on top of the items as well as along the sides of the items to make a tight fit that prevents any items from moving around when the box is closed and shaken.
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Seal the box with clear or brown packing tape. Reinforce the top, bottom and corners with an extra layer of tape.
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Write the return address with a black marker or pen in the upper left hand corner of the top face of the box and the recipient's name and address in the center of the face top of the box.
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Fill out the customs form with your name and address, the recipient's name and address, and a complete contents list if the package is going overseas.
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Take the package and filled out customs form to the post office service desk to pay the shipping costs.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider the destination temperature when shipping snacks. Items like chocolate would likely melt if the destination were Iraq or a base in South Carolina during summer months.
Consult the military mailing restrictions listed on the USPS website to avoid breaking any customs laws. (See Resource)
References
Resources
- Photo Credit bubble wrap image by MichMac from Fotolia.com
