How to Create Military Shipping Labels

Having a correct shipping label will ensure that the military personnel member receives your package.

To send mail to military personnel, the label must be very accurate. The United States Post Office is the only service that can send packages to military personnel overseas. For the security of the armed forces, the city and country the package is going to is not included. Instead, the military has its own standards for addressing where the package should be shipped.

Things You'll Need

• Rank of the package recipient
• A large customs form
• Military shipping kit (optional)

Instructions

1. First, include the correct rank abbreviation and then the name of the person to whom you are shipping the package. The second line is more detailed information that is the military equivalent to an address. Military packages do not need a city and country. Instead, know the correct abbreviation and following numbers for the individual and his branch of the military.

2. Decide the service you prefer. The United States Postal Services provides a list of of services and estimated times it will take for the package to arrive. If you choose a priority service, your package will be delivered more quickly and you can create the label online. This service is also more expensive. If you select a first class mail option, then the package will need to be paid for at the post office and will arrive at a later date. Priority mail military care kits provide boxes, tape and the necessary customs form and can be requested by contacting the United States Postal Service. Shipping labels still must be printed and paid for with these kits.

3. Fill out a customs form. All mail leaving the country is required to have a customs form. There are two different forms available. The smaller form is for packages under four pounds, but all military boxes must have the larger customs form. This form will require information such as the address, contents of the box and estimated value of the contents in the package.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to ensure your package arrives, consider using a delivery confirmation slip

• Do not put a city or country name on the label.

References

• USPS: Military Mail Definitions and Acronyms