Military care package ready--what are the mailing procedures?

Question

I've got a military care package for my friend who is stationed in Kuwait. I've never sent anything to a military base before. Do I need to leave the box open until I get to the post office for inspection or can I have it taped up and ready to go by the time I take it to the post office? When do I fill out the customs sheet? I'm assuming since it's flat rate they won't need to weigh the package. Also, should I fill out the address to my friend on the box or will they type up a label with her name and address and also my name and address when I pay for shipping? I'll have my driver's license with me: is that enough for identification? Will they even make me show an id? Thank you.

Answer 1

My hubby just got back from Iraq a few months ago. It's easy. You can seal it up, have the customs sheet filled out already, have the address on etc.. They will stamp it all. You don't need your id.

It's easy! Good luck!

Answer 2

Like the others have said don't send anything that can melt (biggest mistake chocolate anything!), also just so you know do not send any pork products (pork jerky) and no porn (not that I'm saying you would but it just isn't a good idea since it is prohibted) Also if you do send American based magazines know that they might be confiscated due to the fact that they believe most American magazine covers are pretty much pornografic (don't ask thats just what I've heard) OH and no liquor!!! If caught with liquor they could get demoted. Just a little fyi for you!

Like someone else said double wrap EVERYTHING in zip lock bags! They can always re-use those baggies for whatever.



Btw with the flat rate box they have labels at the post office (just use a priority mail one to print out the address and what not) and you will also have to fill out a customs form...no biggie really. No id required.

Answer 3

You can tape it all up before you go to the post office. Make sure you package it very securely, as stuff going to military people overseas is not exactly handled gently.



At the post office, they have customs forms you will need to fill out. If you tell someone there you are sending to military address overseas, they will show you which form to use. I send care packages often, so I tend to grab a small stack to use for future packages. Then I can fill them out at home rather than standing at a counter (just my personal preference).



In my experience, care packages have always been weighed. But perhaps in your situation there is a special exception that you're referring to. If you mean flat rate envelopes, such as Express or Priority Mail, those rates don't usually apply to military addresses overseas.



I usually make my own label, with 1/2 sheet of plain white office paper & a Sharpie marker. Then I use clear packing tape to secure it to the box & completely cover the label (making it smudgeproof). They will also attach your customs form to the box, but I like having a more clearly visible address on there to make it easier for those trying to help the package along its way.



I've never been asked for ID, unless paying with debit card. :)



As it's getting warmer, be sure not to send stuff that can melt! Chocolate, chapstick, etc. will all be liquid by the time it reaches Kuwait.



Also, it's a good idea to double bag everything in zip-locs. Even if you think it can't leak, it just may. I can't imagine many things more disappointing than getting a package, & opening it to find it's ruined & unusable. And send food stuff separately from hygiene stuff. Even if everything is all sealed up, the harsh conditions of shipping have been known to make cookies & candy taste of shampoo & soap. Blech!



You're a great friend for letting him know how much you care! :)

Answer 4

Have it ready to ship when you get there. Tape it up like you would any normal box for mailing. Make sure nothing prohibited is inside the box and make sure you write all contents of the box on the custom form. They have the customs forms at the post office and you can either fill one out at home or there at the post office. Do not try to affix the custom form on the box, the postal worker will do that. Fill out the address (to and from) in dark ink. You will not need to show an ID at all.

Answer 5

I advise you employ the flat value packing packing containers you may get at your community p.o.- they are unfastened. the fee of postage for those packing packing containers is $8.ninety 5 no remember how plenty the kit weighs as much as 70 lbs. they arrive in (2) sizes- shirts container and shoe container. The requests i'm getting from the troops authentic now are: AA & AAA batteries, flashlights, purple meat jerky, Pop-cakes, DVD's & CD's, magazines, foot powder, and sunscreen. they actually celebrate with something that reminds them of domicile. What you could no longer deliver is any purple meat products, no porn, and not something that has alcohol ie: mouthwash and sanitizers- you could deliver them, only determine you get alcohol unfastened. I additionally advise in case you're sending deoderants, cleansing soap, or something perfumy- placed them in a seperate zip lock bag so the candies do no longer flavor like the perfumed products. additionally chocolate does not do nicely this time of three hundred and sixty 5 days- that is approximately one hundred twenty stages in Iraq authentic now. they actually celebrate with getting those applications- a number of the letters I even have won are mind-blowing :) i do no longer think of you could deliver stupid string in the process the postal equipment through it being aerosol.

Answer 6

One More suggestion, do not pay priority mail...its pointless...it really will not get it to your friend any faster. You would be paying to get it to the APO faster...after that it is out of the post offices control.

And you can mail liquids...my hubby was in Iraq and I did this several times. Only plastic bottles though ( obviously) You just don't write it on the customs form.

Answer 7

i'm pretty sure you can tape it up. as long as you didnt send any liquids. it WILL NOT be shipped if you send anyhting with liquid in it. just take the adress to the post office. those people do that stuff every day and will help you out. thats it!

Answer 8

Just take it to the post office. They will tell you what you need to do.