Sending a Military Care Package and Ensuring it Arrives Safely

So, you want to send a care package to Uncle Joe, who's stationed overseas. Here are a few good tips on how to make sure everything arrives, as it should.

Box:

All care packages sent to military personnel are sent via Unites States Postal Service.

Though Priority Mail doesn't guarantee a certain timeframe for delivery, it is faster than regular mail. The USPS has created a flat rate priority box specifically for sending care packages to your loved ones stationed overseas. It's called a "Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box" and is available for free from any post office. These boxes cost $10.95 to ship, no matter what is in them or how heavy they are!

Packing:

Make sure to double bag anything that might leak, like toiletries and liquid-based foods. The last thing you need is for your brother's shampoo to leak all over the books you're sending him!

Wrap electronics and anything else valuable in bubble wrap. This will help cushion the contents against jarring motion.

Fill in any empty spaces with crumpled paper or packing peanuts, so nothing shifts during transport. Once everything is in the box, give it a little shake - does it rattle? If so, then you didn't put in enough padding.

Remember - your box will travel through many hands and many buildings. Seal all edges with tape, so nothing can be slipping inside. Also, it helps to protect the contents against dirt or water getting in.

Be inventive when you're packing - use Pringle's cans to send cookies, use popped popcorn to pad items, especially food,

Addressing and Customs:

Make sure you have the correct APO/FPO address - every unit overseas has their own APO/FPO number, which will follow them wherever they are moved to. It's important that you use the correct number...otherwise, your package will be returned.

You'll want to use the soldier's full name and not a nickname or shortened version. Also, all packages must be address to an individual and not a group, for security reasons.

Each package must has a "2976A customs form". Many suggest that you be as generic as possible - e.g. "snack foods" for food and "electronics" when you're including a laptop or DVD player. As I said before, these packages pass through a lot of hands and the more general you are about the contents, the less chance there is of someone breaking in to it.

Special Notes:

If you're trying to get a package to your loved one by a certain date, send it early. The military mail system is never perfect and there is a high chance your package will be delayed, especially when trying to reach someone stationed in a combat zone.