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When sending mail to soldiers overseas, it’s best to follow a few guidelines: Avoid using powdered sugar on sweets – it could be mistaken for anthrax; send cookies without chocolate – it melts; and send holiday mail out as soon as possible – or it might arrive in January instead of December.
Even though the holidays are months away, U.S. Post Office spokeswoman Kim Yates said it’s time to start thinking about military mail holiday deadlines.
Nov. 13 is the recommended deadline for sending packages overseas using parcel post to all Army post office and fleet post office ZIP codes. Mailing packages through parcel post is less expensive than using priority mail, which tends to have faster delivery times and is delivered by air. Domestic rates are used for all military mail regardless of destination.
Yates said parcel post packages will still be shipped after the Nov. 13 deadline, but at that point the post office can no longer guarantee a timely delivery.
“Once the holidays get closer the volume of mail is going to increase and then you start looking at delays,” Yates said.
She said most people ship using priority mail, which charges a flat rate of $11.95 a box.
Parcel post rates, on the other hand, are determined by weight.
The suggested deadline for holiday military mail sent through priority mail this year is Dec. 11, Yates said. Customers can access shipping information by choosing a “delivery confirmation” option, she said.
All packages must be addressed to individual service members.
“A lot of times at this time of year people are feeling generous and they want to mail something to any soldier,” Yates said. “But we can’t do that for safety purposes.”
Those interested in Military Care Kits, which contain three priority mail flat rate boxes, two cube boxes, nine address labels and 16 custom forms, should call the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734. Packaging is free.
Yates said remote control cars and parts have been popular shipments this year. Frisbees, footballs and toiletries are also commonly shipped. Baked goods are also a shipping favorite, but Yates warns bakers to be cautious.
“Pick a crisper cookie,” she said. “Maybe like a shortbread cookie. An oatmeal cookie, for example, has a better opportunity than a fudge brownie. Chocolate melts. If it’s cool there, you’ll have a better chance. But if it’s 114 degrees, you’re in trouble. … If you make home-baked goods, you have to wrap it well so that it doesn’t leak.”
