Much of the projected dropoff would come from Fort Wayne defense contractors, which manufacture communications and electronic equipment, and from the city’s Air National Guard base.If holiday presents for overseas soldiers aren’t already in the mail, it’s time to get them wrapped and on their way.
A few military mail holiday deadlines have already passed, and those that haven’t are quickly approaching.
“Once the holidays get closer, the volume of mail is going to increase and then you start looking at delays,” said Kim Yates, local U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman.
People can still send packages overseas using parcel post to all Army post office and fleet post office ZIP codes, but because the deadline has passed, the post office cannot guarantee timely delivery.
Today is the first deadline for sending holiday packages to select Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office ZIP codes. The deadline for most APO/FPOs is Dec. 11.
If Priority Mail is used for military shipments, customers are charged a flat rate of $11.95 a box when they buy postage at the post office regardless of weight. The same boxes are $10.50 when bought at USPS.com.
Customers can access shipping information by choosing a delivery confirmation option, Yates 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. Supplies are free.
The post office is urging people to keep several things in mind when mailing packages to service members overseas:
•Pack materials that can withstand desert temperatures, which can exceed 100 degrees.
•Select a strong box with room for cushioning. On recycled boxes, cover all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive labels.
•Cushion contents with foam peanuts or bubble wrap to prevent items from shifting.
•Consider double-boxing fragile items and include cushioning inside and between boxes.
•Remove and wrap batteries separately, because items sometimes get turned on during shipment.
•Tape the opening of boxes and reinforce all seams with 2-inch-wide tape. Do not use cord, string or twine.
•Include a card in all shipments that lists the contents and the sender and receiver’s address. The information helps mail carriers collect and repackage items in case packages fall apart during shipment.
Yates said remote-control cars and parts have been popular overseas shipments to troops this year.
Frisbees, footballs and toiletries are also commonly shipped.
