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WASHINGTON D.C. (February 14, 2008) - Military families have
long used the U.S. Postal Service's flat-rate shipping boxes to
send care packages around the globe. Beginning March 3, they'll get
a price break.
The discount applies only to the new "Priority Mail Large
Flat-Rate Box," which normally carries a $12.95 price tag for
shipping. However, when the 12-by-12-by-5.5-inch box is sent to an
AFO or FPO address, a $2 discount applies, dropping the cost to
$10.95.
"This is the first time the Postal Service has offered a special
price for our armed forces serving overseas," said Postmaster
General John Potter. "We're proud that family and friends will be
able to use the new, larger-sized box to send much-appreciated
packages from home to our dedicated troops overseas."
The new boxes will be available in post offices nationwide on
March 3. Those who can't wait to start packing the boxes, however,
can order them from www.usps.com/supplies beginning Feb. 20.
They're also available by calling 1-800-610-8734.
Some of the new boxes carry the America Supports You logo.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting
citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families
serving at home and abroad.
"It's terrific that the Postal Service continues to think of
ways to help Americans support our troops and their families," said
Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal
communication, community relations and public liaison. "Postage is
always a concern when shipping care packages, and this new
flat-rate box means our home-front groups and supportive citizens
can do more with their resources.
"We're especially pleased that some of the boxes will bear the
America Supports You logo, reminding our servicemembers that they
have our nation's support," she added.
The boxes bearing the America Supports You logo will be
available only online or at select post offices near military
bases. All flat-rate boxes are available for international
shipping, though the discount applies only to the large flat-rate
box, and only if it's being shipped to an APO or FPO address.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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