|
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 5, 2008) - As the
holidays approach and military families start thinking about what
they're going to send loved ones serving overseas, there are a few
dates to keep in mind.
"The earliest deadline is for troops that are serving in the
Iraq [and] Afghanistan area," said Al DeSarro, spokesman for the
western region of the U.S. Postal Service. "You want to send all
your holiday mail and packages [to those areas] by Dec. 4."
Holiday mail, including packages and cards, going to military
bases in other parts of the world should be shipped by Dec. 11, he
said.
"We do encourage people to closely follow these deadlines,"
DeSarro said. "Of course, we make every attempt, even if you miss
the deadline, to deliver the mail to our troops."
Pseudo-Santas who can't beat those dates have another option to
get holiday goodies to their destinations in time: Express Mail.
But it will cost a bit more and it's not available for
servicemembers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes are the best value when shipping
to military members serving at home or anywhere overseas, DeSarro
said. The largest flat-rate box costs $10.95 to ship to an APO or
FPO address. That's a $2 discount, and the boxes are free.
The flat-rate boxes come with another bonus. If it will fit in
the box, and weighs 70 pounds or less, it ships at the established
rate.
"We also offer a special military package kit, ... and this
applies even if you want to send to our troops here in the U.S.,"
DeSarro said. "If you call ... 1-800-610-8734, they'll send you a
free kit of packaging materials -- priority mail boxes, tape,
labels and stuff that can make your holiday packing much
easier."
When shipping any holiday package, there are some basic
guidelines to take into consideration, he added. If a USPS-provided
box isn't being used, senders should make sure the box they're
using is sturdy. Don't use wrapping paper or string on the outside,
and print both the shipping and return addresses clearly. Contents
should be packaged securely and in leak-proof containers, and
consider the customs of the country to ensure the items are
appropriate and acceptable.
USPS also suggests including the mailing address, return address
and the contents of the box on a slip of paper with the other
contents, just in case something out of the ordinary should
happen.
Following not only the shipping date guidelines, but also the
general packing guidelines can help the USPS get packages where
they're going during their busiest time of the year.
DeSarro urges people to mail as much as they want and as early
as they can, noting that officials expect 20 million pounds of mail
will be sent U.S. troops this holiday season.
|
