WASHINGTON, D.C. –
With the leaves falling and autumn upon us, it's not too early to start thinking about holiday cards, letters and packages destined for service members and their families stationed overseas.
The first deadline for the 2011 holiday season is just around the corner. Nov. 12 is the deadline for sending holiday packages to troops stationed overseas using parcel post to all Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Offi ce ZIP Codes.
"We encourage everyone planning to send something special this holiday
season to remember these early deadlines," said Streator Officer-in-Charge
Kimberly Donner. "Meeting the deadlines will help make sure cards, letters and packages to loved ones serving overseas will reach their destinations in time for the holidays."
All military mail, regardless of destination, is sent by domestic mail rate. International rates do not apply to military mail delivery.
The priority mail large fl at rate box (12 inches by 12 inches by 5.5 inches) offers a $2 discount to APO/FPO destinations and ships for $12.95.
Customers can access shipping information by adding delivery confirmation, which is available for almost all military destinations, including those outside the United States.
Delivery confirmation provides customers with the date, ZIP code of delivery and time the package was delivered. This information can be accessed online at www.usps.com.
The Postal Service's military care kits also help military families and friends keep free shipping supplies within reach.
Each kit contains six priority mail flat rate boxes (two large and four medium-sized boxes), six customs forms and envelopes, six priority address labels and one roll of military tape.
The kit may be ordered by calling the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734. All packages and mail must be addressed to individual service members, as required by U.S. Department of Defense regulations.
"Nothing lifts the spirit higher than using the mail to communicate with our service members during the holidays," Donner said. "Receiving a card, letter or package brings them closer to family and closer to home.