Military Base Shipping

A major consideration is post boxes, and when it comes to these, the sturdier the better. Mail traveling overseas will come across more bouncing around and robust inspections so don't skimp on the post boxes.

There are a few things to be conscious of when sending packages to military bases. Send things insured or registered because soldiers have to go to their base camp to get it, a chance that is few and far between. Furthermore, when writing the address, do not put the city or country name on the package because it may be routed through the host country's mail system.

The package being sent over cannot weigh more than seventy pounds and have aerosol sprays, since that is a hazard. Do not leave empty spaces in the package. Fill every inch of empty space with those packaging peanuts, lots of bubble wrap, or crumpled old newspaper. Make sure that everything is snug and tight and do not have the opportunity to shift during shipment.

Likewise, make sure to fill out a customs card when sending mail to any Army Post Office. On the form is the section "instructions if non-deliverable." There you are able to indicate if you want the package sent back home to you if they are not able to deliver it, or if you want, the base has a Chaplain to give it to someone of his choice, which can make things easier

Never send more than five packages to any one address at any given time even during the holidays like Christmas. Most bases can't handle the deluge of packages to hand out since they have other tasks to focus on. Thus, if you have a lot you need to send, space them out over a week or two. Doing it this way allows other troops to receive much needed packages and correspondence from home.