Shipping to Military Bases – Military Mail FAQ
Care packages and letters are some of the best ways to send your loved ones a slice of home when they are deployed abroad. At Stamps.com we often receive questions from customers looking to send packages to military destination so we compiled a list of the 10 most frequently asked questions about Military Mail:
How do I format a military address?
Like a domestic address, a military address lets postal clerks know where to send your mail piece, so the address must follow a specific format. This special address must include:
- The full name of the addressee. Mail sent without a full name will not be delivered
- The unit or Post Office box number
- A three letter code associated with the type of location. APO is used for Army and Air Force installations. FPO is used for ships and Navy installations. DPO is associated with U.S. embassies overseas.
- The “state” of the addressee. Rather than an actual state or province in a foreign country, the “state” for a military address should be:
- AA for Armed Forces Americas
- AE for Armed Forces Europe, Armed Forces Middle East and Armed Forces Africa
- AP for Armed Forces Pacific
- The 5-digit zip code for the military unit. All military zip codes will start with a 0 or 9.
Example:
CPT John Doe
Unit 45013 Box 2666
USAG J
APO AP 96338
What is my best option for shipping to a military base?
Due to security restrictions, the USPS is the only carrier that can deliver mail and packages to APO/FPO/DPO locations. While carriers such as FedEx and UPS offer delivery to countries where military personnel may be stationed, packages from these private carriers cannot be delivered directly to a military base.
Should I include a country in the military address?
No! One of the most common mistakes when sending military mail is including a country in the address. Typically, including a country in the address will result in a delayed or rejected mailing.
Is Military Mail considered international mail?
No. In 1959 the Department of Defense and the Post Office Department agreed that the USPS would be required to provide continual mail service to military personnel and their families worldwide. Because of this agreement military addresses (APO/FPO/DPO) are not considered international addresses by the USPS, even though they may reside in foreign countries.
How much does it cost to send a letter to APO/FPO/DPO addresses?
When sending a letter to military addresses, you are only required to provide domestic postage. The current cost to send a domestic First Class Mail letter is $0.50 at the Post Office or $0.47 for Stamps.com customers.
How is Military Mail processed?
Letters and packages addressed to military personnel are first sent to Miami, New York City or San Francisco before being shipped to their international destinations. Once the letter or package arrives in its destination country, it is handed over to a Military Postal Service representative who transports it to the Military Post Office, from where it is distributed to the service member’s unit for delivery to the recipient.
Do I need to fill out a customs form when shipping to a U.S. military base abroad?
Since the recipient country may have restrictions on what can be imported, mailpieces addressed to a military destination must include a properly completed PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A.
What is the estimated delivery time for Military Mail?
The transit time for sending mail and packages to military addresses varies by destination and mail class. See the table below for delivery time estimates:
Can I ship electronics to military destinations?
Many electronics are prohibited from being shipped to military destinations. A good rule of thumb is anything that sends a radio, satellite or phone signal is prohibited for being shipped to military bases. Prohibited items include mobile phones, cordless phones, GPS hardware and software, and FM transmitters.
How should I package shipments to Military destinations?
Be sure to package shipments securely enough to withstand up to six weeks of transit. Consider the destination of the package and extreme temperatures or conditions the packages may need to endure. If your package contains fragile contents add adequate cushion. If any portion of the box looks like it is sagging or can be easily depressed, add packing material on the inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do UPS drop offs work?
Drop off your shipment 24 hours a day, seven days a week at one of the 60,000 UPS dropoff locations across the United States. This includes UPS Stores, UPS Drop Boxes, CVS, Michaels, and Advanced Auto Parts.
How do you track a UPS package?
You can log into your app and visit your "history" page to view real-time tracking information for every item you send. You can also enter your tracking number on the UPS website to see tracking updates.
Does DHL Express deliver on Sunday?
No. DHL Express typically does not deliver on Sundays in most regions. However, Sunday delivery may be available in select areas or for time-definite international shipments with specific service upgrades. Check with DHL directly for regional availability.
UPS Worldwide Saver vs. UPS Worldwide Expedited: What is the speed comparison?
UPS Worldwide Saver is faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited, offering delivery by the end of the next business day to major business centers, compared to 2-5 business days for Worldwide Expedited. Worldwide Saver provides a more economical alternative to premium express services while maintaining quick delivery.
What are the UPS 2nd Day Air delivery times?
UPS 2nd Day Air guarantees delivery by the end of the second business day. For time-critical shipments, you can choose UPS 2nd Day Air A.M., which delivers by 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, or 2:00 PM (depending on destination) on the second business day.
What are the delivery times for UPS Standard?
UPS Standard generally delivers within 1 to 5 business days, with residential deliveries typically occurring between 9 AM and 9 PM. The exact delivery time depends on the distance the package travels and the specific destination.
What are the delivery times for UPS Next Day Air?
UPS Next Day Air offers guaranteed delivery by 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or end of day on the next business day, depending on the destination and specific service selected. Deliveries are made Monday through Friday, with Saturday delivery available in select areas for an additional fee.
USPS Priority Mail vs. First-Class Mail: What is the speed comparison?
USPS Priority Mail generally delivers in 2-3 business days. First-Class Mail, while more economical, typically takes 1-5 business days for delivery.
Is UPS Ground guaranteed
UPS Ground tracking uses a system of scans to update customers on the location and status of their packages as they move through the UPS network. Each package is assigned a unique tracking number, and as it travels, it's scanned at various points, including when it's received, when it's transferred between facilities, and when it's out for delivery.
How long does USPS Ground Advantage take to deliver?
USPS Ground Advantage delivery time is typically the slowest for domestic shipping services, taking two to five business days depending on the destination.
How long does UPS Ground take?
UPS Ground typically takes 1 to 5 business days for delivery with 90% of UPS® Ground packages being delivered in 3 days or less.
How fast is UPS Standard compared to UPS Ground Saver?
UPS Standard is generally faster than UPS Ground Saver, as it has a typical delivery window of 1-5 business days compared to Ground Saver's 2-7 business days.
How fast is UPS Next Day Air compared to UPS Second Day Air?
UPS Next Day Air is significantly faster than UPS Second Day Air, delivering packages by the next business day, while UPS Second Day Air delivers within two business days. It's the fastest standard overnight service offered by UPS.
How fast is UPS Ground Saver vs. UPS Standard?
UPS Ground Saver is typically slower than UPS Standard, with delivery times ranging from 2-7 business days, whereas UPS Standard generally delivers within 1-5 business days.
How fast is UPS 3 Day Select compared to UPS Ground Saver?
UPS 3 Day Select is generally faster than UPS Ground Saver, offering guaranteed delivery within three business days, whereas Ground Saver can take 2-7 business days and has no guaranteed delivery time.
How fast is UPS 2nd Day Air compared to UPS 3 Day Select?
UPS 2nd Day Air is faster than UPS 3 Day Select, offering guaranteed delivery by the end of the second business day, while 3 Day Select provides guaranteed delivery by the end of the third business day.
What are the UPS 3 Day Select delivery times?
UPS 3 Day Select guarantees delivery by the end of the third business day after the package is picked up, with deliveries typically occurring Monday through Friday. It's a reliable option for shipments that aren't time-critical but need to arrive within a specific timeframe.
What are the UPS Ground Saver delivery times?
UPS Ground Saver typically delivers packages within 2 to 7 business days across the contiguous United States.
What are the UPS Worldwide Saver delivery times?
UPS Worldwide Saver guarantees delivery by the end of the business day, one day faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited. This service connects major business centers in over 220 countries and territories with time-definite delivery and customs clearance included.
What are the USPS Ground Advantage costs and rates?
Packages up to 15.999 ounces are priced in 4-ounce increments, while heavier packages are charged by the pound, rounded up. The further the distance, the higher the cost. Additional fees apply to oversized packages. Easily calculate discounted rates anytime at Stamps.com.
What are the USPS Priority Mail delivery times?
USPS Priority Mail typically takes one to three business days, depending on destination, to deliver. You can easily check for a delivery time estimate on USPS’s Priority Mail Delivery Map.
What is DHL Express
DHL Express is a premium international shipping service that offers fast, time-definite delivery to over 220 countries and territories. It's designed for urgent packages, with door-to-door tracking, customs support, and express delivery options for businesses and individuals.
