Military Mail for the Holidays

Military Mail is a special mail class for sending letters and parcels to service members stationed overseas. Learn more about Military Mail.

Special considerations should be made when handling Military Mail shipments, especially during holidays.

Mind Postmark Deadlines for Holidays

Since shipments travel overseas, they are subject to similar travel times as other forms of international mail. The USPS recommends the following cut-off dates. These are the deadlines to get your packages in the mail stream to be delivered in time for Christmas 2023:

Know-How to Address Military Mail Shipments

Since Military Mail is destined for a U.S. port, it follows the general rules of domestic addresses. However, without streets or "States", there are some significant differences.

An example of how to address military mail is as follows:

MSgt John Doe

PSC 123 Box 987

APO AP 96601-0098

Learn more about formatting Military Mail addresses, including a breakdown of all abbreviations.

Understand the Customs Form

Since Military Mail shipments cross international boundaries, they are subject to customs inspections. Customs forms tell customs officials about the contents of your shipments.

ShippingEasy makes customs forms easy. Add some information into your INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS settings, and we will fill out your customs forms. Learn more about setting up your INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS settings.

The customs forms you need will vary based on the service and package selected. Also, many shipments require several copies of customs forms. Generally, these should be affixed to the outside of the parcel in a clear envelope. Learn more about printing USPS customs forms.

Military Mail routed through Dulles, VA, goes through a special process that does not require you - the shipper - to include a customs form with the shipment.

Avoid Shipping Restricted Items

There are many restrictions around what can be sent to international destinations. On top of those, many Military Mail shipments are subject to even more stringent restrictions. Restrictions also vary based on the destination region and country.

Universally restricted items include, but are not limited to: lottery tickets, alcohol, flammable materials, and fireworks.

Learn more about Military Mail restrictions.

Take Advantage of Postage Discounts

The USPS offers a $2.40 postage discount on its Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate box. These top-loading packages measure 12" X 12" X 5.5" and can contain up to 70 lbs. Better yet, you can order these for free from USPS.

You will always save over Post Office rates by purchasing postage online. ShippingEasy offers Starter rates and Commercial Rates, depending on the plan.

Pack Items Carefully

Your packages will be handled extensively. They will be flown, processed through customs, and transported to their destination post. Then, they will be handled again before finally reaching the recipient. With all these transactions, proper packaging is very important.

Keep the following tips in mind to help ensure packages arrive safely and undamaged:

Customize Your Shipment Notification Emails

ShippingEasy's confirmation emails and Shipping Rules provide options for informing your customers about their upcoming delivery.

With customized shipment notification emails for your Military Mail orders, you can add unique notes. This enables you to manage your customers' delivery expectations better, as well as include a special "Thank You" note to our servicemen and women. Learn more about creating a custom email template.

Shipping Rules allow you to specify when this "Military Mail" confirmation is sent. Namely, when the address destination type is "Military". Learn more using Shipping Rules to assign your custom email template to your Military Mail orders.