As the holidays near, there are many of us who will be shipping gifts to family members or friends who are either living abroad or stationed at a US Military Base overseas. In addition to the requirements involved in sending a package overseas, there are some special requirements if you are shipping a package to a military base in a foreign country. Here are some tips and references to help you with your international shipments.
5 Tips for Shipping Overseas
*If you know that you are going to be shipping a gift overseas, select your gifts with that in mind. Smaller items such as gift cards or phone cards, light weight items like jewelry, and non fragile items like books and clothing will be more cost effective and more likely to arrive undamaged.
*Ship your packages early enough to allow for shipping delays! Holidays are the busiest time of the year to ship packages and you should always expect delays. If you ship early, you can avoid the mad rush of last minute shipping and avoid the delays associated with the carriers being swamped. There are specific deadlines depending on the type of method you select and the carrier that you choose. Always double check with the shipper that you are going to use as to the deadlines for shipping. They do change and you need to have the most current information that is available. Note: The deadline for sending packages to Army and Fleet Post Offices is November 13th, if you want the gifts to arrive by December 25th.
*Choosing the correct shipping method is crucial! Packages sent to Military Bases (APO and FPO addresses) are considered Domestic shipments, not International. Shipping time and shipping rate depends on the method of shipping you choose, so you want to be sure to select the correct method.
*Always package your items properly. Be sure to use a sturdy box and bubble wrap or Styrofoam packing to protect the items that you are shipping. And, it is more cost effective to ship multiple items in one box instead of in several smaller packages. Ensure that your package is sealed properly, as well. Use a good nylon shipping tape to guarantee the security of your contents. You should always check for restrictions on items to be shipped. Depending on the carrier that you will use and what country you are shipping to, there may be a restriction that will affect your shipment. Ensure the delivery of your item by double checking shipping restrictions at your shipper’s website.
*Address your package properly and legibly. Always use the correct zip code. Be sure that you have the address formatted in the required manner. Always include a return address on the outside of the package as well as extra labels inside the package with the shipping and return addresses, in case the box is damaged or the label is lost.
Shipping Deadlines Recommended by Carriers:
U.S. Post Office
(800) 275-8777
To Iraq: Mail first-class cards and letters by Dec. 11.
Parcel airlift service deadline is Dec. 4.
Call or visit website for more information.
Federal Express (FedEx)
(800) 463-3339
Dec. 17: Ground and International Ground
Dec. 20: International Priority
Dec. 22: Two-Day Delivery
Dec. 24: Overnight with morning or afternoon delivery
For additional information about overseas shipping call or visit the website.
DHL
(800) 225-5345
Dec. 15: Ground Delivery
Dec. 21: 2nd Day Delivery
Dec. 23: Next Day Guaranteed Delivery
For additional shipping deadlines call or visit the website.
United Parcel Services (UPS)
(800) 742-5877 Ship by Friday, December 19 for the following regions:
Middle East
Eastern Europe
South and Central America
Australia
Africa Ship by Monday, December 22 for the following regions: Western Europe and United Kingdom
Caribbean and Mexico (for most points)
Pacific Rim (for most points)
For additional information, call or visit the website and click on “Calculate Delivery Times”.
