Mailing Instructions

These are not all of the regulations, just what we have learned so far.  Everything must be shipped by US Post Office.  Parcel Post is the cheapest rate and it does not take much longer than any of the faster services.  The Post Office handles the stuff until it hits a port in California so faster rates only impact from here to California.  After that the Department of Defense takes over.   A medium size box costs around $16-20 (A good rule of thumb is about 90 cents of postage will handle 1 pound).  No large boxes.  Several medium boxes are better than one big one.  Keep your box to around 20 pounds or less.  Over size or over 28 pounds costs more.  A good size is 1.2 or 1.5 cubic feet.

Media rate is available for books, tapes, DVD's, and CDs.  It does not apply to magazines, newspapers, or anything with lots of advertisements. Media rate will save a couple of bucks on a medium size box.  It does take 3-5 days longer to get there.  (Who knows how long it takes either way.)

Use a strong box and tape it up well. I print the address label in a larger font on a big peel-n-stick label, attach it to the box, and then use clear packaging tape to cover the address label so it it more water resistant.

I package all liquids like shampoo in a gallon size ziplock bag.  If the bottle breaks, it won't contaminate the other stuff.  I use extra bags, newspapers, and magazines as packaging material.  Put the heaviest stuff on bottom and stand bottles upright.  Don't ship glass.  I also package scented items so the smell does not permeate everything else. 

Customs Form: 
Go to the post office and get  a custom's form. larger packages use PS 2976-A dated Jan 2004.  Packages under 1 pound use PS 2976 dated Jan 2004.  I usually get a bunch at a time so I have them to fill out at home.  The form is easy. 

These are instructions for the large box form but the other one is similar.
1. Fill out your address.
2. Fill out the recipient's address.
3. List what is in the box, quantity,  and the declared value.  I do not list every last item because there is not enough room.  I use catchall phraese like: Snacks, Dental Products, Hygiene Products, Beef Jerky, Food, Magazines, games, DVDs, CDs, and other catchalls.  I do not count and itemize every item.  The Post Office will weigh and include that information. 
4. Mark that it is a gift. 
5. In the lower left, mark that in case the package is undeliverable, you want the package to be delivered to another person in that unit.  Use a real name and not "Another person in that unit".  Your other options is to have it destroyed or sent back (extra cost) .  God forbid something should happen to your recipient but if they were unavailable for any reason, the unit will still get the stuff.) 
6. Then sign and date the form. 
7. Give it to the postmaster and he will attach one copy to the box. You don't have to attach it, the postmaster will.

Thanks and God bless you in your supporting our troops.