Best and fastest way to send a package to a soldier in Iraq?

Question

I'm sending a package to a friend of mine who is currently stationed in Iraq. Can anyone tell me what the fastest way of sending it would be, and about how much shipping costs? (If weight is a big factor, it would be apprx 12lbs). Thanks!

Answer 1

I am an expert at this.

Pack everything into FLAT RATE priority mail boxes, even if you have to split it between 2 boxes. It will be cheaper, trust me! I have spent over 20 dollars to send one package that was about 15 pounds!

It depends where it is going in Iraq, but where my husband is stationed, it takes about 9-10 days for priority mail to get there. It is the fastest it can get there and the cheapest, as long as you use flat rate!

Answer 2

Priority with insurance is the best. Even if the box doesn't have anything of great value in it, insure it. The post office is less likely to lose something that they'll have to pay to replace. It's really cheap to insure stuff.

Don't waste your money on overnighting it. The only thing this does is get it to the east coast faster.

The way it works: I'm guessing you were given an address that has APO AE XXXXX (X's being a zip code) Well that zip code is actually a US zip and is located on the east coast in a military mailing facility. The zip tells the sorters which bin to place the packages in before it is picked up by a rotator going to that specific area overseas. Voila, your soldier/sailor/airman gets their long awaited for package.

Weight is the primary factor in the cost of shipping but 12 lbs. shouldn't break your bank. I'd say you'll probably spend no more than $20.

Answer 3

Basically what happens with military mail is that the regular US post office handles it until it while it is in the US. Once it gets to the fleet post office (FPO) on either coast (AE, AP, AA) it goes into a military postal system. They have the information on where the unit is and send the mail on.

Sometimes it sits for a while because there is no information on the unit at that minute. Sometimes it sits because it is too big to fit in the shipping space available for mail going that way.

If you pay for priority mail or anything faster it gets to the fleet post office faster but then it sits there just like everything else until they have the space to send it out. If you want to pay extra for that little bit of speed that's up to you. All postal rates are the same as sending mail in the US because the FPO is a US address although if it's ultimate destination is overseas you still need the customs form.

Answer 4

US Postal Service Priority Mail is the best. If the package is small, use one of the single price Priority bulk mailers. They cost about $4, no matter what the weight is! Priority mail took about 7-10 days to reach my son while he was stationed in Iraq.

Answer 5

Every one is correct about the Postal Service's Priority Mail being the best way to ship your package to Iraq. You will also need USPS Form 2976A, ( Customs Declaration), and don't forget to insure the package. Having that tracking number will greatly reduce the possibility of the contents being pilfered. Please make sure you are not sending any prohibited items in the package. (porn, liqueur, pork products, home made food items, etc). I've sent many packages, and it does take 9 - 10 days.

PS: Please include a short note to tell your friend I said "Thank You" for their service to the country. My family appreciates what they are doing.

Answer 6

I'd have to say like the above poster, get a Priority Flat Rate box, it don't matter the weight you put in it, it can be very heavy and I believe it only costs 8.10 per box, but make sure it has a "flat rate" logo on the side.

Also make sure to fill out a Customs Form for it, it's not that hard only takes a few minutes to do so.

Your friend is very lucky to have you.

Answer 7

I've always sent flat rate priority boxes. and even though it's supposed to be about 3 days. It will take more like 7. This is because it has to go through customs.. and then sorted through to the unit.
Oh yeah.. if you go on the UPS web page and call their toll free number, you should be able to get free priority boxes, labels and tape if you tell them you're mailing to a Soldier overseas. They send it right to your door.

Answer 8

normal priority package mail, make sure you fill out the customs declaration right. Other than that it is the easiest quickest way to send a package to the APO ae addresses. Hope that answers your question ...Shadow Stalker

Answer 9

Hi,

I just wanted to add that you might want to forgo the insurance.

The package is only insured until it arrives at the APO in NY. After that, it's in the military's hands and the USPS does not honor the insurance.

Take care and keep those packages coming!

Answer 10

Go to the US Post Office. You need to send it with a customs slip. It will not cost any extra to send it to Iraq because all military addresses are US based. It shouldn't cost more than about $15 to send.