Know when and how to ship

To ensure delivery of holiday gifts by Dec. 25, the Postal Service recommends that cards and packages be sent to military APO/FPO/DPO addresses overseas no later than the mailing dates listed below.

How to send it
- Space-available (SAM) – The cheapest service because packages take longer to reach a destination.

It offers air transport of parcels on a space-available basis to or from military post offices outside the U.S and surface transport within the U.S. There is a weight limit of 70 pounds and a combined length and girth limit of 130 inches.

-Parcel airlift (PAL) – Uses air transport on a space-available basis similar to SAM plus air transport to the destination city or the city nearest to it inside the U.S. There is a weight limit of 30 pounds and a combined length and girth limit of 60 inches.

- First class – Handles ite ms weighing up to 13 ounces. Flat-rate packaging available.

- Priority – Same as First-Class mail but for items weighing over 13 ounces to 70 pounds. Combined length and girth limit of 108 inches. Flat-rate packaging available.

- Express mail military service (EMMS) – Offers preferred and/or expedited service. Not available from all USAFE APOs.

Extra services
- Insurance – Offers coverage against loss or damage up to $5,000, with the price based on the declared value of the item(s).

- Registered – Offers maximum security, insuring items up to $25,000, with the price based on the declared value of the item(s). Tracks movement of mail from beginning to end.

- Certified – Provides evidence of mailing as well as the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. Requires the recipient to sign upon delivery.

- Delivery confirmation – Shows when an item was delivered or when delivery was attempted using a Track and Confirm tool you can use on your computer.

- Certificate of mailing – Offers evidence of the date your mail was accepted by the post office.

- Return receipt – Provides proof that an item was delivered, through a postcard or email showing the signature of the recipient.

- Restricted delivery – Specifies who can sign for and receive your mail

- Special handling – Offers preferential handling if you’re sending something that needs extra care.

Mailing tips
Print names and addresses of both shipper and recipient clearly on packages with a pen or permanent marker.

Put an extra label with the addresses inside the package in case the original one is defaced. Also include an itemized list of contents.

- Select a box strong enough to protect the contents and appropriate for the amount and size of items inside.

- Leave space for cushioning inside the carton, using bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts, or newspaper to protect the contents.

- Use tape designed for shipping, using enough to secure the opening and seams of the box.

- Put newspaper or packing material in hollow items to avoid damage during transport.

- Write “fragile” or “perishable” on packages when shipping such items.

- Use boxes, envelopes and tubes the post office provides for Express Mail and Priority Mail.

https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2019/1008-military-holiday-shipping-deadlines.htm