Sending letters and packages while they are deployed

by Elly599

Jul 22, 2017

Hi,

I am definitely new at this, as a grandmother I have always supported my granddaughter, so when she made the decision, to join the Navy I held her hand and supported her in every way that I could.  I am extremely proud of her, as her grandfather did 25 yrs in the Army and she is following in his footsteps.

The question/concern that I have, is that because she is on a ship and once they leave port is:  How will she receive mail, or any packages?  She has asked that I send her certain items and I want to be sure that she doesn't have to wait a long time before receiving them.  If I do send a package what are the requirements for what I can place in it?  Is there a site where I can look this information up?

Thank you

  • up

    Anti M

    Her ship will have an FPO address.  This is USPS until the package reaches the military mail system, at which time you can no longer track it.  You can look up what can and cannot be sent on the USPS site.  Each package will need a customs for.  The flat rate Priority mail boxes made for FPO shipping are the most cost effective.  I'd say fastest, but mail to ships is not quick. It can take two weeks, it can take six.  You never know with military mail.  Packages can go by sea at some point, and letters always take precedent over parcels.

    There are also some things which are not allowed on ships in general, alcohol, and hair dryers.  

    https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm

    You can get free boxes sent right to you home:

    https://www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-dpo.htm?

    2

    Jul 23, 2017

    • up

      10mileloop

      Hi

      My son is on a ship.

      Go to the P.O. and use the large Priority mail shipping boxes, you get a discount for military, it's about $17 per box no matter how much they weigh. I sent 2 boxes of snacks at a time, they took anywhere form 2-3 weeks sometimes a month, He is in the middle east. They arrive via helicopter from a transport ship that meets them where ever they are..it's called RAS replensihment at sea. Your sailor should have the dates for the upcomimg RAS.

      Hope this helps.

      Aug 4, 2017