another question for those with experience

[cam45]

I was just wondering the easiest way to go about mailing packages and what exactly the process is with that...do you go postal service or UPS? I saw something about customs slips, are those required? Any approximate cost or time until a package gets delivered? Thanks

I just go to the post office and pay for shipping and they do the rest for me.

[froglove]

It all gets shipped with the post office. Its the cheapest way to go anyways.

if i ever mail anything i go to the post office on base... its cheap and i just tell them the address and they take care of it! thats what you were talkin bout right?

[cam45]

yeah I don't live anywhere near a base so I just didn't know if UPS or post office was better or if they were basically the same for shipping stuff overseas. In what case do customs slips need to be filled out? Will things be opened and checked before DB gets them?

[onelastdance]

They will probably make you fill out a customs form when they notice it is a military address. On the form you just have to fill out his address, your address, write the contents of the package and approx. how much it is worth. The package should not be opened before your DB gets it [unless they suspect contraband]. Opening someone else's mail is a federal offence. If you're sending alot of stuff, your best bet is to get a flat rate box. You can put as much stuff as you can fit in there and the shipping cost will be the same regardless of the weight.

[sciteach]

Go to the USPS online and order the military package. It comes with flat rate boxes, tape, and the custom forms. My local post office has been the friendliest, most helpful group of people. They help me fill out the forms. Plus the flat rate boxes are only $8.10 to ship. You will be amazed at how much you can cram into a flat-rate box. PM me if you need any help. My db is currently deployed to Afghanistan for 18 months.

[USNFFG52]

Originally Posted by sciteach Go to the USPS online and order the military package. It comes with flat rate boxes, tape, and the custom forms. My local post office has been the friendliest, most helpful group of people. They help me fill out the forms. Plus the flat rate boxes are only $8.10 to ship. You will be amazed at how much you can cram into a flat-rate box. PM me if you need any help. My db is currently deployed to Afghanistan for 18 months.

I was wondering about the flat rate boxes cause I have 25 of them coming here. DO they have to be weighed if you send it from home or not.

[airyn1]

Originally Posted by USNFFG52 I was wondering about the flat rate boxes cause I have 25 of them coming here. DO they have to be weighed if you send it from home or not.

Since you're sending them to a military address and you have to have a customs form you can't just have them picked up from home. You have to take them into a post office.

[Joelle]

USPS Flat rate boxes!! The ones with the red circles on them!