One constant of being in the military is needing to ship packages, both to and from installations, and within and outside the country. This page will be updated with important mailing dates as well as packaging and mailing tips, so check back often.

Holiday Season 2017: Military Shipping Deadlines

For mail addressed to/from: 

AE ZIPs 090-098 (except 093)

• Priority Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 16
• First-Class and Priority Mail (letters/cards and packages): Dec. 11
• Space Available Mail: Nov. 27
• USPS Retail Ground Mail (formerly known as Standard Post Mail): Nov. 6

AE ZIP 093

• Priority Express Mail Military Service: None
• First-Class and Priority Mail (letters/cards and packages): Dec.4
• Space Available Mail: Nov. 27
• USPS Retail Ground Mail (formerly known as Standard Post Mail): Nov. 6

AE ZIP 340

• Priority Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 16
• First-Class and Priority Mail (letters/cards and packages): Dec. 11
• Space Available Mail: Nov. 27
• USPS Retail Ground Mail (formerly known as Standard Post Mail): Nov. 6

AP ZIPs 962 - 966

• Priority Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 16
• First-Class and Priority Mail (letters/cards and packages): Dec. 11
• Space Available Mail: Nov. 27
• USPS Retail Ground Mail (formerly known as Standard Post Mail): Nov. 6

Domestic Mail (any U.S. address that is not an APO/FPO)

• Priority Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 22
• First-Class: Dec. 19
• Priority Mail: Dec. 20

International First-Class Packages and Priority Mail addressed to Africa and Central and South America should be mailed no later than Nov. 30.

International First-Class Packages and Priority Mail addressed to Asia/Pacific Rim; Australia/New Zealand; Canada; Caribbean; Mexico, Europe; and the Middle East should be mailed no later than Dec. 7.

Priority Express Mail Military Service (PEMMS) is available from selected military post offices. If mailing to an APO/FPO/DPO address, check with your local post office to determine if PEMMS service is available and specific delivery service standards.

Space Available Mail (SAM) refers to parcels mailed to APO/FPO addresses at parcel post rates first transported domestically by surface, then to overseas destinations by air on a space available basis.

It is recommended customers check with local civilian or military post offices for information regarding size restrictions and customs declaration form requirements. Customers are advised mailing restrictions apply and some items cannot be mailed. Examples of non-mailable items are: alcohol, switchblade knives, pornography, controlled substances, and explosive or incendiary devices. If in doubt, contact your local civilian or military post office. 

As a final note, customers should ensure articles are packaged properly for mailing and packages do not display markings related to any type of hazardous material, such as bleach, alcohol, or cleaning fluids. Parcels found by U.S. Postal Service with such markings or labels on the outside of the box will not be processed. 

For more information see the Military Postal Service Agency website or the U.S. Postal Service website.