A Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt gives a package to the mail room to send off. (Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Anna E. Van Nuys)
Mechanicsburg, Pa. – The Naval Supply Systems Command’s mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 deliveries of holiday cards, letters, and packages have been released:
For mail addressed to/from:
APO/FPO/DPO AE zips 090-098 (except 093); AA zips 340; AP zips 962-966
* Priority Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 17
* First-Class and Priority Mail (letters/cards and packages): Dec. 10
* Space Available Mail: Nov. 26
* Standard Post Mail: Nov. 8
APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093
* Priority Express Mail Military Service: N/A
* First-Class and Priority Mail (letters/cards and packages): Dec. 3
* Space Available Mail: Nov. 26
* Standard Post Mail: Nov. 8
Domestic Mail (For Ships in Port and Personnel on Shore Duty in the U.S. mailing to U.S. destinations-not including APO/FPO)
* First-Class Mail: Dec. 20
* Priority Mail: Dec. 20
* Priority Express Mail: Dec. 23
International First-Class Packages and Priority Mail addressed to Africa and Central and South America should be mailed no later than Dec. 2.
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. 9.
All classes of mail addressed to FPO addresses must contain the New Navy Standardized Address format, which includes ship or mobile unit number, (or PSC number for ashore FPOs), virtual mail box number, and five-digit ZIP code to ensure delivery. Mail not addressed correctly could be returned to sender as undeliverable.
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. The maximum weight and size limits are 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined. From overseas locations, items mailed at Standard Post rates are sent to CONUS by air on a space available basis. The maximum weight and size limits are 70 pounds and 130 inches in length and girth combined.
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 the Postal Service with such markings or labels on the outside of the box will not be processed.
