- 1). Choose sturdy packaging. Flat rate priority boxes from the U.S. Postal Service are generally a great option. These boxes are available in three sizes, hold up to 70 lbs and are relatively inexpensive to ship. Priority mailing supplies are free from the USPS website or your local post office.
- 2). Secure the package well. Use more tape on the military care package than you ever thought was necessary, especially if the package is being delivered to Iraq or Afghanistan. All seams of the box should be taped well. Use your local newspaper as packing material as it can serve a dual purpose. When you shake the box, the contents should not move around.
- 3). Address the package correctly. Overseas military APO addresses are not a typical address. In order to ensure delivery, be certain the address is written in exactly the way it was provided to you by the military member.
- 4). Complete a customs form. Care packages sent overseas will also require a customs form that can be provided by the post office. It is advised that expensive items included in a military care package are not noted in detail on the customs form to avoid theft.
- 5). Know what can and cannot be sent overseas. This list varies by location but generally you should not send pork products, religious material for other than personal use, pornographic materials, alcohol or aerosol cans.
- 6). Package the contents well. Soldiers have reported their food tasting like soap when the two items were sent together and not packaged separately. If there is a possibility of an item spilling or opening in transit, be sure it is securely enclosed in a separate plastic bag.
- 7). Protect the contents. By placing stickers across the seams of the box before it is taped, the soldier will easily be able to tell if the package was opened or tampered with before receiving it. If you are sending expensive items, check with the post office about the possibility of the package being insured.
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