For all my military friends and thir families, don't forget to remember your soldier, salior, marine or airmen this holiday season. Our hearts and prayers go out to each and everyone of them.
The Naval Supply Systems Command's (NAVSUP) Postal Policy Division recommends mailing 2007 holiday cards, letters, and packages early to ensure delivery by Dec. 25.
Suggested mailing dates for military mail addressed "to" APO/FPO addresses [APO/FPO AE zip codes 090-098 (except 093); AA zip codes 340; AP zip codes 962-966]:
Express Mail Military Service (EMMS): Dec. 18
First-class and priority mail, letters, cards: Dec. 11
Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL): Dec. 4
Space Available Mail (SAM): Nov. 27
Parcel Post: Nov. 13
Suggested mailing dates for military mail addressed "to" APO/FPO AE zip codes 093:
First-class and priority mail, letters, cards: Dec. 4
PAL: Dec. 1
SAM: Nov. 27
Parcel Post: Nov. 13
Suggested mailing dates for military mail "from" APO and FPO addresses:
EMMS: Dec. 18
First-class and priority mail, letters, cards: Dec. 11
PAL: Dec. 4
SAM: Nov. 27
EMMS is available from selected military post offices. If mailing to an APO/FPO address check with your local post office to determine if this service is available.
PAL is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space available basis. It is available for parcel post items not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service.
SAM refers to parcels mailed to APO/FPO addresses at parcel post rates that are first transported domestically by surface and 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 parcel post rates are sent to CONUS by air on a space available basis. The maximum weight and size limit are 70 pounds and 130 inches in length and girth combined.
It is also recommended that customers check with their local civilian or military post office for information on size restrictions and possible need for customs declaration forms.
Additionally, customers are advised that certain mail restrictions apply and some items are non-mailable. Examples are: switchblade knives, pornography, controlled substances, and explosive or incendiary devices. If in doubt as to what can or cannot be sent through the mail, contact your local post office or military post office.
Customers are cautioned that packages must not be mailed in boxes that have markings related to any type of hazardous material, such as bleach, alcohol, or cleaning fluids. Parcels found by the U.S. Postal Service with such markings or labels on the outside of the box will not be processed. Instead, they will be handled as "non-mailable matter," regardless of the contents or what is listed on the U.S. Customs form.