My buddy just got to Iraq and I want to mail him and his guys some magazines and other things. I have his address but I have never shipped anything to him or anyone over seas. What if anything is different from just putting his name on the box and taking it to the post office? Thanks to all who help me help our troops!

IM me with specific questions, I've dealt with the mail a little and am sitting close to the mail room right now.

ETA: check my current LOC
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It's easy.

Go down to the post office and ask them for some of their "Flat Rate" boxes, they are free. They have 2 kinds (shoebox shaped and magazine shaped) so tell them you want the kind that would be good for magazines.

Now pack it full of the stuff you want to send, it doesn't matter how much it weighs because it's a flate rate box and will only cost you $4.95 regardless of weight. (If you ask for insurance or tracking, those are seperate charges).

Bags of jerky make great packing material. So doees bags of candy, but just make sure it's candy that won't melt.


Put your buddies address on the box, and take it back to the post office.

You're done.

You'll be shipping to an APO (wether he is contractor or military).  It's just like sending to anywhere else in the US.  Just have him send you his mailing address.  Don't worry about banned items, they get through :)  Just list the items as "toiletries".

You guys in the mailroom disregard this post :)

Don't forget to fill out the customs form. There is 2 types of forms, for Iraq you need the long white one.
It's really not that hard and most PO's will help you. I get a bunch of boxes and customs forms. Also remember it takes 2-3 weeks to get to them.

And do NOT send him anything illegal!