The U.S. Postal Service has released its list of 2004 recommended holiday mailing dates for those wanting to send packages to U.S. troops in the Middle East.
For mail going to APO and FPO addresses: the recommended deadline to send parcel post is Nov. 13; space-available mail is Nov. 27; parcel airlift is Dec. 4; priority mail, and first-class cards and letters is Dec. 11. But for APO addresses beginning with 093 the deadline is Dec. 6, reported the Stars and Stripes.
The recommended deadline for express mail is Dec. 20, but local post offices can determine which APO/FPO addresses can receive express mail. U.S. Navy ships do not have express mail services, the Postal Service said.
For mail from APO and FPO addresses: the recommended deadline for space-available is Nov. 20; parcel airlift is Dec. 4; priority mail, first-class cards and letters is Dec. 11; and express mail is Dec. 18 -- however, only certain base post offices can send express mail.
The postal service also recommended all mail carry the service member's full name, with or without rank, military organization or unit, and full APO or FPO address. But officials said the deployed country's name should not be included in any part of the address.
There is a 70-pound limit for incoming or outgoing APO/FPO mail.
Different dates have been set for the various mailing options and mail destined for military members with deployed units that have APO addresses starting with 093.
© Copyright 2004 by United Press International
