Shipping to Deployed Service Members – Guidelines & More

Shipping care packages to deployed service members was more than just a thoughtful gesture during the height of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) in 2010—it was a vital connection between home and those serving far away. For many of us, these packages were the only way to bridge the gap between our loved ones and the harsh realities they faced overseas.

At that time, I sent packages to my husband, who was deployed in Iraq. The guidelines I wrote then came from my own experiences—tips and tricks I, and many others, learned the hard way.

Now in 2024, military engagements have shifted, but the importance of sending care packages has not. Today, I prepare these packages for my daughter’s best friend, who serves in the Navy.

This change is a poignant reminder of how much has evolved, yet how much remains the same. This post reflects that journey, offering guidance that honors where we’ve been and where we are now.

The Heart Behind the Packages: Then and Now

Back in 2010, the world focused on Iraq and Afghanistan. The care packages we sent were filled with homemade treats, letters, and small comforts from home. These items provided much-needed respite from the day-to-day realities of war.

These packages weren’t just about the contents. They were about sending a piece of ourselves to remind our loved ones that we were thinking of them, that they weren’t forgotten.

Today, the locations have changed. The U.S. military engages in various global missions, from Eastern Europe to the Middle East. Service members are stationed in places like Poland, Jordan, and Gaza. Some of these missions are well-known, while others fly under the radar. But regardless of where our service members are deployed, the need for connection remains.

Whether it’s a spouse, a friend, or a neighbor’s child, these packages continue to serve as a vital link between home and the frontlines. When shipping to deployed service members, these packages serve as vital links between home and the frontlines.

How Shipping to Deployed Service Members Has Changed Since 2010

While the emotional significance of sending care packages is timeless, the logistics have evolved.

Here are some key differences between sending packages in 2010 and 2024:

Customs Forms and International Shipping Regulations:

• 2010: Customs forms were required for some packages, but the process was more manual. You filled out the forms at the post office, and enforcement was less consistent.
• 2024: As of July 2024, customs forms are mandatory for all packages sent overseas. The process is more streamlined, with options to fill out forms online. This reduces the likelihood of errors or delays. Additionally, international shipping regulations have become stricter, particularly regarding prohibited items like alcohol, aerosols, and lithium batteries. Double-check what you’re sending to ensure compliance.

Eco-Friendly Packaging:

• 2010: The environmental impact of packaging wasn’t a primary concern. Most packages used standard materials like plastic wraps, bubble wrap, and non-recyclable boxes.
• 2024: There’s a growing emphasis on sustainability. Many people now opt for eco-friendly packaging materials, such as biodegradable wraps and recyclable boxes. This shift reflects broader societal changes toward reducing waste and protecting the environment, even in the small choices we make when sending a care package.

Digitalization and Tracking:

• 2010: Tracking packages was possible but often unreliable, especially once the package left U.S. soil. Customs forms and other documentation were primarily paper-based, leading to potential delays or lost packages.
• 2024: Advancements in technology have made tracking your package from start to finish easier and more reliable. Digital customs forms are now standard, and you can monitor your package’s journey in real-time. This not only provides peace of mind but also helps ensure that your package arrives safely and on time.

Shipping to deployed service members has evolved over the years, with stricter customs regulations and more eco-friendly packaging options.

What Has Stayed the Same?

Despite these changes, many aspects of sending care packages have remained the same. These similarities reflect the enduring nature of this tradition.

Addressing the Packages:

• 2010 and 2024: The APO (Army/Air Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office), and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) systems remain in place. This system simplifies the process by allowing you to send packages at domestic USPS rates, even though the final destination is overseas. The address format has stayed the same, ensuring that packages reach the correct service member without getting lost in the local postal systems of the host country.

The Fundamentals of Packaging:

• 2010 and 2024: The basics of good packaging haven’t changed. Using sturdy boxes, cushioning items to prevent breakage, and sealing everything securely are still the cornerstones of ensuring your package arrives intact. Whether you’re sending baked goods, personal care items, or small gifts, these principles hold true.

The Emotional Connection:

• 2010 and 2024: Above all, the emotional impact of these packages is unchanged. In 2010, these packages were lifelines, reminders that someone back home cared deeply for the person on the receiving end. In 2024, that remains true. The world may look different, the conflicts may have shifted, but the love and care packed into these boxes continue to bridge the distance between home and deployment.

2024 Guidelines for Shipping to Deployed Service Members

When shipping to deployed service members in 2024, make sure to follow these updated guidelines.

Address Format:

• Use the service member’s full name, unit and box number, APO/FPO/DPO designation, and the appropriate ZIP Code. Ensure that the “state” is listed as AA, AE, or AP, depending on the region where the service member is stationed.

Customs Forms:

• Customs forms are now mandatory for all packages sent overseas. Make sure to fill them out correctly, either online or at the post office. Comply with international shipping regulations to avoid delays.

Prohibited Items:

• Common prohibited items include alcohol, aerosols, perishable goods, and lithium batteries. The list of restricted items can vary by destination, so always check before sending.

Packing Tips:

• Use sturdy boxes and ensure there is no empty space to prevent items from shifting. Include durable snacks, personal care items, and entertainment options like books or magazines. Consider the climate—avoid sending items that could melt in hot environments.

Timeliness:

• During the holiday season, or when shipping to regions with longer transit times, it’s advisable to send packages well in advance to ensure they arrive on time.

Conclusion: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present

As I reflect on the journey from 2010 to 2024, I’m reminded of how much has changed, yet how much has stayed the same. The act of sending a care package is timeless. It’s a small gesture that carries immense meaning. Whether you’re sending a package to a spouse in Iraq, a daughter’s best friend in the Navy, or a service member stationed somewhere unknown, these guidelines will help ensure that your package arrives safely. It will carry the love and support that only home can provide.

Thank you for continuing this tradition of care. Let’s honor the past while embracing the present, ensuring that our service members know they are always in our thoughts, no matter where they serve.

Shipping to deployed service members can be also be done though the generosity of Operation Gratitude.
Read about the final time my husband came home from war.