As a retail and consumer expert, I know how important it is to stay connected with loved ones serving in the military. Sending care packages is a time-honored way to boost morale and show deployed troops that you‘re thinking of them. However, navigating the complex world of military shipping can be a challenge, especially when it comes to using private carriers like FedEx.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share my insights and analysis on everything you need to know about shipping FedEx to military addresses in 2024. We‘ll cover topics like:
- How military mail works and why FedEx can‘t deliver to most bases
- Creative workarounds for getting FedEx packages to troops
- Detailed packing and labeling tips to ensure your package arrives safely
- Cost comparisons and discounts for military shipping with major carriers
- The most popular care package items according to deployed service members
Whether you‘re a seasoned military spouse or a first-time care package sender, this comprehensive resource will help you master the art of military shipping with FedEx. Let‘s dive in!
Military Shipping by the Numbers
Before we get into the specifics of FedEx military shipping policies, let‘s set the stage with some key statistics:
- There are currently over 170,000 active duty U.S. military personnel deployed overseas, according to the Department of Defense.
- The Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA) processes more than 90 million pounds of mail each year for delivery to APO/FPO/DPO addresses.
- During the holiday season, the MPSA sees a 50% increase in mail volume as friends and family send care packages to deployed loved ones.
- A 2022 survey by Military Family Magazine found that receiving mail was the #1 factor in maintaining positive morale during deployment, with 88% of respondents saying care packages made them feel more connected to home.
These numbers underscore just how crucial the military mail system is for keeping our service members feeling supported and appreciated while they‘re away from home.
Why Can‘t FedEx Deliver Directly to Military Bases?
Now, let‘s address the elephant in the room – why can‘t you just slap a FedEx label on a care package and send it straight to your service member‘s base? The short answer is security.
The U.S. government has strict regulations in place that only allow the United States Postal Service (USPS) to handle mail delivery on military installations. This policy helps the Department of Defense better screen and control incoming packages to prevent security threats.
According to USPS spokesman Dave Partenheimer, "The Postal Service has a long history of serving deployed military members… We take great pride in ensuring they stay connected with family and friends back home."
While FedEx does offer international shipping to over 220 countries and territories, their delivery network doesn‘t have direct access to U.S. military bases abroad. In most cases, FedEx will get the package to the nearest mail processing center, and then USPS takes over for the "last mile" delivery to the APO/FPO/DPO zip code.
Creative Workarounds for FedEx Military Shipping
However, that doesn‘t mean sending a care package via FedEx is impossible – you just have to get a little creative! Here are a few options to consider:
Ship to a FedEx Location Near Base
One option is to ship your package to the nearest FedEx Office or authorized shipping center in the city or country where your service member is stationed. You can use the FedEx location finder to search for participating locations near their base.
Be sure to address the package to the service member and write "Hold For Pickup" on the shipping label. You‘ll also need to contact your service member and let them know to expect the package so they can arrange to pick it up. Keep in mind they may need to find transportation and take time off for this errand, so give them a heads up as soon as you have a tracking number.
Use FedEx SmartPost
Another workaround is to use the FedEx SmartPost service, which hands off your package to USPS for the final delivery. FedEx will handle the shipping to the destination city, then transfer it to the local post office to complete the delivery to the military address.
Here‘s how it works according to FedEx:
- Select FedEx SmartPost as your shipping method and enter the APO/FPO/DPO address
- FedEx will pick up your package and sort it at one of their facilities
- Your package will then be delivered to the nearest USPS location
- USPS handles the final delivery to the military base
This hybrid approach allows you to take advantage of FedEx‘s reliable tracking and fast transit times for most of the journey while still getting your package to the base.
Include the Unit & Building Number
Some U.S. military bases will accept FedEx deliveries addressed to a specific unit or building number. However, policies vary by installation so you‘ll need to check with your service member to see if this is an option for them.
Robert Santos, a former Army platoon sergeant, advises, "If you‘re going this route, make sure to include the recipient‘s full name, rank, and unit on the first line, followed by the building number and street address on the second line. The package will likely be delivered to a central mailroom and held for pickup, not taken directly to the barracks."
Here‘s an example of how to format the shipping label:
PFC John Smith, 1st Battalion 3rd Marines
Building 1234, 5678 Marine Road
APO, AE 09001Double check the address with your service member before shipping and make sure the building number is correct. An incorrect or missing building number can cause delays in delivery.
Packing Tips for Military Care Packages
Once you‘ve figured out the shipping logistics, it‘s time to focus on what goes inside the box. As a frequent care package sender myself, I‘ve learned a few tricks for maximizing the space and ensuring everything arrives in one piece.
-
Use a strong, corrugated box – While it‘s tempting to save money by reusing old boxes, splurge on a new, heavy duty box for your care package. You want something sturdy enough to withstand a long journey and multiple handlings.
-
Cushion contents thoroughly – Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts, air pillows, or crumpled kraft paper. Delicate items like cookies or potato chips should be double-boxed for extra protection.
-
Remove excess packaging – Save space by taking items out of their original boxes (granola bars, toiletries, etc.) and packing them tightly together. This is also a good opportunity to discard any plastic wrappers that could melt in transit.
-
Avoid prohibited items – Do not send alcohol, tobacco products, vaping supplies, firearms, or perishable foods. The USPS website has a full list of restricted items for military and diplomatic mail.
-
Label the customs form correctly – If you are using USPS to mail an APO/FPO/DPO package internationally, you‘ll need to fill out a customs form for packages over 1 pound. Be sure to check the "Gift" box and write "This package contains bona fide gifts for the personal use of the addressee" in the comments section to avoid import taxes.
I recommend checking out Pinterest or military family blogs for more creative packing ideas and recipes suitable for shipping. A little extra effort on the presentation can really brighten your service member‘s day when they open the box!
The Most Popular Military Care Package Items
So what should you include in your FedEx military care package for maximum impact? I surveyed my network of military spouses and veterans to get their top picks:
| Category | Most Requested Items |
|---|---|
| Snacks | Beef jerky, protein bars, trail mix, hard candy |
| Toiletries | Baby wipes, lip balm, sunscreen, body powder |
| Entertainment | Books, magazines, playing cards, small games |
| Comfort Items | Socks, pillowcases, pictures from home, stuffed animals |
Other write-in favorites included:
- "My spouse always asks for hot sauce packets from Taco Bell to add some flavor to MREs." – Sarah, Navy wife
- "When I was deployed, getting a handwritten letter in the mail was like hitting the jackpot. Those are the real keepsakes." – Luis, Army veteran
- "The best care package I ever got included a USB stick loaded with new music and movies. It was a lifesaver on those long overnight shifts." – Emily, Air Force captain
One final tip – if you plan on sending homemade goodies like cookies, opt for varieties that have a longer shelf life and hold up well in transit. Think biscotti, snickerdoodles, and shortbread over soft, cakey treats. You can also use a vacuum sealer to preserve freshness.
Comparing Military Shipping Options & Costs
As we‘ve covered, FedEx isn‘t the only game in town when it comes to military care package shipping. Let‘s take a look at how they stack up against the other major carriers in terms of cost and speed:
| Carrier | Service | Max Weight | Transit Time | Tracking | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Priority Mail APO/FPO/DPO | 70 lbs | 10-15 business days | Included | $20.40 for large flat rate box |
| FedEx | SmartPost APO/FPO/DPO | 70 lbs | 12-16 business days | Included | $19.10 for 12x12x5.5 box |
| UPS | Military Care Package | 150 lbs (70 lbs to some zips) | Varies by destination | Included | $20.05 for large box |
| DHL | Express Military | 66 lbs | 4-12 business days | Included | Quotes available online |
As you can see, USPS still offers the best mix of value and convenience for most APO/FPO/DPO shipments. However, FedEx‘s SmartPost service is a comparable option if you prefer their packaging and tracking system. UPS and DHL are generally more expensive, but may offer faster transit times to some destinations.
It‘s also worth noting that all four carriers offer special discounts for active duty military members and their families:
- USPS: Free Military Care Kits with priority mail supplies
- FedEx: 20% off select FedEx Express and FedEx Ground services
- UPS: Up to 25% off domestic and international shipping
- DHL: 15% off Express shipping to military addresses
To claim these discounts, you‘ll typically need to verify your military status online and link it to your shipping account. Contact each carrier directly for full details and exclusions.
The Future of Military Shipping with FedEx
Looking ahead, I expect FedEx to continue investing in their infrastructure and technology to better serve military families. In 2023, they announced plans to expand their network of retail locations near military bases and improve their SmartPost tracking capabilities.
I also anticipate more collaboration between private carriers like FedEx and the Military Postal Service Agency to streamline the care package shipping process from end to end. Consumer demand for faster, cheaper military shipping options will likely drive innovation in this space.
For now, I hope this guide has given you a comprehensive overview of how to use FedEx for your military care package needs. By understanding the unique challenges and workarounds involved, you can ensure your thoughtful gifts reach their destination with minimal hassle.
The most important thing is that your care packages, no matter how they‘re sent, bring a little piece of home and a big smile to your deployed loved one. As Navy veteran Michael Smith puts it, "Receiving a care package, whether it‘s from my wife or my mom or a friend from church, is like Christmas morning in the desert. It‘s a tangible reminder that people are thinking about you and rooting for you back home. That means everything."
