I just heard from one of my soldiers that she didn't receive my box sent on April 18. She's in a transport company in Iraq and  normally get things really quickly - 6-8 days. She said sandstorms have affected deliveries, but I'm wondering... The box had 60 phone cards, a special book, and other stuff so was a higher value than many boxes I send, so I'm hoping it didn't disappear along the way. Normally I'd just give it more time, but they are going home in 3 weeks so I'm more concerned than usual. I really wanted them to have the phone cards *before* they left.

Anyone else seeing delivery delays to major delivery hubs in Iraq?

I have a couple boxes that 'should' arrive in Baghdad Thur or Fri.  I should hear from them in the next couple days, so I will let you know.  But I also am counting on 'normal' delivery time of the same 6-8 days.

Thanks! 

and Go Pokes! 

Widget,

 I have a contact at Al Asad and it took almost two weeks for him to get his boxes, the sandstorm slowed deliveries to a crawl but I just sort of chalked it up to heavy boxes 40lbs and 19 pounds.... Mine were sent April 25th and just got there the other day, from the east coast sent priority with insurance to an APO AE. Hope that helps even just a little!   Sure hope they get it soon!

Widget, I'm afraid if you listed "60 calling cards" on the customs form and didn't insure it, you may have made it a target for pilfering. It happens. Downplay in your descriptions if you aren't insuring. Maybe just "cards" so the item is listed and if your box gets an x-ray, they can identify the item, but the dirty rotten thieves think you mean Hallmark? I know Marty says when of value, insure. I tend to not insure because I'm afraid they'll have a harder time getting the package, so that's my method. I also divvy up anything of value into seperate mailings so at least some make it. Like i probly woulda sent that in 3 different packages mixed in with a lot of other random items on the form so it wasn't as noticable. There's probly other advise out there better than mine, but it's worked for me so far. And hopefully it didn't happen and the mail's just running slow. 60 phone cards!! They'll be delirous! Shelly

I too mailed 2 boxes around that time and my guys haven't received them.  The usual delivery time was around one week.  I am not sure where in Iraq they are located, but one did mention the halt of mail due to sandstorms.  I hope they clear up the backlog soon!

STL - yes, I didn't list it as 60 phone cards because I was concerned about the value. I wasn't thinking though, and put "phone cards" when I intended to put "phone card" to imply it was just one. Hadn't thought of just saying cards - good idea for next time.  

One of the local postoffice workers told me that insurance doesn't really help on pkgs to APOs because it only protects until the box is handed off at the coasts to the military, and most problems happen after that. Is that not true?

For high-value boxes, I have in past written "feminine hygiene supplies" on the customs form since not too many are going to be tempted by those - ha! I write and tell them that anything listed as feminine hygiene is really, really good stuff so they know to expect it and not to re-route it to women.

Thanks Andrea and A Little IF for the feedback. I'm going to assume now (fingers crossed!) that the box is just delayed since others have had delays and heard it's due to sand storms. This box also had a copy of the Blue Day Book, with a personal note. I really wanted her to get that, too, before she leaves and now they are on mail stop. It will probably show up tomorrow now that I have worried over it a bit.

Widget - I got a email this eve from Sgt Chris, he got his 2 boxes today (Wed)(Thur is his BD)  I had mailed them Fri from Okla, so 5 days, new record I think.  Normal shipping time has been around 6-8 days for past shipments to Baghdad.  I had one box that took 12 so one never knows.

I will cross my fingers & toes in hopes your box/s are just delayed lil bit & will arrive just fine.

Tony

ps  HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sgt Chris Sproul

Ha - I thought I was the only one who says "cross my fingers and toes"! If I'm really, really hoping against all hope, I might say "crossing all appendages" but a friend says that's a little too geeky and creepy so might rethink that one.

I heard from my soldier that the delayed package missed the mail stop cutoff so is probably being rerouted to their home base address. Darned sand storms.

Widget:

Ha - I thought I was the only one who says "cross my fingers and toes"! If I'm really, really hoping against all hope, I might say "crossing all appendages" but a friend says that's a little too geeky and creepy so might rethink that one.

Hi -- hope you don't mind my butting in here -- but when I really really want something -- my saying is "fingers, toes & eyeballs crossed"

--Marilyn

Another good one! Thanks, Marilyn

My contact never did receive the box I sent a month ago.  But he did receive the 2 I sent him a couple weeks after that.  I've also mailed him 2 letters, one he received one he didn't.  I would think they have gotten over the backlog from the sandstorms the other week.  Hopefully someone, somewhere has gotten the box and is using the stuff!