It's true!  The APO/FPO rate for large Flat Rate Boxes is increasing to $11.95 on Jan. 18th:

 http://www.usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm?from=prices&page=newshippingprices

Valerie Lloyd

Yes, we have been packing like mad this week to try to get as many to the PO by Sat. as possible to beat the increase - every dollar saved is a dollar that can go into another box, and the FRB has been our salvation here in the central part of the US.  The date slipped up on me.  I was thinking that I had until next week until I actually checked the calendar to see what day the 18th came on.

Gran

What is FRB? I am trying to figure out the least expensive way to send stuff without it taking a month to get there. These will be the first packages for me, so I'm just trying to figure this all out. Plus the tracking would be great if it can also track once it gets on the military end. Is insurance a good idea? If it is only worth more than such and such or for every box? So it is considered domestic instead of international since once it leaves the country it is in the military's hands? This is so confusing for a newbie to know how to work this...

 I have a couple of cases of soda that were special request that I am sending over there. The bottling company is willing to donate them. I thought that was so nice of them to offer. They said they can pack them for a small fee, but since they are so heavy I am not sure if that is the way I should go with mailing them or not. I don't guess they would hold up in those priority boxes if I repackaged them. I do know that they mail them all over the world, so maybe I should just let them package them and leave it at that. I hope that they don't get broken into though.

I have Valentine's candy that I'm about to send over. Do I need to leave all of it in the bags it came in or can I open them in order to fit more in each box since I can sort of shuffle them down in the cracks?

 
Thanks for any help.

Annette 

P.S. Heard yesterday from my soldier friend after two weeks of nothing, so I was on cloud nine all day. :) It is good to know he is ok.  

Hi Annette!

FRB is "Flat Rate Box." The post office has flat rate boxes for all over the U.S. and large ones specifically for our soldiers overseas. The rate is now $11.95 to send a fairly large box. You can pick them up at your local post office or order some online from the USPS website. The boxes are free. You just have to pack them, and despite what they weigh (pack 'em tight!) the post office will ship them for that flat $11.95. It's a great way to save money on shipping so you can put more items in the box! It is considered domestic in terms of shipping but international as well, as they will not take it without a customs form (also available at the post office). I don't know if insurance is even available on those boxes.

As for the cases of soda, do what you think is best. I find that I can ship liquids without a problem in those flat rate boxes as long as they are well wrapped. If you want to try to send them the way that the bottling company packed them, go ahead. I have a very good feeling that it will be VERY expensive, however.

As for the Valentine's Candy, is the candy inside the bag individually wrapped? If so, it's ok to take the pieces out of the bag. If not, leave it in the bag. I bought some that included little cards and heart shaped candy that went on them, and since the candy was wrapped, I opened it and filled out the "To:/From:" bits and mailed them over.

Good luck with your mailing! And feel free to ask any more questions you might have!

Amy

One way that we ship a large amount of liquids is to line the FRB with a tall kitchen garbage bag to catch any possible leaks that might happen.

I don't open any package of food items that have no individual label on them to identify the ingredients unless it is to switch it from a box to a zipper bag for more efficient shipping.  Even if I do that, a portion of the box is included to identify the products.  I feel with the recalls on food, it is even more important to do that so that they can decide if they want to eat it.  Some of the officers are very watchful and careful of what their troops receive, and I have heard of some things ordered destroyed.

Gran

Thanks for the note. I was wondering why they charged me $11.95 this morning.  I took some satisfaction in seeing my little box had 14+ pounds of items packed in there.  The gal at the service counter did a double-take when she picked it up

Hey, I just had a quick question!  For flat rate boxes and envelopes, do we have to pay the international fee, or just the US fee because we are shipping to military addresses?  Thanks in advance!

Hello Sarah and welcome,

The Flat Rate Boxes and envelopes are just the US fees.......as you said cause we are shipping to a military address.   Depending on where you live and the weight of the boxes you will see what works best for you.   I mailed a package today that was over 13lbs......and only a cost of $11.95 (that is the LARGE flat rate box).   The more you can put it in the better "bargain" you will get.   Hope this helps you.

Congrats to your brother on his graduation from Parris Island.   Looks like (from the picture) you were with him (I recognize those trees anywhere!!!!).   Did you get a copy of the newspaper from Jan 22??   The day before graduation, they always list ALL  the graduating Marines.   I know that cause I live right here in town (Beaufort, SC).   Email me if you didn't get one and I will try to get to the local paper and pick a copy (or two) up for you and send to you.

Again.....congrats to Nick and you.......a Proud Sister!!!

Love peace and blessings......Anne Marie

Thanks so much for all the advice Anne Marie!  Yes I did get down to PI for the graduation, it was an incredible experience!  And I did get a copy of both newspapers, the ones from PI and Beaufort.

One other quick question - do the Soldiers/Marines/Sailors/Airmen/etc have to pay postage?  I thought I saw somewhere that they don't.  If I included some blank envelopes, should I put stamps on them?  Thanks!

Sarah,

When the military people are in war zones, they don't have to pay postage on any kind of envelope for normal postage, including the large manilla type.  They do have to pay to ship boxes, and what is weird is that they don't get the discount that we do on an APO FRB.  They have to pay full price.  It is my understanding that anywhere else that is outside of what they consider a war zone that they have to pay regular postage, like if they are in the US, Germany, Italy, etc.

Hope that helps.

Gran

Sarah,

You're quite welcome with the info.........we are all still learning!!!!   Glad you got the newspapers.....isn't it nice the way they list ALL the graduates.

Gran's advice about postage and shipping is right on the money.   Be aware........that our postage stamp will go up again on May 11.........seems like the day after Mother's Day has been the day to make the increase.   The best thing to buy is the "Forever Stamp" as it can be used no matter how many times or how much the postage for letter mail increases.

Good luck in your packaging of things and have fun shopping for whoever it is you picked to send to.   Remember to read all the "What to Send" and other FAQ pages........lots of info.

Love peace and blessings........Anne Marie