Andrea,

Consider yourself very lucky if your PO still has the older version custom forms.  The PO close to my work has the new version and they dislike them as much as I do.  I live in a small town about 15 miles from my work so I am hoping to run by the PO, while they are opened Saturday morning for all of 2 hours, to see if they have some of the older version forms.  It's just impossible to get everything on the new form and I hate to have to use more than one form. 

Funny how earlier this year I was told by the PO call center that no new forms exsisted.  So, I guess these new forms must just be my imagination.  (LOL)  I'm sure soon we'll all be pros at completing the new forms and we'll have forgotten how much we disliked them in the beginning. 

peachycor:

We have only the new forms available here in SoCal. Both POs we use accept them filled like the old: Snax and Personal products, various and asst'd. (no details) We only put cost, not weight. No problems this way. Peachycor

My PO allows the same and they've also allowed me to put multiple items on a row.  I've actually been using the online version so I have to put a weight on each line, but no one really looks at that.  My PO says the only weight that needs to be accurate is the overall package weight. 

I do have to make sure that the total of my individual weights don't exceed what I mark as my total weight as the on-line system will give me an error.

Anna

Very reluctantly I've started with the new forms but some of the smaller Post Offices will still take the old ones - I checked online and the USPS said it's up to the individual PO. Also, you don't have to be too precise about writing in those tiny boxes (reading glasses anyone?). I was told the forms are NOT being read by machines so I don't worry if I go outside the lines a bit. I always list just general categories ('Snacks' or Hygiene Items') not every little thing which is great but there is one nit picky PO in my neighborhood who insists on a detailed description of everything (gah - who has the time?). So I avoid going there.

Yeah, any and ALL suggestions for listing more than 4 items is really appreciated!!!  I send such a variety that there is NO way I'll be able to put it all on there...

I have been to three post offices in town, and they all only have the old forms. No one knows anything about new ones here. So, will continue with the old ones until I am unable to. I hope that they are not too horrible!

Heidi

I am totally new to this so I read every single post in this thread and am a bit intimidated by all the forms, labels, plastic sleeves..

I have three boxes well packed, sealed and ready to go.   They are Flat Rate military boxes that say "America Supports You" but they didn't come with any address labels or customs forms.

I am able to get to the post office on Saturday and am hoping that someone there will be patient and help me.  

I am wondering if anyone can give me a simple(?) explanation of what I will need ?

Or perhaps someone with experience and knowledge can make one instructional  post that just describes how to ship the boxes and fill out the forms?   Maybe I'm overthinking this?

I haven't requested the contact addresses yet because I can't get to the post office until Saturday but I am eager to get these boxes sent. 

I was also wondering if any of you connect through this site to work together?  For example does anyone look for another any soldier supporter(s) in their area to work as a team?  Maybe someone is able to get to the post office during the weekday and someone else is able to pack boxes in the evenings or combine shopping lists when going to certain stores?  Or maybe someone can mentor someone else?

 Thanks for any helpful info.  I am determined to get these boxes sent to contacts that need these specific items.

Take care, Lori in NJ  (JerseyGrrl is one of my cats)

Lori,

This website will show you both the new and old customs form, one at a time as you click on them, and show you how to fill them out.  It will give you a visual we can't give you on this site.

http://www.skipcares.org/Tips/customsform.php

Thank you TONS.

I will practice.

Hello from another Jersey girl. Military kits are available free from the post office by calling 1-800-610-8734

They are sent to your home and include priority and different size flat rate boxes, roll of priority tape, priority labels, custom forms and custom envelopes. If you don't want a kit you can call 1-800-527-1950 and tell them what you need. This is also free. Have fun and thanks for joining us in support of our military.

Diane

Another Jersey Girl here as well!  :) 

Yes, thank you Gran for that website. 

I was attempting to fill out the form online and then got stuck on the country name I had to provide.  I can't use the country that my soldier is in and of course, there's no United States of America available.  I guess I'll have to wait and go to the Post Office to get the forms.

I LOVE red tape!! 

 We never put country in--just address as it is on anysoldier.com, omitting the "any soldier" part on the customs form.

On the on-line form you have to put a country.  Astan is not one of the options so I usually just pick Iraq. After printing the form, I mark out the country and either write the real country or just leave it marked out.  My post office said that was fine.

 One other item on the on-line form.  You can put multiple items on each line when you're listing the content.  I usually just guess.  The only thing that has to be correct on the weight is the weight you enter on page 3.  The postal clerk will mark the actual overall weight when she weighs it.  If you get an error when you try to create the PDF, the problem is that the total weight on the content section exceeds the weight entered on page 3.  Just readjust the weights on the conent section and you'll be good to go.  Feel free to send me any additional questions you might have on the on-line form.

 Anna

Thank you Anna.  I'll do exactly that with the country.

I have a question about the new form as well.  Where do I put the "APO AE" and the numbers on this new form?  Do I just list as much info on the address line as I can?  Or do I put it in the postcode and city part?  I guess I'll ask the PO guy and hope he knows.

Thanks,

Amelia