USPS Issues

Customs Forms Online

PastryChef86 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:52:21 GMT

I went to mail a care package on Saturday morning, and I had to fill out my customs form at the post office because I had run out at home (don't you hate that?). Well, when I put my box on the counter and asked for the form, the lady told me that the post office is moving towards doing all customs forms online. They apparently just started this push recently. Obviously we all have regular computer access, but what about those who don't? Has anyone else heard this from their post office people as well? She gave me a little booklet, so to speak, that apparently tells me how to fill this thing out online. I haven't checked it out. Anyone fill out all of their customs forms online? Am I just behind the times?

~Amy

Parcel Post?

Thea — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:35:49 GMT

I usually send my boxes via Priority Mail - is that a seperate deadline for Christmas mailings than parcel post?

Thanks!

Re: Custom Forms/Pkgs

Mentor mom — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:24:52 GMT

Living in a Navy town with lots of active duty and retired military personnel, I assumed all our PO would be savy about mailing pkgs overseas. I sent out the first three boxes at the main branch and had no trouble at all. (Love those FRB!) Today I stopped by a satellite branch due to time constraints; I wanted to get this box moving in the right direction now that it's packed. Big mistake.

The postmistress admonished me that I couldn't use the "Attn: Any Soldier" designation anywhere on the pkg. I politely tried to point out that a specific soldier's name preceeded that, however she was adamant that it could not be used at all. Remembering what I'd read at this web site, I didn't argue with her (though it was difficult).

Then, she also said that I could not Redirect this to "Addressee's Commander" if undeliverable because the address itself might be messed up. I had considered using the phrase "Any local chaplain" as an alternate, however that doesn't account for a seperate address. What do other people do on their mailings?

Help!

cmscan — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:09:18 GMT

I know I'm not supposed to put the soldier's name on the envelope, but in the restrictions it said that I had to address it to an individual! How does that work? I tried looking at the FAQ but it only made me more confused.

New Customs Forms

Andrea — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:22:34 GMT

I just received my order of customs forms from the USPS and found that they are different from the ones I have used before. These are new forms as of Jan. 2009 and the first sheet is red lines and boxes. The From, To, and description boxes which used to be fairly blank are filled with grid lines so you have to write one letter per box. Some of my contacts addresses contain a lot of information and I don't see how it will all fit in the appropriate boxes especially with adding the ATTN: Anysoldier. Also the detailed description says one item per line and only gives 4 lines. My boxes are usually a jumble of stuff and the instructions say not to generalize with words like "snacks" or "toiletries". Has anyone used one of these new forms and how did you fill it out? I do have a few of the older ones which I assume they are still accepting.

Too many boxes!

Dixiegirl — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:35:27 GMT

Last week I ordered 1 package of 10 APO flat rate boxes from the USPS. Today I got my order, and they sent me 4 packages of 25 count boxes! So now I have 100 boxes, and I know there is no way Im going to be able to use them all any time soon. Plus they sent me the wrong customs forms (they sent the little green forms instead of the decleration forms). Has anyone else had this type of problem with the USPS? Im new to the sending out of many carepackages at one time, and to the site, so Im sorry if this has been addressed before and Im just unable to find it!!

Free Postage For Care Packages

jonboy — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:40:51 GMT

Here is an article I read in the Sept issue of VFW magazine.

Free Postage on Care Packages

A provision in the 2010 Defense Department appropriations bill would allow free postage for care packages sent to troops overseas. Originally introduced by Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) as a stand-alone bill in January, the proposal was included in H.R. 2647, which the House approved June 25.

The measure would give troops serving in combat operations a free monthly postal voucher they could transfer to individuals who could then send them a letter or package at no cost. Troops could also donate the vouchers to charitable organizations. Up to $50 million -out of funds authorized for Army operations and maintenance- would be available for the postal benefits.

"Tough economic times have made it increasingly difficult for those who send care packages to troops to pay the shipping costs" said Rep. Gus Bilirakis ( R-Fla), who co-sponsored the original legisation. "This provision will help to alleviate that burden."

At press time, the bill had been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

That is the entire article as written in the magazine. A coworker saw it and sent it to me. (She also saves me magazines and gives me money to send packages... she's a nice lady) Not really sure what to do now, just wanted to give the AS folks a heads-up about it. Maybe we need to write our Senators and let them know how we feel?

DVDs missing from boxes

Marilyn — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:30:55 GMT

Cpl Derek I. Baringer posted today (3/27/08) that he has "received boxes from people that say they have DVDs in them but they dont." Uh-oh!!!

Just a reminder to us junkies -- from the What to Send Page: http://www.anysoldier.com/WhatToSend.cfm -- "We strongly suggest that if you send any CDs or DVDs, use a permanent magic marker and simply put "AnySoldier.com" on both the cover and CD/DVD. It won't take long before these won't be a target anymore... -Marty

And -- from the How to Send Page: http://www.anysoldier.com/HowToSend.cfm -- "The APO and/or USPS has a theft problem. The scam is someone removing expensive items from packages and resealing the package like nothing happened. Soldiers are actually getting empty boxes! If your package contains an expensive item, insure it! Talk to your postal clerk on the best way to hide the contents of an expensive item to avoid notice and being stolen. Packages that do not call attention to themselves (see notes on Customs form next), and are wrapped very well, are less likely to be broken into. I also suggest that you send a letter seperate from the package addressed TO the Soldier (leave off the "ATTN" line) making them aware of the package. It is interesting that there have been no known thefts of insured items."

--Marilyn

FRB's...Weight Limits ???

Amtracer — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:28:28 GMT

My New FRB's have a Weight Limit printed on them now ???

Guess I cant pack 50# weights in them anymore...LOL

Shipping in Time for Veteran's Day

mutantsupermodel — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:39:18 GMT

We are organizing a collection drive and would like to know, with Veteran's Day on November 11, what day do you think should the boxes absolutely be shipped out by so they arrive around this date in Iraq and Afghanistan? I know it SOUNDS far away, but we move slowly here! LOL!

Flat Rate vs. Priority

smpindy — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:46:05 GMT

How heavy does your package have to be for it to be more cost effective to send with the flat rate box? I'm working on a package that will probably only be around 5 to 7 pounds. Will it be cheaper to send priority than with the flat rate box?

Thanks for your help!

Stephanie

Update on using Click-n-ship

Krewe Captain — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:57:34 GMT

Just an update. I have now successfully shipped about 15 boxes by this method. It is awesome! None have been returned and I have heard from all except 2 that they were received. This saves so much time AND you save about 40 cents per box postage. No more standing in line!

I pack the FRB, weigh (i use bathroom scales as it doesn't have to be accurate since Flat Rate is just that) go online and print the label w/postage, fill out the customs form (I haven't done this online yet) put the form in the clear pocket and attach all to the box and then drop them into the designated box at the post office. DONE! No lines, no tired feet, no bad moods....just a smile for serving my country by support the troops.

What I like best is that the USPS site has an address book where you can save all your addresses for your labels AND you payment info.......so you can just click away and print and you are done.

Flat rate box

sdoty — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:58:30 GMT

I just shipped my first two packages today. I had each in a priority flat rate box. I thought these were 4.95, but they charged me 10.30 each. They were heavy - 8 and 9 lbs. Was it the higher cost b/c it is international? It shouldn't be the weight, since it was a flat rate????

TIA,

Sandy

Lastest info on Redirect Instructions?

tammypanter — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 21:50:21 GMT

I have been out of the loop for a while and was wondering if any one knows what our latest instructions are regarding the redirect instructions on the customs form. I know at one time we could not put Any Chaplain but I'm not sure what most of you guys are doing. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Click n ship

Krewe Captain — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:27:15 GMT

Hi all,

Finally got up enough nerve to try my hand at the Click n ship.....I'm a fan! I print the labels with postage at home, prepare my customs forms and drop in the box at the post office. So far, no problems. It sure beats standing in line at the post office.

I received word that my first box had arrived. I am waiting to see if the other 2 got there as well.

rate increase

kathy cunningham — Sat, 09 May 2009 10:14:06 GMT

As of Monday, the price for a first class stamp for letters will go up from 42 cents to 44 cents. If you have time, you can go out today and buy the forever stamps for 42 cents, which you can then use after the rate increase. Around here Walmart also sells booklets of forever stamps at the registers.

Kathy

PO Says No To Any Soldier

lil — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:42:06 GMT

I am just spitting mad. I have sent out a good 15 packages in the last 2 months with "Any Soldier" underneath the contact name. Today I took 3 packages to the same post office and the clerk said I couldn't send them because they are not allowed to ship packages with "Any Soldier" in the address. I pointed out that I am not sending it to any soldier, I have a contact name written above and that it is going to an actual person. Doesn't matter, she said. It cannot say "Any Soldier" anywhere on the package. I know this is an incorrect interpretation of the rules but she calls her supervisor over who backs her up. I can mail the packages if I cross out "Any Soldier" on the box and the custom form otherwise I cannot send it. I was not prepared to deal with this situation as I have never had this problem before. So how do I deal with it? Obviously talking to the supervisor won't work. I don't want to get caught flat in this situation.

New rates beginning on May 11th, 2009

Deni Dax — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:51:58 GMT

We were just discussing postal rates on the Card Swap thread under Special Projects. Thought I'd post here also.

I looked on the usps.com website and found this information:

As of May 11th, first class mail for a regular envelope will go up from $.42 to $.44.

Every May there will be adjustments made.

The following is for Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes copied straight off the site -

4. $4.95 is charged for matter sent in a Priority Mail flat-rate
envelope or small flat-rate box provided by the USPS, regardless
of weight or domestic destination.
5. $10.35 is charged for material sent in a Priority Mail regular/
medium flat-rate box provided by the USPS, regardless of weight
or domestic destination.
6. $13.95 is charged for material sent in a Priority Mail large flat-rate
box provided by the USPS, regardless of weight to domestic
addresses, and $11.95 to APO/FPO destination addresses

Package returned as "APO/FPO closed"

BarbaraB — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 03:36:12 GMT

This is the first time this has happened -- I got a package returned to me that I mailed on March 28 with a little "return to sender" label marked "APO/FPO closed." The contact's most recent update was March 19 and I have double-checked the address (I sent something to the same contact earlier in the month and it was not returned). Any suggestions?

Barbara

Sending Magazines

lil — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:01:39 GMT

What's the best way to send magazines? Parcel post or flat rate? Most times I'll stick one or two in the bottom of a care package but a friend gave me about 15 magazines. I'd like to send them out before they become too dated.

Parcel Post vs. Priority

Krewe Captain — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:59:36 GMT

Anyone have experience with the arrival time difference? My mailbox place closed and left me stranded. I refuse to stand in line at my local post office and endure the rudeness and the irate looks. I am looking for an alternative. I went to my UPS store and they do offer USPS services, but no flat rate services. They go totally by the weight and measurements of the box. An APO size box would have cost me $32.70 if I would send it priority or $22.50 to send parcel post. The owner of the place, who is a business acquaintance of my hubby asked me what I was doing and said he wanted to help. He offered free boxes and a 20% discount on the shipping fee. It is still a little steep for the volume that I do. Of course, I have to figure in my time and damages for mental anguish (hubby can help me with that one beings he's a personal injury attorney) if I use the P.O.

Also, has anyone used the home pick-up for APO. Can't seem to find the answer to whether or not we can ship to APO from home.

Thanks.

Anybody use USPS.com printable customs forms or online shipping?

LunaTala — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:09:25 GMT

Hi. I am brand new to anysoldier.com and I was reading about filling out customs forms. The whole thing is pretty confusing to me as it seems though the forms only have 4 lines, and when sending a box of different items it would take multiple forms to fit everything in.

Does anyone use the usps.com printable customs form? If so, are they easier to use? Do they print in triplicate? Any details would be much appreciated.

Also, USPS usually picks up at my home. Would they take a box with a pre-printed customs form, or would it have to be brought directly to the PO?

Thanks so much!

When do I send a package for Easter ?

Sqdancr — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:04:48 GMT

I am new to AS and need advise on sending packages. I have some to send to my contacts for Easter. When would you suggest that I mail them? I want them to get there by Easter because, of course, it's all Easter stuff. I sent a package before and I think they got it in 4 days? Is that possible? My contact sent an email to thank me for the "stuff" I sent. I live in CO and it takes 2 days for a priority package to get to my daughter in Baltimore from here. I read here somewhere that it could take 21 days. Do I use that as a time frame and just mark the boxes not to open till Easter? Help!!!! Thank you

SNAIL MAIL

PatrioticLady — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:48:41 GMT

I got an e-mail from a Marine contact in Iraq this morning that said "How about that...I got a package today from Tennessee postmarked September 15, 2008. There's a photo CD in it - I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I wanted to let you know the mail has arrived."

I e-mailed back "That would be the Thank You for All You Do slideshow that I made and sent to all our troops. No wonder you never commented on it - and I thought you just didn't like it!"

I realize that once the packages we send hit the military mail system, USPS has no control over the speed of delivery. Obviously the military mail system employs slower snails than USPS does...LOL!! This makes me wonder how many other packages or letters I have mailed have never reached their intended recipient - maybe that's why I don't hear back from some of the people I have sent stuff too, huh?

A Little Nervous...

harmony94 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:52:21 GMT

I've been getting things ready to mail out this coming weekend. But after reading all of the USPS horror stories on here, I'm a little nervous. Our post office guy is pretty laid back and knows me but I'm afraid of screwing up the custom forms, etc. I don't have any FRB yet so I was going to send padded envelopes with just a few items in them but maybe I should just wait. Is it cheaper to send one big FRB box to one single person or the smaller, padded manila envelopes to a couple different people? If I do that, what custom forms do I need? Should I order them online?

I'm really excited about this but also quite nervous! Any suggestions?