Fewer troops may be deployed overseas than there were a few years ago, but those who are deployed do love their packages, cards and letters, especially during the holiday season.
The U.S. Postal Service has issued some mailing guidelines to ensure that gifts get to overseas military locations by Dec. 25. To get them there in time for the start of Hanukkah on Dec. 16, subtract nine days from these deadlines.
For example, if you want priority mail packages to reach an APO/FPO AE ZIP 093 — the contingency areas — in time for the start of Hanukkah, they should be mailed by Nov. 24.
Here are the deadlines for other mail categories to the contingency areas: First-Class Mail (letters and cards), Priority Mail and Parcel Air Lift, Dec. 3; Space Available Mail, Nov. 26; and Standard Post, Nov. 8.
Here are the deadlines for all other APO/FPO locations: Priority Mail Express Military Service, Dec. 17; First-Class Mail and Priority Mail, Dec. 10; Parcel Air Lift, Dec. 3; Space Available Mail, Nov. 26; and Standard Post, Nov. 8.
