APO/FPO Shipping: Send Packages to Military Addresses
Shipping to military APO/FPO addresses is easier and cheaper than regular international shipping—USPS domestic rates apply. Learn how it works, restrictions, and delivery times.
How does APO/FPO shipping work?
APO (Army/Air Force Post Office) and FPO (Fleet Post Office) addresses use domestic USPS rates even though packages go overseas. Only USPS ships to APO/FPO—no UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Use domestic Priority Mail, First-Class, or Ground Advantage. Delivery takes 1-3 weeks depending on location. Some restrictions apply based on destination country.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Priority Mail (APO/FPO) | $9.85 | 7-14 days | |
| USPS | Priority Mail Flat Rate Box | $10.40 | 7-14 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | First-Class Package | $5.50 | 14-21 days | |
| USPS | Ground Advantage | $5.20 | 14-21+ days | |
| USPS | Priority Mail Express Military | $28.75 | 3-5 days | Fastest |
Priority Mail (APO/FPO)
Priority Mail Flat Rate Box
First-Class Package
Ground Advantage
Priority Mail Express Military
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Understanding APO/FPO/DPO Addresses
Military addresses use special formats that route through US postal system:
- APO (Army/Air Force Post Office) - Serves Army and Air Force installations worldwide.
- FPO (Fleet Post Office) - Serves Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard installations and ships.
- DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) - Serves US embassies and consulates abroad.
Address format:
PFC John Smith
Unit 12345, Box 6789
APO AE 09012
State codes: AA (Americas), AE (Europe, Middle East, Africa), AP (Pacific). The ZIP code routes to the specific military post office which then forwards to the final destination.
USPS Services Available for APO/FPO
Only USPS ships to military addresses. Available services:
- Priority Mail/Priority Mail Flat Rate - Best value for most packages. 7-14 days typical delivery. Flat Rate boxes same price as domestic ($10.40 small, $17.10 medium, $22.45 large).
- Priority Mail Express Military - Fastest option, 3-5 days to most locations. Not available to all APO/FPO ZIPs. Significantly more expensive.
- First-Class Package - For items under 15.99 oz. 14-21+ days. Cheapest option for small, light items.
- Ground Advantage - Economy option for heavier items. 14-21+ days. Weight limits may apply based on destination.
- Media Mail - For books, CDs, DVDs only. Slowest but cheapest for qualifying items.
Priority Mail is most popular due to balance of speed, price, and reliability. Flat Rate boxes are especially popular for care packages.
Restrictions and Prohibited Items
APO/FPO shipments must comply with:
- Host country restrictions - Even though you use domestic postage, items must comply with destination country rules. Alcohol banned in Middle East locations, specific food restrictions vary.
- USPS prohibited items - Same rules as domestic: no hazardous materials, flammables, explosives, weapons.
- Military-specific rules - Some installations have additional restrictions based on mission requirements.
- Size and weight limits - Generally same as domestic (70 lbs max, 108" combined length + girth), but some APO/FPOs have stricter limits due to airlift constraints.
Common prohibited items to Middle East APO/FPOs: Alcohol, pork products, religious items that could be considered proselytizing, explicit materials.
Pro Tips to Save More
Use Priority Mail Flat Rate
Flat Rate boxes to APO/FPO are same price as domestic. A Large Flat Rate Box is $22.45 vs $100+ for international shipping to the same region.
Check ZIP-specific restrictions
Each APO/FPO ZIP may have different restrictions based on host country. Search USPS.com for specific ZIP code rules.
Allow extra time for delivery
While Priority Mail is "7-14 days," remote or deployed locations can take 3-4 weeks. Ship care packages early for holidays.
Include customs forms
Despite domestic rates, customs forms (PS Form 2976 or 2976-A) are required for APO/FPO shipments over certain values.
Verify the address carefully
Military addresses have specific formats. Missing "APO/FPO" or wrong state code (AA/AE/AP) causes returns or delays.
Use care package programs
Organizations like Operation Gratitude and Any Soldier provide addresses for troops who may not receive mail from home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- No, only USPS can ship to APO/FPO/DPO addresses. UPS and FedEx cannot access military post offices. They may offer service to some international military bases via commercial addresses, but standard APO/FPO requires USPS.
- Priority Mail: 7-14 days typical, but 3-4 weeks possible for remote locations. First-Class/Ground: 14-21+ days. Priority Mail Express Military: 3-5 days where available. Ship early for holidays and important dates.
- Yes, APO/FPO/DPO addresses use domestic USPS rates even for overseas delivery. Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Box is $17.10 whether going to APO in Germany or your neighbor. This is a significant military benefit.
- Yes for packages with contents valued over $0 (essentially all packages). Use PS Form 2976 (CN22) for items under $400, PS Form 2976-A (CN23) for $400+. When shipping online, forms are generated automatically.
- Popular items: shelf-stable snacks, candy, coffee, toiletries, books, magazines, games, entertainment. Avoid: perishables, alcohol (many locations), explicit materials, anything prohibited by host country.
- Undeliverable packages are returned to sender. If recipient has moved (PCS'd), military postal system attempts forwarding for 60 days. Include return address and expect 4-8 week return time if unsuccessful.
- Depends on location. Alcohol is prohibited to many Middle East APO/FPOs and some other locations. European and Asian locations may allow limited amounts. Check specific ZIP code restrictions.
- USPS tracking works for APO/FPO but may have gaps. Tracking typically shows US departure, then next scan when processed at destination military post office. In-transit time may not show scans.
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