Shipping to Military Addresses – ShipHero

ShipHero allows shipping to military addresses. This article will explain the specifics relating to shipping to AFO/PFO addresses, including:

Supported Carriers and Service Levels

Due to security restrictions, United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only carrier that can deliver mail and packages to APO/FPO/DPO locations. While carriers such as FedEx and UPS offer delivery to countries where military personnel may be stationed, packages from these private carriers cannot be delivered directly to a military base.

UPS - Maill Innovations

UPS Mail Innovations can ship to military addresses (APO, FPO, and DPO). However, it's important to understand that while UPS Mail Innovations can handle the initial portion of the delivery, the final delivery to the military base is handled by the US Postal Service.

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx SmartPost utilizes USPS for final delivery, and USPS can deliver to these addresses. This means you can use SmartPost to ship to any U.S. address, including those with APO, FPO, or DPO designations.

Address Formatting

As per USPS instructions, each shipment to an APO/FPO/DPO needs the recipient's name, rank, and unit, and the APO/FPO/DPO address with the 9-digit ZIP Code™. Always include a return address. Mail and shipments must be addressed to a specific person; addressing to "Any Service Member" is no longer permitted.

To prevent mail from entering foreign mail networks, do not include city or country names in APO/FPO/DPO shipping addresses.

For more information please visit USPS Guidelines for Sending to Military and Diplomatic Addresses

Examples of Shipping to a Military Address

Army/Air Post Office (APO)

PFC JOHN DOE
PSC 3 BOX 4120
APO AE 09021

Fleet Post Office (FPO)

SEAMAN JOSEPH SMITH
UNIT 100100 BOX 4120
FPO AP 96691

Diplomatic Post Office (DPO)

JOHN ADAMS
UNIT 8400 BOX 0000
DPO AE 09498-0048

International vs. Domestic Shipping Rates

When shipping to a military address costs will vary depending on the final destination, service level, and carrier selection.

USPS Rates

When shipping with USPS, regardless of an international or domestic address is provided, USPS will always charge domestic rates for Zone 9. More information is available via the USPS site.

FedEx SmartPost and UPS Mail Innovation Rates

If the AFO/FPO address has a domestic zip code (regardless of actual location), packages are sent using Zone 9 rates.

If the military address is a foreign country with a non-U.S. postal zip code, packages are sent using international rates.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Always partner with your carrier representative for rate specific questions as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information regarding your carrier account that ShipHero does nto have access to.