ShipHero allows shipping to military addresses. This article will explain the specifics relating to shipping to AFO/FPO/DPO 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 - Mail 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 Ground Economy (formerly SmartPost)
FedEx Ground Economy utilizes USPS for final delivery, and USPS can deliver to these addresses. This means you can use Ground Economy 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 Ground Economy and UPS Mail Innovation Rates
If the AFO/FPO/DPO 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 specific questions regarding rates, as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information regarding your carrier account that ShipHero does not have access to.
Customs Declaration Requirements
When shipping to military addresses via USPS using Shippo, a customs declaration is typically required. This is crucial for international military shipments to ensure proper processing and compliance. HERE is more information about Shippo's requirements when shipping to military addresses.
The required customs information when shipping internationally and to military addresses includes, item descriptions, declared value of items, and country of origin for the shipped items. This the information is included on the customs declarations when the order is processed and labels are generated.
FTR Exemption Codes
For military shipments, specific Foreign Trade Regulation (FTR) exemption codes are required. These codes are essential for proper customs processing and must be accurately applied to the order when shipping to military addresses. The supported FTR exemption codes when shipping with USPS via Shippo include:
- 30_37_a
- 30_37_h
- 30_37_f
- 30_36
- AES_ITN
Automation Rules for Military Addresses
To streamline adding the FTR exemption codes when shipping to a military address, we recommend creating separate automation rules for each of the three primary military address states:
- AA - Armed Forces Americas
- AE - Armed Forces Europe
- AP - Armed Forces Pacific
Example Automation Rule:
Use State as the trigger utilizing the military address state and then the Set FRT Exemption with the appropriate value for the Action.
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