Military addresses get domestic USPS rates: USPS offers domestic rates for sending packages to military addresses, even if the actual destination is a foreign country. This is because USPS delivers the packages to the domestic military base, and the military then delivers the mail around the world.
USPS also offers domestic rates when shipping from military addresses to destinations within the U.S., or even to other military addresses!
Note that delivery to and from military addresses can take longer than normal domestic shipments.
Formatting military addresses
Include unit & box numbers: When shipping to military addresses, include the unit and box numbers (if assigned). To prevent the packages from entering foreign mail networks, do not include city or country names in APO, FPO, and DPO shipping addresses; those three-letter designators should be entered in the City field, and AA, AE, or AP should be entered in the State field.
Proper formatting for military addresses: The proper format to enter a military address is:
Name - First and Last
Address Line 1 - Unit and Box numbers
Address Line 2 - Usually not needed, but if the address includes a FOB (Forward Operating Base) it can be put here
City - APO (Army Post Office)/FPO (Fleet Post Office)/DPO (Diplomatic Post Office)
State - AA (Armed Forces Americas)/AE (Armed Forces Europe)/AP (Armed Forces Pacific)
Zip Code
Country - United States
Example of a properly formatted military address
Here's an example of a properly formatted military address:
Stede Bonnet
Unit 1 Box 1000
APO, AE 09898
United States
Shipping from military addresses: If you're shipping from a military address, this same formatting above applies to creating your Ship From Address 👍
Learn more about how to edit your Ship From Address.
Filling out customs forms
Military addresses require customs forms: Whether you're shipping to or from a military address, USPS requires you to fill out customs forms for these shipments, since packages travel on international flights to reach their destinations.
So, make sure to fill out the customs form when creating the shipment in Pirate Ship, and be as detailed as possible about what you're sending 😉
Harmonization codes required: When filling out your customs form, you'll also need to include the harmonization number for your item(s), no matter where the military base you're shipping to is located.
Customs forms included on labels: Once you enter all the necessary info, your label will then be printed with the customs form included!
Note: if you are using a Saved Package when creating your label, you'll need to click Modify Package to be able to fill out the customs form!