Sending Cologne To An Apo Address: What You Need To Know

Sending cologne to an APO address is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your package reaches its destination without any issues. Firstly, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only postal service that delivers mail and packages to APO addresses due to security restrictions. Therefore, you should use USPS when sending cologne to an APO address.

When addressing the package, follow the standard format for APO mail:

1. Write the full name of the service member and include their rank, e.g., CPT Bob Smith.

2. Include their unit and assigned box number, e.g., Box 0402.

3. Enter the appropriate military postal code instead of the city, e.g., APO/FPO.

4. Use the correct abbreviation for the region: AE for Armed Forces in Europe, the Middle East, and Canada; AP for Armed Forces in the Pacific; AA for Armed Forces in America (excluding Canada).

5. Provide the appropriate five-digit zip code.

Additionally, there are restrictions on what can be shipped to APO addresses. Cologne, being a liquid fragrance, is considered a hazardous material by USPS and cannot be shipped internationally. However, you can ship it to APO addresses within the United States without any issues. Just make sure to follow the guidelines for sending hazardous materials, such as affixing a Limited Quantity Label and using ground transportation only.

It's also important to package the cologne securely, especially if it comes in a glass bottle. Use custom-branded packaging and add extra packing material like bubble wrap to fill any voids and protect the bottle during transit.

Finally, consider purchasing shipping insurance, especially if the cologne bottle is fragile or valuable. USPS mail classes like Priority Mail and Ground Advantage include built-in insurance, but you can also buy extra insurance from a third-party provider if needed.

What is APO Shipping?

APO stands for Army Post Office or Air Post Office, and is used for mailing to military addresses. FPO stands for Fleet Post Office, and DPO stands for Diplomatic Post Office. These services allow you to ship care packages to military addresses at domestic prices, even if you are sending mail overseas.

All items shipping to an APO/FPO/DPO address are shipped through the USPS, and there are some general USPS-mandated rules for APO/FPO/DPO shipping. Each shipment to an APO/FPO/DPO address 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.

You can use USPS's Click-N-Ship® service to create Priority Mail International® and Priority Mail Express International® postage and address labels. When sending a package through military mail, follow the destination country's restriction policies and include customs forms when necessary. Click-N-Ship will guide you through the customs forms process and alert you to some of the prohibitions and restrictions based on the 5-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code you are shipping to. However, it is your responsibility to ensure your package complies with the laws and regulations of the U.S. and the destination country.

You can also use forwarding services such as ShipItAPO, which allow you to ship to a ground U.S. address and then, for a nominal fee, have the shipment forwarded to your APO/FPO/DPO address.

How Does APO Shipping Work?

To send cologne to an APO address, you must follow the guidelines for shipping hazardous materials. This is because perfumes and colognes are considered hazardous materials by the USPS.

APO stands for Army Post Office, FPO stands for Fleet Post Office, and DPO stands for Diplomatic Post Office. These are mailing addresses used to send mail to individuals at overseas bases (APO), individuals assigned to a ship (FPO), and individuals at an embassy (DPO).

The only way to send mail to an APO/FPO/DPO address is via USPS or where FedEx hands off the package to USPS via a service called Smart Post. This is due to the military tie-in with the USPS postal network, and packages are picked up by military aircraft at various gateways.

To send a package to an APO/FPO/DPO address, you will need to address the shipment with the recipient's name, rank, and unit, followed by the APO/FPO/DPO address and the 9-digit ZIP Code. Here is an example of a properly formatted APO address:

> PFC JOHN DOE

> PSC 3 BOX 4120

> APO AE 09021

It is important to note that mail and shipments must be addressed to a specific person; addressing to "Any Service Member" is no longer permitted. Additionally, to prevent mail from entering foreign mail networks, do not include city or country names in APO/FPO/DPO shipping addresses.

Shipping Restrictions

When sending items to an APO/FPO/DPO address, it is essential to be aware of the shipping restrictions. While you can ship care packages to military addresses at domestic prices, there are restrictions on what you can and cannot send. These restrictions vary by country, so it is crucial to review all guidelines carefully.

The USPS provides free military shipping kits, addressing tips, and country-by-country guidance on what you can and cannot send. They also assist with filling out customs forms, which are required for some destinations.

Using Click-N-Ship

USPS's Click-N-Ship service allows you to create Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International postage and address labels. When sending a package through military and diplomatic mail, follow the destination country's restriction policies and include any necessary customs forms. Click-N-Ship will guide you through this process.

Scheduling a Pickup

Once your package is ready, you can print your shipping and postage label at home and schedule a free package pickup. Your mail carrier will pick up the package during normal business hours.

Weight and Size Restrictions

When shipping to an APO/FPO/DPO address, please note that boxes must not weigh more than 70 lbs and must not exceed 130" in length + girth combined.

Insurance

When shipping fragile or valuable items, it is recommended to include insurance. USPS mail classes such as Priority Mail and Ground Advantage include $100 of built-in insurance. If your item is worth more than $100, you can purchase additional shipping insurance from a third-party provider.

Proper Packaging

It is essential to package your items securely when shipping to an APO/FPO/DPO address. If you are shipping liquids, enclose them within a couple of zip lock bags to prevent spills from ruining other items in the box. For fragile items, consider double boxing to ensure their safety during transit.

Additionally, it is recommended to place a copy of the address inside the box before sealing it. This will help ensure that your package reaches its destination even if the outer label is damaged or smudged during transport.

Shipping Times

Shipping times to APO/FPO/DPO addresses vary depending on the service you choose:

• Express: Guaranteed delivery within 3 business days.
• Priority: Typically 7-10 business days, with a maximum of 45 days in rare circumstances.
• Parcel Post/Standard Mail: Can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to two months, especially for larger boxes.
• First Class: Suitable for letters and light envelopes/packages under 13 oz. It offers similar speeds to Priority Mail but may not be ideal for fragile items due to the way they are bundled during shipping.
• Media Mail: Suitable for books, papers, and posters, with similar speeds to Parcel Post.

Tips for Shipping to APO Addresses

• Always send important items, gifts, or time-sensitive packages via Priority Mail. Standard Mail can take a long time to arrive, especially if the package is forwarded to the wrong post office.
• If a website or seller does not allow shipping to an APO address, consider using a third-party seller or having the item shipped to yourself and then forwarded.
• Amazon is a good option for shipping to APO addresses, especially if you have Prime. They tend to package items well, and their shipping times are often very fast. However, the customs form may give away the contents of the package if you are sending a gift.
• Always package your boxes well and use custom-branded packaging if possible. This will add an extra layer of protection and reinforce your brand.

What Can't Be Shipped to APO Addresses?

When sending mail to APO/FPO addresses, it's important to follow the correct procedure to ensure your package reaches its destination. APO stands for Army Post Office and is associated with Army, Marine, or Air Force installations. On the other hand, FPO stands for Fleet Post Office and refers to mail sent to Navy installations and ships.

There are several restrictions on items that cannot be shipped to APO/FPO addresses, which are primarily in place for safety and legal reasons. These include:

• Oversized products over 70 pounds
• Obscene or pornographic material
• Political material
• Pork or any pork by-products
• Family Radio Service (FRS) radios
• Hazardous materials such as lithium batteries
• Alcohol-based products
• Pressurized items

Additionally, each specific APO/FPO address may have its own unique restrictions, so it is essential to check with the recipient and review the USPS website or contact your local post office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What Carriers Ship to APO Addresses?

When sending a package to an APO address, it's important to know which carriers can be used for delivery. Here's a comprehensive guide to carriers that ship to APO and FPO locations.

USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only postal service that delivers mail and packages to APO/FPO military addresses due to security restrictions. This means that FedEx and UPS are not available for direct shipping to military addresses. However, they may offer services to send packages to a stateside USPS facility, which then forwards the package to the APO/FPO address.

When using USPS, it's important to correctly format the APO/FPO address to ensure successful delivery. Here's a general guide to addressing military mail:

• Write the full name of the service member and include their rank, for example, "CDR Bob Smith" or "CPT Bob Smith."
• Include their unit and assigned box number, such as "Unit 100535 Box 3333."
• In the city field, enter "APO" or "FPO," followed by the appropriate military postal code: AE for Armed Forces Europe, the Middle East, and Canada; AP for Armed Forces Pacific; or AA for Armed Forces Americas (excluding Canada).
• Provide the appropriate five-digit ZIP code, or the ZIP+4 code if available, to complete the address.

It's worth noting that packages sent via USPS to APO/FPO addresses may take longer than usual to be delivered due to the military supply chain, operational schedules, adverse weather conditions, delivery destination, sorting process delays, and courier service tier.

Other Carriers

While USPS is the primary carrier for APO/FPO addresses, some major retailers, department stores, and eCommerce websites can also ship to these addresses. Here's a list of some popular stores that ship to APO/FPO locations:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• EBay
• Best Buy
• Newegg
• Overstock.com
• Target
• Etsy
• Macy's
• JCPenney
• Kohl's
• Nordstrom
• Zulilly
• Brooklinen
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• Walgreens beauty
• GNC
• Vitacost
• Waterpik
• Lovely Skin
• Sephora
• Ulta
• Rodan and Fields
• Tula
• UnderArmour
• American Eagle
• Ann Taylor, Loft, and Lou & Grey
• Lands End
• Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta
• Asos
• Revolve
• Shopbop and Eastdane
• Torrid
• Victoria's Secret, Pink, and Victoria Sport
• The Children's Place
• Gymboree, Janie and Jack, and Crazy 8
• Modcloth
• Nike, Hurley, and Converse
• Zappos
• Footsmart
• Booksamillion
• Barnes & Noble
• WB Shop
• ThinkGeek
• Marvel
• Guitar Center
• JoAnn Fabric & Craft Stores
• Snapfish
• Simplytoimpress

When shipping to APO/FPO addresses, it's important to be aware of certain restrictions. Packages must not exceed 70 pounds, and certain items are prohibited, including obscene or pornographic material, political material, pork or pork by-products, and Family Radio Service (FRS) radios.

Additionally, when shipping fragrances like cologne, it's important to note that USPS considers perfumes and fragrances as hazardous materials. As a result, specific guidelines must be followed for proper shipping, such as using ground transportation only and affixing the appropriate labels.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship to an APO Address?

The cost of shipping to an APO address depends on the package's weight, size, and dimensions. Fortunately, you only pay domestic rates for all APO/FPO mail, including international addresses.

For example, if you want to ship a three-pound package from New York to Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, you can use the USPS rate calculator to estimate the cost. The price will vary depending on the service you choose:

• USPS Priority Mail Express 2-Day
• USPS Priority Mail 3-Day
• USPS Priority Mail 3-Day Large Flat Rate Box
• USPS Priority Mail 3-Day Medium Flat Rate Box
• USPS Priority Mail 3-Day Small Flat Rate Box

If you're shipping to an international APO address, such as Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the rates will be different. Here are the estimated prices for a three-pound package:

• USPS Priority Express Military
• USPS Priority Mail Military
• USPS Priority Mail Military Large Flat Rate Box
• USPS Priority Mail Military Medium Flat Rate Box
• USPS Priority Mail Military Small Flat Rate Box

It's important to note that USPS is the only postal service that can deliver mail and packages to APO/FPO military addresses due to security restrictions. Therefore, you should only use USPS to ship to APO addresses, as other carriers like FedEx or UPS are not allowed.

Frequently asked questions