How to Ship to APO/FPO/DPO Military Addresses
APO, FPO, and DPO addresses are US military mailing addresses overseas — Army Post Offices, Fleet Post Offices, and Diplomatic Post Offices. Shipping to them requires USPS specifically (private carriers like UPS and FedEx don't deliver to these addresses). But with proper labeling, costs and delivery times are surprisingly reasonable.
What Are APO, FPO, DPO?
- APO (Army/Air Force Post Office): US Army and Air Force personnel overseas
- FPO (Fleet Post Office): US Navy and Marine personnel on ships or bases
- DPO (Diplomatic Post Office): US State Department and diplomatic personnel
Addressing Military Packages Correctly
Use USPS-compliant formatting:
- Name: Rank + Name (e.g. SGT John Smith)
- Unit designation (e.g. PSC 1234, Box 567)
- APO/FPO/DPO + AE/AA/AP (Atlantic/Americas/Pacific)
- ZIP code (e.g. AE 09210-1234)
Carrier Restrictions
USPS is the ONLY carrier that delivers to APO/FPO/DPO addresses. UPS, FedEx, and DHL all refuse these destinations (they don't have military base access).
Use USPS Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, or First-Class Package International. Ground Advantage is sometimes available for certain APO addresses.
Typical Cost and Time
USPS Priority Mail to APO: same price as domestic Priority Mail. Delivery time: 7-14 business days (ships via regular postal to a consolidation center, then via military mail to the overseas location).
Customs Forms Required
APO/FPO/DPO shipments require customs declarations — even though you're shipping to US personnel. Use PS Form 2976 (customs declaration + dispatch note) for all APO/FPO shipments. Fill out contents, value, and intended use.
Prohibited Items
- Alcohol and tobacco (some APOs accept small quantities for personal use)
- Pornographic material
- Firearms and ammunition (unless military-issued)
- Items restricted in the host country (differs by APO location)
- Items banned by US Postal Service generally
Tips for Shipping to Military
- Use USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes — free to order + same price regardless of overseas destination
- Write 'Active Duty' on the package for faster handling
- Include multiple APOs? Use one package per APO — military mail systems don't forward
- Holiday shipping deadlines are 2-3 weeks earlier than domestic — mid-November for Christmas to APO/FPO
- Check USPS's Military Mail page for current restrictions and any APO-specific rules