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International & Military Shipping

Need to send baby shower gifts to your daughter living in Italy? Or how about sending military personnel a care package? Customs forms can be complicated and challenging. No package will be delivered without the form completed correctly. At Pak Mail of Livermore, we simplify the process by assisting you in completing the forms and making international and military shipping as easy as mailing a letter.


Customs forms aren't the only headache when shipping internationally. There are specific and varying item restrictions for sending your package overseas. Reading a list of rules and regulations can be overwhelming. If the rules are not followed, it could mean long delays in delivery.

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Ask about our discount for military veterans.

Helpful Tips for Military Shipping 

  1. Batteries must be removed because electronic devices can inadvertently go off while in transit. They just don't want things ticking, vibrating, our making any kind of noise like clocks or radios. Other prohibited items include hazardous or flammable material, (including cologne), aerosol cans, firearms, furs, perishables, plants, tobacco, and liquor to name a few.
  2. Avoid sending anything that will melt such as chocolates. Also, it is recommended to avoid sending very fragile items since the shipping process may take multiple truck loads and unloads increasing the risk of damage. Pornographic material is illegal in some countries.
  3. International shipping can be expensive depending upon the speed of service, distance, weight and package dimensions. Of the factors that determine the rate, weight and size are very important. When possible, select lightweight items for shipping. Packages less than 4 pounds are the most economical to send. Keep in mind also, that box and packing material adds to the total weight.
  4. Military shipping rates are the same as domestic rates since APO and FPO zip codes are to military post offices located within the United States. Military post offices distribute mail and packages to overseas personnel as a free service; however, custom forms must be completed as usual.

  5. Use the service member’s full name. All mail must be addressed to someone specific; addressing mail to “Any Service Member” is no longer permitted. Include the unit and APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code™ (if one is assigned).                                                                                   Example:                                                                                                                                                     SSGT Kevin Taylor
    Unit 2050 Box 4190
    APO AP 96278-2050

  6. Although there are specific restrictions for each five-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code™ (APO/FPO/DPO), generally, the following are prohibited in the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

    • Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc).
    • Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials.
    • Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
    • Pork or pork by-products.

    To make sure package contents arrive in good shape, take into consideration:

    • Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees, this can damage delicate goods e.g. electronics.

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