Shipping a Package to that Soldier Overseas?

As a shipping manager for my company, I have to know which countries allow what commodites into their country. Some custom officials will take each package separately and x-ray them, making sure that the customs paperwork is correct (commercial invoices) for what is in the package and the declared value is decent. Whatever price you put on a package for what the contents are worth will be taken into consideration when the custom official rates the duties and taxes ( the country will collect this money for its government, the price you pay to ship something into their country). Never declare too little for what you are shipping, they will wonder what you are hiding. If you declare too much, this raises a red flag and tells them that something very exspensive is coming through. I normally use the “weight value”, that is, how ever much it weighs, I put $1.00 on it, ie 10 lbs./ $10.00. Most countries except this.

Please be aware that some packages may take longer to get to certain cities or military bases depending on the political factors in that area.

I wouldn’t send a treasured memento unless your recipient is sure that they will recieve it, I would hate to see something like the first picture of baby walking to be lost or stolen.

Box your goodies into bubble wrap and make sure it is not movable once the package is taped. Shake it around really good, if it moves, add more stuffing. Shipping companies do not normally treat any package like they are shipping eggs. If it gets to your recipient with only minimal damage, consider it a good thing.

If your person is moved to another base area or another city while their package is in transit, there is no guarrantee that it will be forwarded to them unless someone at the first place knows where they went and readdresses the package.

During this time of global unrest, the shipping company that you have chosen, whether UPS or FEDEX or any other international shipping company, cannot always be able to deliver the package and it may be returned to you. Be sure you have your address or the address where you would like the package returned if undeliverable on the outside and also on a peice of paper in the package. Also put a list of what is in there, in there, too. Just so the person recieving it will know what they are supposed to be getting. (409)

Don’t be surprised at the cost of an international package, even a letter will be pricey.

Most shipping offices will be happy to help you package, address and send your presents anywhere in the world. Call or go by, even check them out on the internet for the information that you seek.

Good luck and good shipping!