Letters, Small Packages Get to Troops Quicker ["The ideal size is a shoebox"]

DpD - American Forces Press Service ^ | Aug. 28, 2003 | K.L. Vantran

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Letters, Small Packages Get to Troops Quicker

By K.L. Vantran
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2003 – The U.S. Postal Service and the Military Postal Service Agency process about 2 million pounds of mail a week for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some items make it to the recipient faster than others, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brian Lomax, agency chief of plans and policy, said here today.

Depending on where it originates, a letter or package spends "a couple of days" in the USPS system before it reaches either San Francisco or New York City, Lomax said. Then it travels another 16 to 19 hours by plane before landing in Kuwait or Bahrain. From there, it's picked up or delivered by motor vehicle.

Once in theater, a letter takes seven to 14 days to reach the service member, while a package usually takes 14 to 24 days, Lomax added. Packages make up 90 percent of the mail.

"The mail is getting to the troops," he said. "The troops are happy. Our intent is to continue to make improvements and exceed their expectations."

Using automated mail scanning equipment and increasing the number of people working at mail facilities are two improvements that have speeded up mail delivery, Lomax said.

People who mail letters and packages also can help, he added. "The size of the package plays an important role," Lomax said. "Large packages take up a lot more room. If there's a choice between taking one large box or a lot of smaller boxes and letters, the large box will stay (at the mail facility). The ideal size is a shoebox. It's also important to correctly address the package."

Aerosol cans, alcoholic beverages, ammunition, fireworks, flammable or explosive materials and illegal or infectious substances are among items that cannot be mailed to service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more information, call 1-800-ASK-USPS or visit the USPS Web site.

Though it's not one of the restricted items, Lomax recommends against sending chocolate. "Chocolate and 140 degrees makes chocolate paste," he said.

Cookies and sunflower seeds seem to travel well, he added, and placing cookies in a coffee can helps to protect them.

Heat also takes its toll on the tape used in packaging, Lomax said. The USPS Web site states a clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape is best. Cord, string and twine should not be used, because they can get caught in the mail processing equipment.

Service members love to get mail, Lomax continued. "When I was out at sea, it was always a joy to get a letter from home or a copy of a report card. It's an exhilarating feeling: 'I'm out here doing my job, and they haven't forgotten who I am.'"

Lomax said the mail system's success is a result of the joint effort of the USPS and his agency. "We have motivated soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are committed to doing their job to make sure the mail gets to the troops," he said.

[M0sby]

I used this site below to send 3 packages to Dan... he got them all in a VERY TIMELY manner and said they were GREAT!!!

This site is hard to navigate though, so I have linked directly to the care package page... (I HOPE).

The cost was ONLY $10.00 which is WAY less than it would have cost me to buy and send the items...

Anyway, it was a GOOD experience and I thought I would share!!!

Tonk,
PLEASE BUMP IF YOU THINK IT'S A GOOD ONE.

 

 http://www.operationmom.org/cart.html

 

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"OUR FAMILY - YOUR FREEDOM"

 

"A Little Touch of Home"

(Click on GENERAL INFORMATION and then

PRODUCTS to find

CARE PACKAGES)

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If the Gift Box is intended for a particular person, please list their name and military address in the comments section of PayPal. If you desire to pay by check, order normally but click that option. Under comments, please indicate same. Send check to: P.O. BOX 1096 ANTIOCH CA 94509

Sponsor A Gift Box The $10.00 donation covers the entire cost of postage for each gift box that goes out to our service personnel that we have obtained names and addresses for from their families and friends. This addresses the most recent D.O.D. memorandum concerning the sending of unsolicited packages. You may also submit a name and address to us which will be kept strictly confidential. Items inside the gift box have already been donated to us for free. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to be active in Operation: MOM, and for a military member to receive this special token of your thanks. Inside the gift box will bear a label wth your name alongside Operation: MOM's as the provider of that gift box. Give as many as you would like. Each donation here will enable one military member to obtain a gift box.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Tonk, PLEASE BUMP IF YOU THINK IT'S A GOOD ONE."

It will be getting "some air time" in the Canteen
and will be included in the USO Canteen Post Office.
Thank You

[M0sby]

Hey thanks!
I hope it is helpful to somebody... it was for me! And I got it from FR a while back from Al Varment??? I think...

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[PhilDragoo]

Cookie Monster Dittos to Our Troops

[radu]

Late, as usual, and busting butt to gather the Pro-Coalition links to e-mail. :-)

Just sent two more boxes out yesterday to Iraq. I use the Post Office's 12" X 8" Priority boxes usually. Not too big, not too small. Big enough to get the goodies overseas, small enough to keep me under control.....I want to send them LOTS of EVERYthing on their wish lists! LOL!! My main concern is putting a bright spot in their day and hopefully that mission is being accomplished.

Off to e-mail these links I've gathered then get a little shut-eye.

[radu]

Thanks for the ping, Tonk.

The USO Canteen Post Office is such a treasure trove of info for those who looking for different ways to show support for the troops. Thanks for posting some of the links here and for filling the Post Office with so much wonderful info. I've certainly made use of several things there, as have sooooo many others. :-)

[windchime]

Bump!

[StarCMC]

Sorry for the late reply -- was out of town for the holiday weekend. I will pass on your goodwill to my brother. THANK YOU for your input on the canteen and for helping us know that there really IS an America out there that Rush and others talk about that supports this war. {{{Hugs}}}

Star*

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

My pleasure, Star.

Click on my homepage any time. I update the links daily. There are quite a few of us sharing the news of the daily SUCCESSES of the troops with others. There really is an America out there that Rush talks about that supports this war. (^;

[VOA]

bump

[VOA]

bump