Sending Care Packages to Soldiers Overseas
Shipping soldier care packages to military bases overseas
Soldier care packages are one of the most common reasons to send a care package, given that military personnel are deployed for months and even years at a time. But how do you know where to send military care packages, and what is not allowed? Allow us to explain everything you need to know about sending care packages to soldiers overseas and booking low-cost parcel delivery to deployed troops and military bases anywhere in the world.
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International shipping to military bases overseas with Eurosender
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What to consider when sending care packages to deployed troops overseas
There are a few things to consider when deciding where to send military care packages, to ensure your parcel arrives on time, and with no issues:
Shipping to remote military bases overseas
Is the destination considered remote or rural? Eurosender can ship to almost any destination worldwide, but some destinations might cause delivery delays or longer transit times.
Courier access to military sites
Military bases require all civilians and delivery personnel to go through security clearance before being granted access. Make sure you check official procedures for successful parcel delivery to the military base first.
International customs procedures and military protocol
Are you sure the items you are shipping to deployed soldiers are allowed in that particular part of the world, or on an overseas military base? Check local customs and military regulations to ensure the items you are sending are allowed on base.
Providing a correct address for care packages to soldiers
It is extremely important to provide all the relevant information when addressing your parcel to the military base, to ensure successful delivery. Additional information you should include:
- Rank, initials and name
- ID
- Name of the unit or ship
- Internal reference code
- Area code
How to indicate the address for shipping to military bases overseas?
- CountryChoose the country of pick-up/delivery.
Ex.: United States of America - Name & SurnameName of the military base followed by the name of the consignee.
Ex.: Fort Drum, Colonel Mark Defoe - AddressFill out the address/the details received from the military base.
Ex.: Antwerp barracks, New York - Additional info – OptionalHere you can add additional information.
Keep in mind that the courier doesn’t always take this info into consideration. - Zip codeAdd the zip code, please double check if it’s the right one.
Ex.: 1234 - Town/cityAdd the full name of the town or city.
Ex.: New York - Phone numberAdd the phone number of the army base if known, change the area code if needed.
Ex.: +1 20 1234 1234
MILITARY CARE PACKAGE IDEAS
What do people send in care packages for overseas soldiers?
What you decide to send in a care package will be personal to you and the person receiving it, but there are a few popular items which are great ideas for military care packages, these include:
Favourite snacks and drinks
Dried food, crisps, protein shakes, powdered drinks and homemade cookies are a few non-perishable items people choose to ship to deployed soldiers. Remember that some food and liquids are not permitted by couriers or military. Rather check in advance.
Personal items, clothing and toiletries
Sending regular shampoo, soaps and even clothing, rather than relying on military-issued supplies are a great way to boost a soldier’s spirits while on deployment.
Electronics, sports equipment and board games
Why not send a board game or a handheld video game to pass the time while off-duty? Sports fans might like a new sports ball to play with their comrades.
What is not allowed when sending care packages to soldiers overseas?
There are two aspects to consider when deciding what to ship to troops overseas. Firstly, you should always check what the local restrictions and military regulations state regarding what you can and cannot send, to avoid legal issues for you or the receiver. Secondly, you should also check the items are not prohibited to send through courier services:
- Items which could be damaged or cause damage to other parcels during transport
- Home-cooked food, perishable items and certain liquids
- Electronic Items which contain batteries which are not permitted for transport by air
For detailed guidelines about restricted or forbidden items, please contact us for expert advice on sending care packages to soldiers overseas.
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Frequently asked questions about care packages for deployed troops
How to pack a care package for deployed troops?
Using the right packaging for sending a care package to troops overseas is crucial to ensure safe delivery, wherever they might be. You should consider that your soldier care package may have to withstand extreme weather conditions and long transit times before it reaches its final destination.
When shipping to troops overseas, the package should use:
When shipping to troops overseas, the package should use:
- Cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, newspaper and packing peanuts to ensure items are unable to move inside
- Sturdy cardboard boxes, Styrofoam sheets and plastic wrap
- Packing tape and scissors
For information on packing and shipping particular items, please see our dedicated pages.
Is insurance included when sending care packages to soldiers overseas?
All shipments booked with Eurosender have basic insurance included in the price. Additional insurance is available to purchase during the booking process at great low prices. For more information on insurance, please see our dedicated page or reach out to our experts.
What if I need to change the address when sending care packages to soldiers overseas?
It often happens that plans change, and soldiers can be redeployed to different destinations. At Eurosender, we understand this, which is why we offer a Flexible changes option during the booking process. This way, you can change the delivery address and date at no additional cost, any time up until collection. If you haven’t selected flexible changes, you can add this later for an additional fee.