Holiday mailing deadlines released

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa
  • Postal Office
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 2012 recommended holiday mail deadline dates for postal customers assigned to the European theater of operations are now available.

These dates are for mail originating in Europe and destined to locations in the United States. Mail originating in the U.S. and sent to European APO/FPO/DPO addresses use similar deadline dates. 

The deadlines are:
Space available mail - Monday, Nov. 26, 2012
Parcel airlift mail - Monday, Dec. 3, 2012
Priority mail - Monday, Dec. 10, 2012
1st Class letters and cards - Monday, Dec. 10, 2012
Express mail military service - Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012

U.S. Air Forces in Europe postal patrons should plan ahead and mail early to ensure letters, cards, and packages arrive to intended U.S. destinations in time for the holidays, said Mr. Lionel Rivera, USAFE-Air Forces Africa postal branch public affairs officer.

Customers can avoid long lines at the post office when they mail early and can take advantage of using the cheaper, although slower, space available mail service military post offices offer in Europe.

"Space available mail service takes longer to arrive to end destination and moves on a space available basis once it arrives in the states," said Mr. Rivera. "If you want faster service, consider using priority mail or express mail military service.
 
"It costs more but these classes of mail get preferred and or expedited service."

Almost all mail accepted at military post offices in Europe is flown to the United States on commercial aircraft. Once mail arrives in America, depending on the service you selected, it's transported based on the service you paid for. 

Costumers should keep in mind, packages transiting through the mail stream are handled numerous times, therefore proper packaging is very important.

The following mailing tips are provided to help ensure packages arrive safely and undamaged:

· Print addresses clearly (Print or type clearly with a pen or permanent marker). Avoid commas, period, or other punctuation -- it helps your mailpiece speed through USPS automated processing equipment.
· Include all address elements (apartment numbers, suite numbers, directional information for streets, etc.).
· Put the delivery and return addresses on only one side of the package.
· Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents. Leave space for cushioning inside the carton.
· Package contents with shredded or rolled newspaper, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam peanuts. Plain air-popped popcorn is also good for cushioning; it's inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Pack tightly to avoid shifting.
· Always use tape that is designed for shipping, such as pressure-sensitive tape, nylon-reinforced tape, paper tape, or glass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape.
· Stuff glass and fragile hollow items, like vases, with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage due to shock. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately.
· Remove alkaline batteries from toys and other electronic items.
· Do not use gift wrapping paper, string, masking tape, or cellophane tape.
· Place an index card inside the package that contains the sender's address and the recipient's address along with a list of the contents. This will help postal employees to re-pack boxes that were improperly wrapped and came apart during transport ensuring that the package is either sent to its destination or back to the sender.
· Use Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and tubes your post office provides.

Contact your local postmaster for additional information on how mail is dispatched and received at your location. And for advice on the best service to use based on your mailing needs.