Navy mail_FPO_How to complete a customs form and speed of package arrivals

This post contains: information on them sending us mail, speed of arrival of packages, and how to complete customs forms. At the bottom are helpful links.

Now, if you've been doing any research, you've probably found that there is a plethora of awesome info about sending care packages to deployed Marines and Army. That is great. Man, some of the things those wives post, they are a creative bunch! Super cool! However, I found information from Navy moms about what to send and what they send their sons but I'm not a mom.

One thing that's different about Navy deployments is the mail situation. They say that they get to send letters from their FPO address on the ship...NOT TRUE! They have to buy stamps. At least that is the case on this ship. I don't know if it is different on other ships. They told Tony (he even forwarded me the email...) that they are able to send letter mail for free. When he tried to send letters to me, they told him he had to buy stamps. OK, then, get this. They didn't have ANY stamps! So, he had to wait until they got more stamps.

Another thing, you have more freedom sending them things. They don't have to necessarily go through other countries' more strict customs. You CAN send chocolate. It also doesn't take as long for mail to reach them. A flat rate box (or envelope...tutorial coming soon in later post) can get there in as little as 7-9 days.

Now, one thing the speed of them getting the package probably depends on for your sailor is their port schedule. Get ready for this to change. Literally, it changes all the time and they usually aren't allowed to tell you. I honestly don't care where they are going to port. I just need to to know the days so I can send a package with the right timing. I like to give it about 14 total days to get there. Just to be on the safe side.

I like my packages to get there right before they do because I love baking! I almost always try to send baked goods such as cookies or brownies. I always send enough so he can share and I attach the recipe (or ingredient list) just in case of allergies.

Don't forget to fill out the customs form. It looks like this:

You can use either CN 22 (form 2976) or form 2976-A
I use 2976 (the smaller one) and my friend uses 2976-A. The form A is bigger (more space to write) and they put it in a plastic sleeve.

Now, you can just tear off the top (I call it a cover page) page. It has instructions for how to fill out the customs form. I was super nervous to complete it the first time, scared the postal worker would deny acceptance of my package I had so carefully prepared. Don't worry! It's super easy!

You just write what you have on the line for detailed description of contents. You can write more than one thing per line, separate things with commas. Don't put a weight for anything. That is not important. Also, you have to individually write values for items. Lost of posts say that you can't write general things like "snacks" but I have not had a problem with this and my grandma sent a package and wrote snacks on hers too and they both arrived safe and sound.

If there's anything expensive in it, you might choose not to include it in your list. I honestly don't write everything that's in there. Wait til you see how many things I fit into those large boxes...They really don't care. I think it's like this because it's Navy. I would not generalize this for all military mailings.

Here are some helpful websites for more info on customs forms and mail:
USPS guide to customs forms
Guide for 2976-A (larger form)
Guide to complete customs form online
What can you send? (USPS guide)