The Postal Service 2004 Holiday Season recommended mailing dates are noted below while there are no "deadlines," the Postal Service's recommended "mail by" date is November 1 for delivery before December 25, based on economical surface transportation.

Remember SMALL PACKAGES GO SWIFTLY KEEP THEM SMALL AND USE SAM OR PAL TO SEND PACKAGES TO IRAQ / KUWAIT / UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / QATAR-----SHOE BOX SIZE IS PERFECT

PAL (Parcel Air Lift) Ή PAL: A special service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space available basis. PAL is available for Parcel Post not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service. West of the Mississippi use PAL

• An expedited service available for Package Services

• Additional fee (contact the local Post Office™ for specific fee amounts)

• Must be identified "PAL" on address side

SAM (Space Available Mail) ² SAM: Parcels paid at Parcel Post postage rates are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space available basis. The maximum weight and size limits are 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined. East of the Mississippi use SAM

• An expedited service available for Package Services.

• No additional fee

• Must be identified "SAM" on address side

The Post Office that's always open: usps.com With the holiday mailing season beginning soon, the Postal Service recommends that customers go on-line and visit the post office that never closes -- www.usps.com. Customers can calculate postage, obtain simplified customs forms and select an international mailing service that's right for any mailing need. Visitors to the Postal Service's home page can also purchase stamps, track and confirm mailings and even purchase greeting cards online.

New, Easy, Simple "Customer's Guide to Mailing"

The "Customer's Guide to Mailing" provides clear, concise information on virtually everything consumer customers need to know about mailing. The free guide, available at post offices and online at www.usps.com, includes illustrations, tips and helpful information about changing an address, putting mail on temporary hold, and choosing extra services such as Insurance or Delivery Confirmation.

60,000 Additional Stamp Locations Beyond visiting the web or the nation's 38,000 post offices, there are now 60,000 more locations to purchase stamps. Customers can obtain postage where they see "Buy Stamps Here" signage among 17,000 ATMs, and more than 40,000 supermarkets, drug stores and banks.

Packaging Tips

• Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents.

• Leave space for cushioning inside the carton.

• Cushion 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 craft paper tape, or glass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape.

• Do not use wrapping paper, string, masking tape, or cellophane tape.

• Put the delivery and return addresses on one side only of the package.

• Suggestion: Place a return address label inside the package.

• 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 batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box.

• Take packages that weigh at least 1 pound into the post office for mailing.

• Obtain Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and tubes for free from your post office.

• Purchase packaging products, including tape, envelopes, padded bags, corrugated boxes, mailing tubes, and cushioning material, from your post office. Some locations offer decorative boxes and expander packs that are suitable for mailing gifts. Each country has customs regulations that apply to all incoming mail. These may include prohibitions on certain kinds of food or entertainment products. The Military Postal Service Agency’s toll free number 1-800-810-6098, is available Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 p.m. While there are specific restrictions for each five-digit military post office ZIP Code (APO/FPO), generally speaking, it is prohibited to mail the following to the middle east region:

• obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc.)

• any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials

• bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible

• pork or pork by-products

Connie Moore, DCANG, Readiness/Support Coordinator
3252 E Perimeter Road, Room 106
Andrews AFB, MD 20762

240-857-9746
DSN: 857-9746
FAX 240-857-0266
cell 24/7 301-980-6074
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