thanks to Otto for sending me this info:
The Naval Supply Systems Command's (NAVSUP) Postal Policy Division mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 delivery of holiday cards, letters and packages were announced today.
The dates are as follows:
For military mail addressed to APO/FPO addresses APO/FPO AE zip codes 090-098 (except 093), AA zip code 340 and AP zip codes 962-966:
Express Mail Military Service (EMMS): Dec. 18
First-Class Mail, Letters, Cards; Priority Mail: Dec. 10
Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL): Dec. 3
Space Available Mail (SAM): Nov. 26
Parcel Post: Nov. 12
For APO/FPO AE zip code 093:
EMMS: Not applicable.
First-Class Mail, Letters, Cards; Priority Mail: Dec. 4
PAL: Dec. 1
SAM: Nov. 20
Parcel Post: Nov. 12
For military mail from APO and FPO addresses
EMMS: Dec. 18
First-Class Mail, Letters, Cards; Priority Mail: Dec. 10
PAL: Dec. 3
SAM: Nov. 26
EMMS is available from selected military post offices. If mailing to an APO/FPO address, check with your local post office to determine if this service is available.
PAL is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. It is available for Parcel Post items 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.
SAM refers to parcels mailed to APO/FPO addresses at parcel post rates that 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. From overseas locations, items mailed at Parcel Post rates are sent to the continental United States by air on a space available basis. The maximum weight and size limit are 70 pounds and 130 inches in length and girth combined.
It is also recommended that customers check with their local civilian or military post offices for information on size restrictions and possible need for customs declaration forms. Additionally, customers are advised that certain mail restrictions apply and some items are non-mail able, such as switchblade knives, pornography, controlled substances and explosive or incendiary devices. If in doubt as to what can or cannot be sent through the mail, contact your local post office or military post office.
As a final note, customers are cautioned that packages must not be mailed in boxes that have markings related to any type of hazardous material, such as bleach, alcohol or cleaning fluids. Parcels found by the U.S. Postal Service with such markings or labels on the outside of the box will not be processed. Instead, they will be handled as "non-mail able matter," regardless of the contents or what is listed on the U.S. Customs form.
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