New flat rate gets more bang for buck

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Planning to send a care package to a servicemember who is serving overseas? Now there is a new incentive program offered through the U.S. Postal Service for anyone shipping a package to an APO or FPO mailing address that can save money and also allow more to be shipped. 

The new program offers a flat-rate box that is 50 percent larger and costs two dollars less - from $12.95 to $10.95. The only requirement is that the package is being shipped to an APO or FPO address. 

"This is a terrific way to thank the brave young men and women who are serving this nation abroad," said Col. Stephen O'Rear, 96th Communications Group Commander. 

"Flat rate shipping provides loved ones, home front groups...anyone the means to send, what I like to call, 'We Care' packages to service members across the globe for $10.95, regardless of weight." 

Many of the boxes have the "America Supports You" logo on the box which is a Department of Defense program that allows citizens to connect with servicemembers serving overseas. 

"It's terrific that the Postal Service continues to think of ways to help Americans support our (Airmen) and their families," said Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. "Postage is always a concern when shipping care packages, and this new flat-rate box means our home front groups and supportive citizens can do more with their resources." 

Care packages can become expensive especially when the "comforts of home" often mean bigger boxes and more weight. Now, with this new program, boxes are bigger and can weigh up to 70 pounds to receive the discount. 

"The only challenge customers face now is how best to package the loads of supplies and other "goodies" these large flat rate boxes will accommodate in order to take advantage of this campaign," Colonel O'Rear said.

People can get the new flat-rate boxes at their local post offices, at the post office located on base behind the Mini Mall or order them online at www/usps.com/supplies. Customers can also call (800) 610-8734 to order them.