Nov. 13 is post office deadline for shipping to troops overseas

It's not too early to start thinking about mailing those holiday cards, letters and packages to service members and their families stationed overseas. The first deadline for the 2012 holiday season is just around the corner, the Brookfield Post Office reminds residents.

Nov. 13 is the deadline for sending holiday packages to troops stationed overseas using Parcel Post to all Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office ZIP codes.

"We encourage our customers to mail early this holiday season," a post office news release states. "Observing the holiday deadlines will make sure that cards, letters and packages to loved ones serving overseas will reach their destinations in time for the holidays."

All military mail, regardless of destination, is sent by domestic mail rate. International rates do not apply to military mail delivery.

The large Priority Mail Flat Rate Box offers a $2 discount to APO/FPO destinations and ships for just $13.45. Customers can access shipping information by adding Delivery Confirmation, which is available for almost all military destinations, including those outside the United States, the release states. Delivery Confirmation provides customers with the date, ZIP code of delivery, and time the package was delivered. This information can be accessed at USPS.com.

The Postal Service's Military Care Kits help military families and friends keep free shipping supplies within reach. Each kit contains six Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, six customs forms and envelopes, six Priority address labels and one roll of military tape. The kit may be ordered by calling the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at (800) 610-8734. All packages and mail must be addressed to individual service members, as required by U.S. Department of Defense regulations.