Post office releases mailing deadlines for sending holiday packages abroad

The time's coming to send out those boxes of cookies, toiletries, books and other comforts to loved one abroad. The U.S. Post Office has released suggested international/military mailing dates to make sure those cards and cartons of care get there by Dec. 25.

Military mail addressed toAPO/FPO AE ZIPs 090-092 must be sent by Dec. 18 for Express Mail Military Service; Dec. 11 for First Class mail, letters and cards and Priority Mail; Dec. 4 for Parcel Airlift Mail; Nov. 28 for Space Available Mail and Nov. 13 for Parcel Post.

Military mail addressed toAPO/FPO AE ZIP 093 must be sent by Dec. 4 for First Class mail, letters and cards and Priority Mail; Dec. 1 for Parcel Airlift Mail; Nov. 21 for Space Available Mail and Nov. 13 for Parcel Post.

Military mail addressed toAPO/FPO AE ZIPs 094-098 must be sent by Dec. 18 for Express Mail Military Service; Dec. 11 for First Class mail, letters and cards and Priority Mail; Dec. 4 for Parcel Airlift Mail; Nov. 28 for Space Available Mail and Nov. 13 for Parcel Post.

Military mail addressed to APO/FPO AA ZIP 340 must be sent by Dec. 18 for Express Mail Military Service; Dec. 11 for First Class mail, letters and cards and Priority Mail; Dec. 4 for Parcel Airlift Mail; Nov. 28 for Space Available Mail and Nov. 13 for Parcel Post.

Military mail addressed toAPO/FPO AP ZIPs 962-966 must be sent by Dec. 18 for Express Mail Military Service; Dec. 11 for First Class mail, letters and cards and Priority Mail; Dec. 4 for Parcel Airlift Mail; Nov. 28 for Space Available Mail and Nov. 13 for Parcel Post.

APO/FPO addresses generally require customs forms for packages.

International mail addressed to:

Africa must be sent by Dec. 18 for Global Express Guaranteed; Dec. 12 for Express Mail International; Dec. 4 for Priority Mail International and First Class Mail.

Asia/Pacific Rim must be sent by Dec. 18 for Global Express Guaranteed; Dec. 17 for Express Mail International; Dec. 11 for Priority Mail International and First Class Mail.

Australia/New Zealand must be sent by Dec. 18 for Global Express Guaranteed; Dec. 17 for Express Mail International; Dec. 11 for Priority Mail International and First Class Mail.

Canada must be sent by Dec. 22 for Global Express Guaranteed; Dec. 18 for Express Mail International; Dec. 14 for Priority Mail International and Dec. 11 for First Class Mail.

The Caribbean must be sent by Dec. 21 for Global Express Guaranteed; Dec. 17 for Express Mail International; Dec. 14 for Priority Mail International and Dec. 11 for First Class Mail.

Central and South America must be sent by Dec. 21 for Global Express Guaranteed; Dec. 12 for Express Mail International; Dec. 4 for Priority Mail International and First Class Mail.

Mexico must be sent by Dec. 22 for Global Express Guaranteed; Dec. 17 for Express Mail International; Dec. 11 for Priority Mail International and First Class Mail.

Europe must be sent by Dec. 21 for Global Express Guaranteed; Dec. 17 for Express Mail International; Dec. 14 for Priority Mail International and Dec. 11 for First Class Mail.

The Middle East must be sent by Dec. 18 for Global Express Guaranteed; Dec. 17 for Express Mail International; Dec. 14 for Priority Mail International and Dec. 11 for First Class Mail.