PSA: Insure your packages

KendallR10 · November 2011

There has been a big thing going around in post offices where workers are taking electroics out of the packages, selling them and burning the rest of the package. It has only happened to uninsured packages.

I'll see if I can find the link to the article

ETA: This is mainly happening to packages going to SMs overseas

Beachy730 · November 2011

The problem with insuring your packages overseas is that they can only track what happens to the package once it gets to the FPO, which is usually in Cali for the West coast, and I'm not sure which state on the East coast. You can still get the insurance, but they can't guarantee what happens to it.

Your better option is to just ship the item in a regular box with other things, and don't list what it is on the customs form. If you're shipping an iPod or a camera or something, but it in with other things and write generic things like "snacks, socks, and books" on the customs form.

KendallR10 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_psa-insure-packages?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:a436d20d-135f-44dd-864f-24439b0df1c9Post:94e2cfe1-4235-4cf0-a22f-9bce695216f5">Re: PSA: Insure your packages</a>:
[QUOTE]The problem with insuring your packages overseas is that they can only track what happens to the package once it gets to the FPO, which is usually in Cali for the West coast, and I'm not sure which state on the East coast. You can still get the insurance, but they can't guarantee what happens to it. Your better option is to just ship the item in a regular box with other things, and don't list what it is on the customs form. If you're shipping an iPod or a camera or something, but it in with other things and write generic things like "snacks, socks, and books" on the customs form.
Posted by dnbeach12[/QUOTE]
So if I was to ship a package from OR to Iraq they can only track it in the US?

Beachy730 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_psa-insure-packages?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:a436d20d-135f-44dd-864f-24439b0df1c9Post:ecefd8da-7c95-4a9f-8fe7-6bd15665ddae">Re: PSA: Insure your packages</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: PSA: Insure your packages : So if I was to ship a package from OR to Iraq they can only track it in the US?
Posted by KendallR10[/QUOTE]

<div>I know that's at least the case for sending packages to a ship, but I think that's how it is for all FPO addresses.</div>

SamiJoeB · November 2011

Actually, they can only track it up to the military. Anytime your sending something to an FPO/APO/DPO, they track it only while it's in the custody of the USPS, but once they turn it over to the military, the USPS doesn't have the ability to continue tracking packages. Same concept with paying extra to ensure that it gets to its destination faster, they can promise to get it to the military within how ever many days, but the SM won't see it any faster.

Whenever I send something to H, and especially when it's something expensive or valuable, I'm as vague as possible on my customs forms. I'm not going to advertise that I'm sending him something really expensive.. that's just asking for someone to steal it. Honestly, I worry about it theft more within the Military rather than the USPS. I had a ton of things stolen from me while I was in the Navy. 98% of SM's in the military know better, but then there's that 2% that don't..

Kendall-If the article specifically said it was targeting packages going to SM, I would bet money that the people taking the packages are military themselves.

shan87 · November 2011

On a semi related note, never check valuables while flying (ie. if you are traveling for the holidays . My Aunt had her $1,200 digital camera stolen a few years back.

H bought me a laptop and had it shipped to me, USPS not only did not steal it but they had no problems leaving it on my doorstep in a box shaped like a laptop with DELL plastered all over it. H was really mad, I was glad I have awesome neighbors.

I would also be careful shipping liquids. USPS gets cranky when you try to mail them. I'm glad that H's job and our base always me to send stuff to him via an AF plane once a week -- however there is no way to track it and since its my first time doing it this way, no idea yet if he will ever get it LoL.

OH and also do note that the Military will always check the package regardless of what you put on shipping labels or customs forms. I sent H tons of Care packages while he was in training and we were LD. Every single time he noticed it was opened and then taped shut again, and that was state side.

Zimsgirl · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_psa-insure-packages?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:a436d20d-135f-44dd-864f-24439b0df1c9Post:5e55c2d3-8fdb-4366-89c7-2f5b820a48c2">Re: PSA: Insure your packages</a>:
[QUOTE]Actually, they can only track it up to the military. Anytime your sending something to an FPO/APO/DPO, they track it only while it's in the custody of the USPS, but once they turn it over to the military, the USPS doesn't have the ability to continue tracking packages. Same concept with paying extra to ensure that it gets to its destination faster, they can promise to get it to the military within how ever many days, but the SM won't see it any faster. Whenever I send something to H, and especially when it's something expensive or valuable, I'm as vague as possible on my customs forms. I'm not going to advertise that I'm sending him something really expensive.. that's just asking for someone to steal it. Honestly, I worry about it theft more within the Military rather than the USPS. I had a ton of things stolen from me while I was in the Navy. 98% of SM's in the military know better, but then there's that 2% that don't.. Kendall-If the article specifically said it was targeting packages going to SM, I would bet money that the people taking the packages are military themselves.
Posted by SamiJoeB[/QUOTE]
I agree it's usually the military. My aunt told me about times they'd send care packages with lots of stuff so it was a lot to their son in Iraq and they found one ripped open and most of it gone. I was always super vague on customs forms mostly because I didn't feel like writing it all down lol

SamiJoeB · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_psa-insure-packages?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:a436d20d-135f-44dd-864f-24439b0df1c9Post:561f8b6c-ed7a-4764-a3c3-434e0f2bfa06">Re: PSA: Insure your packages</a>:
[QUOTE]On a semi related note, never check valuables while flying (ie. if you are traveling for the holidays . My Aunt had her $1,200 digital camera stolen a few years back. H bought me a laptop and had it shipped to me, USPS not only did not steal it but they had no problems leaving it on my doorstep in a box shaped like a laptop with DELL plastered all over it. H was really mad, I was glad I have awesome neighbors. I would also be careful shipping liquids. <strong>USPS gets cranky when you try to mail them.</strong> I'm glad that H's job and our base always me to send stuff to him via an AF plane once a week -- however there is no way to track it and since its my first time doing it this way, no idea yet if he will ever get it LoL. <strong>OH and also do note that the Military will always check the package regardless of what you put on shipping labels or customs forms. I sent H tons of Care packages while he was in training and we were LD. Every single time he noticed it was opened and then taped shut again, and that was state side.</strong>
Posted by shan87[/QUOTE]

The first bold part.. My dad sent me some Cheerwine (it's a cherry soda that you can only get in NC & SC.. and parts of GA.. maybe.), but since it's soda it had gotten shaken up and one of then exploded. When it arrived on base they called my cell and I had to open it with like 3 MA's around me to verify that it wasn't a bomb or anything potentially dangerous. So silly.

Oh! and I sent H an Easter basket and they not only opened the box, but also cut through the shrink wrap I'd put it in and then attempted to tape it back together.

shan87 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_psa-insure-packages?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:a436d20d-135f-44dd-864f-24439b0df1c9Post:8ba56609-b722-4b5c-a240-748a9b8697b0">Re: PSA: Insure your packages</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: PSA: Insure your packages : The first bold part.. My dad sent me some Cheerwine (it's a cherry soda that you can only get in NC & SC.. and parts of GA.. maybe.), but since it's soda it had gotten shaken up and one of then exploded. When it arrived on base they called my cell and I had to open it with like 3 MA's around me to verify that it wasn't a bomb or anything potentially dangerous. So silly. Oh! and I sent H an Easter basket and they not only opened the box,<strong> but also cut through the shrink wrap I'd put it in and then attempted to tape it back together. </strong>
Posted by SamiJoeB[/QUOTE]

H is addicted to sunflower seeds so I put a bag on the top of one of his packages as a cushion. When they cut open the box the cut open the bag of sunflower seeds as well-- they were all over the people didn't even try to tape it back together. That was how we first knew they were opening them, then H started noticing the exta layers of tape.

prettyirishgirl · November 2011

I know i'm a little late on this, but it happens a lot in the states as well to insured and uninsured packages. I've had it happen to my sister as well as multiple friends insured and uninsured. Really you can't do much about it except report it and hope for the best or use a different service you trust better.

crownsuperstar · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_psa-insure-packages?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:13Discussion:a436d20d-135f-44dd-864f-24439b0df1c9Post:8ba56609-b722-4b5c-a240-748a9b8697b0">Re: PSA: Insure your packages</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: PSA: Insure your packages : The first bold part.. My dad sent me some <strong>Cheerwine (it's a cherry soda that you can only get in NC & SC.. and parts of GA.. maybe.)</strong>, but since it's soda it had gotten shaken up and one of then exploded. When it arrived on base they called my cell and I had to open it with like 3 MA's around me to verify that it wasn't a bomb or anything potentially dangerous. So silly. Oh! and I sent H an Easter basket and they not only opened the box, but also cut through the shrink wrap I'd put it in and then attempted to tape it back together.
Posted by SamiJoeB[/QUOTE]

I heart Cheerwine!!! I mean is there anything better? Cheerwine and boiled peanuts are a summer staple for me. Gosh this sounds super southern of me. HA

SamiJoeB · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_psa-insure-packages?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:13Discussion:a436d20d-135f-44dd-864f-24439b0df1c9Post:0f951788-d0e6-42b9-9452-69317b6b892f">Re: PSA: Insure your packages</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: PSA: Insure your packages : I heart Cheerwine!!! I mean is there anything better? Cheerwine and boiled peanuts are a summer staple for me. Gosh this sounds super southern of me. HA
Posted by crownsuperstar[/QUOTE]

How about Moon Pie and an RC Cola?.. I think yes!! or Shrimp and Grits?! Sooo yummy!

crownsuperstar · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_psa-insure-packages?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:13Discussion:a436d20d-135f-44dd-864f-24439b0df1c9Post:79140894-c7bc-4790-897e-6131cdd1d5cd">Re: PSA: Insure your packages</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: PSA: Insure your packages : How about Moon Pie and an RC Cola?.. I think yes!! or Shrimp and Grits?! Sooo yummy!
Posted by SamiJoeB[/QUOTE]

You are a girl after my own heart. There used to be a place called Po Folks and when they sang Happy Birthday they would bring out a moon pie with a candle in it. It was a little piece of awesome. Oh and you got to drink out of mason jars. She Crab soup is one of my all time faves!!!

SamiJoeB · November 2011

Ahhh!!! I LOVE PO FOLKS!!!!!! and She Crab makes my heart sing!!

tyleet87 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_psa-insure-packages?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:13Discussion:a436d20d-135f-44dd-864f-24439b0df1c9Post:b4f16e1c-df6d-4a07-b971-c430a8652f9b">Re: PSA: Insure your packages</a>:
[QUOTE]Ahhh!!! I LOVE PO FOLKS!!!!!! and She Crab makes my heart sing!!
Posted by SamiJoeB[/QUOTE]

I LOVE Po Folks too! They had one down the street from where I grew up and recenlty closed it for good. :( I've never seen another one around me.

crownsuperstar · November 2011

Yes Sami, She Crab makes my heart sing too!!!! I just love it to bits. MMM now I want some HA!

SamiJoeB · November 2011

I would probably kill for some right about now!! It's super bitterly cold today. It was way warmer when I left for work at 5am than it is now, and I'm just crazy enough to go out for a run!!

I think Po Folks is pretty much dying out and It breaks my heart. In my hometown we had a Po Folks, and then a Poor Folks which was not as good and ironically kind of expensive..

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