14 FAH-5 H-500
dpo outgoing MAIL
DPO Mail REceIpt and dispatch
(CT:DPO-30; 07-30-2021)
(Office of Origin: A/LM)
14 FAH-5 H-511 Collection of mail
(CT:DPO-30; 07-30-2021)
a. Mail weighing less than 13 oz. deposited in the letter collection box will be processed each business day at set intervals. A USPS Decal 55-B should be affixed to the receptacle, stating “Mail deposited daily before (INSERT TIME) will be postmarked and dispatched today." "Mail deposited daily after (INSERT TIME) will be postmarked today and dispatched the next business day." The USPS Decal 0055-B can be obtained by submitting a request through the ILMS Self-Service Portal.
b. Mail exceeding 13 oz. should be presented to the DPO clerk at the window during normal business hours. Parcel collection boxes are prohibited.
14 FAH-5 H-512 Mailability
(CT:DPO-30; 07-30-2021)
a. DPO clerks will determine if the item is mailable, as outlined in the USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) and USPS Publication 52. DPO mail is considered domestic mail for calculating postage rates and can be calculated by utilizing the Retail Postage Price Calculator.
b. DPO mail transported to and from overseas posts requires the domestic rate of postage for mailing; however, the mail is handled and processed through customs similar to international mail unless specifically stated otherwise in the host-nation agreement. Otherwise, individual country rules that are published in the USPS International Mail Manual (IMM), listed under the Individual Country Listings, will apply.
c. DPO clerks will ensure that mail accepted for dispatch does not exceed the maximum allowable size and weight restrictions of origin and destination. See the most recent edition of the USPS Postal Bulletin and go to "Other Information" under “Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail” and click on the page number for a complete listing of DPO restrictions by ZIP Code.
d. Measuring parcels: Measurements can be obtained by utilizing the Business Postage Price Calculator.
e. Boxes may be reused for shipping. Any marking/label on the outside of the container that will be reused for mailing, indicating the contents as hazardous or prohibited (see PUB 52, 227, old markings), will be removed or completely obliterated.
f. Parcels accepted for mailing via the DPO must have the authorized user’s assigned DPO address as the return address (see 14 FAH-5 H-311, paragraph e, for proper address format).
14 FAH-5 H-513 customs DECLARATION forms
(CT:DPO-30; 07-30-2021)
A customs declaration form is required for all items weighing 16 ounces or more or any item (regardless of weight) that contains potentially dutiable mail contents (e.g., merchandise or goods). A customs form is not required for items weighing less than 16 ounces when the contents are not potentially dutiable (e.g., letters, documents, cards etc.). Customs declaration forms shall be properly completed using the online Click-N-Ship or via the USPS website. Additional information on customs forms can be obtained from the USPS Military and Diplomatic Mail.
14 FAH-5 H-514 VALIDATing mail piece
(CT:DPO-30; 07-30-2021)
Click-N-Ship generates postage and special services online. Customers using USPS Click-N-Ship should present their parcels to the DPO clerk, already bearing a postage label. DPO clerks will check the following:
(1) Ensure customers only utilize the DPO return address;
(2) Verify customs form is properly filled out;
(3) Verify the weight of the package to ensure it matches the weight listed on the Click-N-Ship label;
(4) If postage stamps are utilized, validate the amount of postage and postmark all postage stamps with a cancellation stamp (also referred to as “killer bar”);
(5) Double-check that all necessary endorsements (Priority, First Class, Return Receipt Requested, etc.) and stickers are affixed to the parcel; and
(6) When applicable, endorse customer receipts with the All-Purpose Date Stamp (APDS).
14 FAH-5 H-515 THROUGH H-519 UNASSIGNED