USPS carries every APO, FPO and DPO parcel. FedEx and UPS do not.
Why FedEx cannot deliver to a military address
Military post offices at overseas installations are run by the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA), and MPSA operates as an extension of the US Postal Service under an international agreement. Only USPS-marked mail moves through the military channels that end at the ASF or FPO facility. FedEx Express and Ground do not have that access; a FedEx label with an APO destination is treated as undeliverable and returned or refused.
- The same rule applies to UPS. Both private carriers have public help pages that direct senders to USPS for APO, FPO and DPO shipments.
- The address format uses the state abbreviations AA (Americas), AE (Europe/Middle East/Africa) and AP (Pacific), and ZIP codes in the 09xxx, 34xxx and 96xxx ranges. A FedEx rate quote may return a number for those ZIPs; that does not mean the shipment can deliver.
- FedEx Ground Economy is the single exception because that service uses USPS for the last leg on domestic residential mail. A parcel routed through Ground Economy to an APO reaches the address through USPS, not through FedEx.
The USPS route, priced the same as domestic
| Service | Weight limit | Delivery timing |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | 70 lb | 3-day service objective; military airlift adds transit variability |
| Priority Mail (including Flat Rate) | 70 lb | 6 to 8 business days on average, longer to remote APOs |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes | 70 lb | Same as Priority Mail; a Large Flat Rate Box to APO/FPO/DPO is priced below the domestic rate |
| Ground Advantage | 70 lb | 2 to 8 business days quoted; delivery to a military post office adds transit |
| Media Mail | 70 lb | Books, sound recordings, educational materials only |
The Post Office charges the same rate to an APO ZIP as it does to a domestic ZIP for the same service. Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Boxes carry an APO/FPO/DPO discount, which is a real difference from the domestic Flat Rate figure.
Addressing an APO parcel
- Line 1: rank and full name (as it appears on the recipient's DEERS record).
- Line 2: unit or PSC number and box number.
- Line 3: APO, FPO or DPO, followed by AA, AE or AP, and the military ZIP.
- Attach PS Form 2976 (small customs declaration) for parcels under 16 oz, or 2976-A for larger; the form asks for a content description and value.
- Country line: leave blank. Do not write “Germany” or “Iraq” on an APO parcel; the mail routes through APO/FPO/DPO regardless of geographical location.
Where these rules come from
- USPS, Publication 141 — Global Guide to Military Mail — addressing, services, customs and country restrictions. Read 2026-08-11.
- USPS, Sending Mail to Military and Diplomatic Addresses. Read 2026-08-11.
- FedEx, FedEx US Shipping FAQs — APO/FPO limitations for FedEx Express and Ground. Read 2026-08-11.
- Military Postal Service Agency, MPSA home — USPS-only channel for military post offices. Read 2026-08-11.
Common questions
Does FedEx ship to APO or FPO addresses?
No. FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery do not deliver to APO, FPO or DPO addresses. The Military Postal Service Agency accepts only USPS for the last leg to a military post office, so a FedEx label to an APO does not deliver.
What is the FedEx Ground Economy exception?
FedEx Ground Economy is the exception because it hands parcels to USPS for final delivery. A parcel injected into Ground Economy for an APO ZIP reaches the address through USPS, not through a FedEx driver.
How do I ship to an APO through USPS?
Address the parcel to the service member with the unit and box, then APO, FPO or DPO with the state abbreviation AA, AE or AP and the military ZIP. Attach PS Form 2976 or 2976-A customs form and pay the domestic Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express or Ground Advantage rate.
Are UPS deliveries to APO different?
No. UPS is on the same footing as FedEx for military mail; standard UPS services do not deliver to APO, FPO or DPO. The USPS Military Postal Service is the only channel authorised for final delivery.
Do the same size limits apply as domestic?
USPS applies the domestic size and weight limits for military mail at domestic prices. The 70-pound weight cap and 108-inch length-plus-girth limit stand. Some APO destinations further restrict specific goods; USPS Publication 141 lists the country-by-country rules.