Of every package that crosses our counter between now and Christmas, two kinds have the least room for error: boxes headed to military APO/FPO addresses and gifts going overseas. Their deadlines arrive weeks before everyone else’s — for standard services, think November, not December.

For families around Thornton, Northglenn, and Broomfield with someone deployed or relatives abroad, this is the week to act.

Military care package packing and shipping services at AIM Mail Center in Broomfield, near Thornton and Northglenn, Colorado

Military APO/FPO boxes

  • They ship through USPS with a customs form, even though they’re going to a U.S. military address.
  • Standard delivery windows close in early-to-mid November for Christmas arrival. Exact dates vary by service level — call us at (303) 280-6245 or come in and we’ll check the current cutoffs.
  • Use the exact address format your service member gave you, including unit and box numbers.
  • Sturdy snacks, socks, hygiene items, photos, and letters ship great. We’ll help with packing and the customs form at the counter.

International gifts

  • Economy services: ship by mid-November for most countries.
  • Express (DHL, FedEx International): buys you into early December, at a higher cost. Our DHL desk covers most of the world.
  • Every box needs a customs form with specific contents, honest values, and the recipient’s phone number — the single most common missing item. We fill it out with you.
  • No homemade food across borders, and check with us before packing anything with batteries, perfume, or liquids. Our international shipping guide has the full list.

Quick answers

Can you do the customs paperwork with me? Yes — that’s the main reason to ship these here instead of online. Bring the recipient’s address, phone number, and a list of contents.

What if I miss the standard deadline? Express international services stay open longer. We’ll show you the options and track it the whole way.

Is a military box expensive to send? APO/FPO ships at domestic USPS rates, which surprises most people — and we stock sturdy boxes in every size right here.

Ship it this week

Bring your box — or the loose contents and we’ll pack it — to AIM Mail Center, 2205 W 136th Ave Ste 106, Broomfield, CO 80023, corner of 136th Ave and Zuni, minutes from Thornton and Northglenn. Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm. (303) 280-6245. These deadlines don’t wait; neither should the box.