Mail yule gifts early to soldiers

For military service members stationed around the globe, holiday gifts are a big morale boost. To help the families and friends of U.S. military personnel, the U.S. Postal Service offers a discount on its largest priority mail flat-rate box.

The recommended mailing date for the most economical postage to overseas military installations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, is Nov. 13.

The domestic mail price for the priority mail large flat-rate box is $13.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is $11.95.

Additional discounts are available for customers printing their priority mail postage labels online at usps.com/clicknship.

To ensure delivery of holiday cards and packages by Dec. 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas, the Postal Service recommends accessing the holiday mailing schedule for servicemen and women overseas at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/welcome.htm.