One of our members in Wisconsin Traditional Archers has taken up a project to send some traditional equipement to our troops at a base in Iraq.  He has the contact in place, and has done a great job in putting together a package of bows, arrows, and all the necessary accessories.  

Has anyone had any experience in shipping large packages overseas?  In particular, one piece bows?

offshore shipping goes by "dimensional weight", meaning size typically counts much more than weight.  one piece bows will cost plenty, check out the  www.usps.com  site and international prices.

Joe, you should get a reduced price due to it being APO. I`m not sure, but it seems the packages we send cost about the same as sending a box to DC then it`s on them, if that make sense.
My buddy just got back and we`d send him stuff every month and I think the most i payed was around $15.
Thanks to you and your friend for remebering our hero`s

I did play around on there Rob using the shipping calculator.  I couldn't even get it to accept the size package I input - it said there were no services available for the type of package I was trying to enter.  

From what I am finding the maximum length for Global Express Guaranteed is 46", and of course that won't work for one piece bows.  Are there any other options for shipping to an APO?

The last few bows we have sent to Iraq,have been between $30 and $40 with insurance.These were sent to military personel.
Bill

lots also depends on the shipping rules for the country the goods are going to.  i ship big items (guitars) to all continents and the pricing varies enormously based on the dimensional weight and the country.

Use the post office their website is useless, also show the contents as "archery supplies" it will not cost any more than a domestic shipment.

Joe if he has a contact there with an apo address the shipping will be cheaper.

I'm stationed in Germany and getting a bow shipped over here is just like getting a bow shipped to NY.  APO is an American Post Office Overseas and just like shipping to the states with the exception that you have to do a customs sheet.

On that customs sheet you will want to put "sporting goods" and not archery equipment as that can make them deny delivery.  Doesn't always happen but it has a few times.

If you have any other questions just send me a PM.

BDA

Whip, I was fortunate enough to share a camp 3 years ago with 'John Vasos', He set up 'camp cuervo archery club' in Iraq. You can reach him @  jvasos@yahoo.com. I'm sure he will be able to let you know the best way o go about this. Great guy.
I think I have seen him post on Tradgang too.

Hope this helps.

I just sent a one piece bow to Afghanistan.  Because of the size of the package I was required to send it by Priority Mail for $41.95.  I was not given any other options at the Post Office itself, although their website said Parcel Post was permissible.  I'm going to be refletching and mailing some arrows, and expect to pay through the nose again.

Whip, the only way to send to an APO or FRO is via the US Postal Service.  I have sent and received lots of packages that way to include one piece longbows and recurves.  

One piece bows can be costly.  I would also ensure they are packed very well.  These packages go through the ringer before they get to the consignee.  

And John is a great resource for this type of support in Iraq.

Good Luck

I just shipped an old Shakespeare Wonderbow to Afghanistan in a box that was roughly 60"x7"x4" USPS Priority and it was less than $11 insured for $100.

By the way CavScoutArcher, update us on your range progress and getting folks hooked on archery.  

Oh...it was to an APO address.

Our archery club just sent a box of [52] arrows to Afghanistan weighed 4 pounds and cost $11.00 APO address.

Thanks for the help everyone!

Bud,  
Some more updated pics will becoming later today!
Had a busy week with alot of rain and missions. Got some good pics yesterday though.  

Also a word of caution when shipping one pieces, be sure they are in a sturdy box with lots of packing. I had recieved a one pieced from Bud that was in great shape and everything was groovy. On the other hand. I had one of my Browning Nomads show up here and the box was crushed, breaking the bottom limb. The box was well packed but something heavy along the way overcame the poor bow and smashed it. Its a crap shoot when shipping a once piece bow. Something to keep in mind.

Its great that you are helping out the troops. Its hard to explain how much it means to us all over here. We really can't thank you all enought.
Thank you everone who supports our troops.
Aaron

QuoteOriginally posted by Limey Chris:
Joe, you should get a reduced price due to it being APO. I`m not sure, but it seems the packages we send cost about the same as sending a box to DC then it`s on them, if that make sense.

That's how it was when I wan in Iraq.  Pretty much the same rates as it is to the east coast.  Be sure to pack it well though.  They get beat up pretty bad on the way over.