Problem with ZIP codes to Schofield units fixed, officials say

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Staff Writer

Packages shipped to Schofield Barracks soldiers in Iraq have been returning to their shippers because several ZIP codes in the Middle East had been shut down, rejecting any mail sent to those addresses.

The problem has been fixed and any recent packages that are returned to Hawai'i will automatically be sent out again, said Lynne Moore, U.S. Postal Service manager of consumer affairs and claims.

Anyone who has had a package returned to their home can take it to the post office to resend at no extra cost, as long as the package has not been opened, Moore said.

"Apparently the military closed three or four ZIP codes going into Iraq for about a week," she said. "We don't know why, but now the ZIP codes are active."

Moore did not now how many pieces of mail were affected.

Each military unit receives its own ZIP code and the mail is delivered through the military FPO (fleet post office) and APO (Army or Air Force post office) system, said Chief Brad Morrison, military mail liaison.

Some APO and FPO ZIP codes can be activated or deactivated as needed and others are permanent, such as the ones for military installations, Morrison said. Attached to the five-number code is a four-number trailer that identifies the unit.

The purpose of the APO and FPO addresses is to treat mail sent overseas as domestic mail, with charges in line with domestic mailing costs, he said.

Mail is shipped to a central location and turned over to the military.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.