(Label Purchasing issue) No shipping options for "package type: letter" for military addresses

[NatKatCraftsCo]

Hello,

I sell stickers with free USPS First-Class Mail with the package type as letter. I received an order last week from a customer who requested shipping to a APO address, and when trying to purchase shipping labels, I don't have any shipping options when package type of Letter is selected. 

Is there no way to ship letters with tracking to APO addresses? If I change package type to Package, options populate the dropdown, but cost $3+ instead of $.53 compared to letters.

(I also have a screenshot with customers personal info blacked out, but doesn't look like I have permission to upload)

[HunnyBMarket]

I had this happen once and I believe I actually took it to my local post office but you could go to Pirateship and see if they have a better option. 

[NatKatCraftsCo]

I'm trying to ship a letter with tracking, not a package, so Pirateship isn't an option. 

[audreytherese]

I don't know anything about APO addresses, except that they are handled differently. Also, pricing did go up, so you should now expect $.60 instead of $.53. 

[CappuccinoLace · Accepted solution]

It could be a limitation of Etsy Labels for First Class Mail - as this is through Pitney Bowes who may not offer it.

[NatKatCraftsCo]

This is what I was primarily wondering. It does appear that this is the case unfortunately.

[NatKatCraftsCo]

This has turned out to be true! While Pitney Bowes will not accept APO addresses for tracking letters.

After going to my local USPS, you can ship letters to APO address with just a stamp and no custom forms. Obviously no tracking, but in my case my customer was okay with that.

Thanks to everyone who helped!

[JMOldeVintage]

Is the APO shipping address here in the US? While sending an APO letter thru USPS at retail rates (going to the PO) should be "domestic" no matter where it is being delivered to, possibly Etsy's feature with Pitney Bowes only recognizes "true" US zip codes?  

[NanaLetha]

Even though APO addresses have a US zip code, you still need a customs form and therefore have to ship as a package.

[TBQSC]

^^^ EXACTLY THIS ^^^

[ArtDollsbyJD]

Military & Diplomatic Mail | USPS