Postal 101

  • Published
  • By 86th Communications Squadron
  • 86th Communications Squadron
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 86th Communications Squadron manages postal operations for the entire KMC area, including Ramstein and Kapaun Air Station. The squadron continuously endeavors to make their customers' postal experience as effortless as possible. Customer education is a huge factor in improving service. Consequently, here are some user tips and recommendations to make your visit to our facilities smoother:

Q: How can wait times be reduced at the Finance Windows?

A: Preparation is one of the keys to faster service. Customers will find their waiting time significantly reduced if they ensure customs forms, address labels, package taping, etc., is completed prior to entering the line. In addition, for those in line, there is a limit of even packages per customer. To save time, at any time customers can choose our appointment service. You can easily do this by making the appointment right at customer
service or by calling 480-7857.

Appointments are generally available for customers from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Another excellent option enables customers to go directly to the U.S. Postal Service website, USPS.com, and choose the Print Postage option on the main page. Click-N-Ship is a quick and easy process that allows you to do all the same work the finance window does in the comfort of your home. Then all you do is print out the postage, tape it to the box and bring it to the post office - no waiting in the finance line to pay for postage to send a package.

Q: If I have Click-N-Ship mail, why do I still have to wait to drop it off at a window? Why can't I just drop it off in the lobby and leave?

A: There are several reasons why Click-N-Ship cannot be dropped off in the lobby. Click-N-Ship packages have to be checked for proper weight, postage and required forms such as customs slips to ensure any errors on Click-N-Ship packages are spotted and rectified.

Q: How can wait times be reduced at the Parcel Pickup Window?

A: The window is open between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Our experience indicates that customers arriving at opening times and between 2 and 4 p.m. have very little wait time (the line generally moves fast),
while the greatest wait time is during lunch (between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Monday to Friday) and at the end of the day.

Volunteering at the parcel pickup window is an excellent opportunity to help the lines move rapidly. Customers are always welcome to help out at the Parcel Pick-up window at any time. You must be 14 or older to volunteer. No need to schedule yourself, just come to the window and say you would like to volunteer. It's fun and productive! Dependents are welcome.

Q: I ordered a package two weeks ago and it hasn't arrived yet. Where is it?

A: Rest assured your mail is not lost. Different classes of mail have separate transit times from CONUS to APO and vice versa. Guidelines are:
First Class Mail - Average time one to two weeks.
Priority mail - Average time seven to 10 days, max allotted time 45 days
Space-available, Ground, Freight, Parcel Post, and MPS - Average time four to six weeks, max allotted time 75 days.

Q: Why can't I receive UPS and FedEx to my APO address?

A: The Military Postal Service is an extension of the U.S. Postal Service, and USPS must be paid for any service. UPS and FedEx are private mailing companies that do not pay USPS to deliver mail to your overseas address. 

Q: I have a misplaced or damaged package that was insured, what should I do?

A: You can file a Domestic Claim at the following website, which provides direct access to USPS: www.usps.com/insuranceclaims/online.

Q: What are KMC postal operating hours?

A: The following times are for the Northside and Southside postal facilities on Ramstein:

Finance: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays.
Customer Service: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Fridays, closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Parcel Pickup Window: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays.
Registered Mail: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Fridays, closed Saturdays, Sundays and all Goal/Family Days.
Family/Goal Days: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Federal holidays: Closed

The following times are for the Kapaun AS postal facility:

Finance: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Fridays, closed Saturday and
Sundays.
Customer Service: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Fridays, closed Saturday
and Sundays.
Parcel Pickup Window: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays.
Registered Mail: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Fridays, closed Saturdays, Sundays and all Family/Goal days.
Family/Goal Days: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Federal holidays: Closed

The postal facilities located throughout the KMC work around the clock to provide the best service possible. For concerns regarding service, call 480-7857. We will attempt to resolve
any issue you may have to the best of our ability. Again, we are always looking for volunteers, so if you have spare time, please pitch-in, you will be glad you did.