ABOUT AT MAILING LABELS: Packages (drop and bump boxes) sent to a hiker on the Trail are typically mailed to trail accessible US Post Offices care of general delivery.
Local postmasters will hold properly addressed packages for at least two weeks. Packages can be collected with a valid picture ID.
To make sure your packages arrive at their destination, address labels should include at least:
- the hiker's proper full name (i.e. not a trailname);
- a valid return address;
- a request to "Hold for AT Hiker"; and
- an estimated arrival date.
Packages are typically sent 1st Class or Priority. While a little more expensive, Priority mailing is reliable and allows hikers to "bump" packages further along without incurring a second mailing expense.
First class packages require at least a week's clearance to reliably proceed a hiker. Priority typically takes 3-4 days to reach its destination. Ground mail (i.e. second class) can take ten or more days.
Because mail can be returned after two weeks of non-collection (and is in fact swiftly returned by certain Post Offices -- most notoriously at Linden, VA) hikers should take some care in making sure packages don't get sent too early.
Supply boxes can include clothing, batteries, dry goods (including dehydrated meals) as well as shelf stable food (e.g. nuts, raisins, and some cheeses). Unless you are an expert on Postal regulations, however, packages *cannot* include flamables such as white gas or denatured alcohol.
