MFRC How to Send Morale Mail

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the hours of the Esquimalt MFRC?
  The Esquimalt MFRC has two locations: one is located in Esquimalt, the other is in Colwood. Click here for hours of operation.
• Are wrapping supplies provided?
  Wrapping supplies (i.e. tape, paper, scissors) are available at our Colwood and Signal Hill MFRC locations as well as at the Fleet and Base mail offices.
• Can I send liquids (i.e. beverages, hot sauce, pop, etc.)?
  No. Liquids are a prohibited item. For a complete list, please see the Prohibited Items section below.
• What is the mailing address for my deployed military member?

  Your mailing address will be one of the following, depending on where your military member is deployed:

  RANK / NAME / INITIAL HMCS (SHIP’S NAME), MESS #    PO BOX 17000 STN FORCES VICTORIA, BC V9A 7N2

  OPERATION NAME (####) RANK / NAME / INITIAL PO BOX (####), STN FORCES    BELLEVILLE, ONT K8N5W6

  RANK / NAME / INITIAL HMCS (SHIP’S NAME), MESS # PO BOX 99000, STN FORCES HALIFAX, NS B3K 5X5

• Why do I have to list the contents on the box?
  Contents are listed on the box to help the Fleet Mail Office know what to expect to see when they x-ray the parcel.  If they see something on the x-ray that wasn’t listed on the contents list they will pull the package aside and contact the sender.
• Why do I have to put my phone number on the box?
  Phone numbers must be on the box so that the Fleet Mail Office (FMO) can contact the sender if any questions arise from the x-ray photos. FMO can call the sender to confirm items in the parcel and acknowledge that items are ok to be sent.  If items are deemed prohibited, FMO can call the sender to arrange for the parcel to be picked from FMO or FMO may dispose of the items.
• Do I have to pay if mailing through Canada Post?
  Yes. There may be exceptions for Christmas parcels, check with your local MFRC for information or call the Fleet Mail Office at 250-363-2176.
• If mailing through Canada Post, how much does it cost?
  Regular Canada post rates will apply when shipping through Canada Post. However, you only pay the cost from your location to the Canadian destination of that parcel, not the location of your deployed member.
• How many parcels can I send?
  The number of parcels is unlimited. Multiple smaller parcels are preferred to one large parcel.
• Are there defined size and weight limits for my parcels?
  Size: Maximum dimensions for a parcel are as follows: length = 100cm, width = 40cm and height = 40cm. The maximum weight for parcels is 20 kilograms.  
• Can I send powders (i.e. protein powder, foot powder, baby powder)?
  The sender will have to verify if these items are acceptable in the country where the member is deployed or visiting.  Usually, Middle Eastern countries don’t allow any powders, this would include foot and protein powder. If the family member wants to send these items they can, however, they just have to remember that those items, if prohibited, may be seized at the border of these countries. It’s different if the member orders the item from a supplier and has it shipped to themselves vs a family member purchasing it and sending out as morale mail. Suppliers are licensed to sell and ship these items. Our suggestion, when sending powder items is to send in their own box to avoid seizure of your entire morale mail contents.
• Can I, as the military member, order items online to be shipped through the morale mail system?
  Yes, if ordering from a company such as Amazon that will accept the PO Box STN Forces address, these items will be accepted at the main gate and processed at Fleet Mail Office. Please note: You may have difficulties ordering items from other companies that do not accept the PO Box Station Forces as a delivery address.
• Can I order items online for my deployed military member to be shipped through the morale mail system?
  Yes, if ordering from a company such as Amazon that will accept the PO Box STN Forces address, these items will be accepted at the main gate and processed at Fleet Mail Office. Please note: You may have difficulties ordering items from other companies that do not accept the PO Box Station Forces as a delivery address.