How to Send & Ship a Pen Pack
Helpful tips and advice for sending your loved one their pen pack to a Federal Institution.
Packaging a Pen Pack
Send Clean Items
MAKE SURE YOU ARE ONLY SENDING CLEAN ITEMS.
Sending previously worn clothing? Check the pockets and remove anything inside them and wash and dry the clothing beforehand.
Sending previously worn shoes? Clean the outside, spot check the inside and wipe the soles clean.
Any dirt or any markings on items could be deemed suspicious, which will only delay your loved one getting their pen pack, or it can also result in refusal of them receiving the item or, in worst cases, the entire pen pack and its content will be returned to sender.
Include Receipts
It’s important to note that there is a monetary total limit of the pen pack, so for example, if the TV you are sending was used and you purchased it off Facebook Marketplace, print off the listing from Facebook Marketplace and tape it to the television so it doesn’t get estimated at a higher value.
Include the Necessary Paperwork
Do not forget to include the necessary paperwork inside the box. This could include forms such as the Attestation form including your loved one’s FPS number and/or photocopies of your government identification.
Double and triple check to make sure you haven’t missed filling out areas of the paperwork and aren’t forgetting to include what else is required.
The Box Itself
You may feel overwhelmed with the amount of items you have to send and that’s totally understandable. The easiest step is to acquire a box (or two) large enough to include ALL the items you have collected.
DO NOT overfill the box or make it too heavy. It must be “light” enough to be lifted without strenuous effort.
Also, make the box is properly secured with packing tape.
Find a Large Box for Shipping a Pen Pack
If you do not have a large box available to you, you can source one from family or friends or you can simply just purchase a box from a moving store or a store like Canadian Tire.
Shipping Multiple Boxes
While sending belongings in ONE box would be ideal, sometimes one box isn’t big enough to hold all the items.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing to note is that if you are sending more than one box, you MUST send them at the same time. You cannot mail one box one day then return to the post office/shipping office the next to send other box(es).
If you are sending more than one box, it’s recommended that you write “Box 1/2” or “Box 2/2”, etc. on the outside and label both boxes as outlined below.
Labelling the Pen Pack Box
Address your box(es) to the inmate c/o of the Federal Institution’s name and address. You may be required to include their institutional number or FPS.
DO NOT forget to include your name and return address on the outside. Boxes that do not have the sender’s information on the outside will not be accepted.
Mailing the Pen Pack to the Institution
Double, triple check the contents inside the box, ensuring:
You have included the necessary paperwork
The box is sealed and is not too heavy to lift
You have labelled the outside of the box with the address it’s to be sent to AND you have included your name and return address
Once completed, you’re ready to ship!
The most affordable option is via Canada Post, but you can ship via FedEx, UPS, etc. The most important thing is that if you are shipping multiple boxes, you are shipping them TOGETHER, at the SAME TIME.