Packing up and shipping out

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 2d Force Support Squadron equipment rental now offers packing and shipping services for Barksdale Airmen.

Equipment rental offers both Postal Service and United Parcel Service deliver a variety of convenient shipping options on base.

"Not only do we accept UPS packages, but if customers don't have time to wait in line at the post office and they have to send a postal package, we are right here on base and we'll take it to the mail box for them," said Michelle Jerome, 2d FSS equipment rental manager.

Airmen may bring prepackaged items to ship or the staff at equipment rental will pack it for them. The staff will pack hard-to-wrap or fagile items, large or awkwardly shaped objects.

"We have packing supplies here for sale," said Ms. Jerome. "The price depends on the size of the box, and we can pack boxes as large as wardrobes. We will also pack and ship large items like bikes and golf clubs.

Packages will be accepted seven days a week and shipped out same day or the following business day. Airmen may drop off their shipments during equipment rental's normal business hours; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"It doesn't matter what time of the day it is, anytime we are open we will ship a package," said Ms. Jerome.

Many Airmen who are deploying or permanently changing station can use this service to send items ahead, and with delivery confirmation Airmen can be sure their belongings will be waiting for them upon their arrival.

Ms. Jerome says spouses of deployed Airmen frequent the facility for packing and shipping purposes.

"Wives who want to mail care packages to their husbands come in often," she said. "We are different from similar services downtown because we know where things are going to deployed locations and we can get them there right away."

Another benefit to military families are lower prices than that of similar businesses off base.

"Our fee is a lot lower than downtown cause we are trying to provide our Airmen a service," said Ms. Jerome. "We are especially happy to provide it as a convenience for all deployed families."

Many customers find the convenience of having the service on base close to their place of business the biggest advantage.

"My daughter lives out of state, and I have a brand new granddaughter," said Sue O'Neil, 2d FSS Arts and Crafts Center operations clerk. "So I've got to send lots of packages. I prefer the on base service to off base because of the convenience, I work here on base and it's a lot easier to bring stuff to work and drop it off afterwards and let them take care of it for me."

In addition, equipment rental also still offers various rental equipment at lower prices, firewood for sale and they are a repair and service center for many small engine and lawn and garden brands.

For more information about the packing and shipping services contact the equipment rental office at 456-3426.