Why You Can't Send Care Packages to FMC Fort Worth (And How to Ship Freight Correctly)
Trying to mail a care package to someone at FMC Fort Worth? The rules are strict, and they can catch you off guard. Here's what's actually allowed, and how to address freight or non-USPS shipments so they reach the right place.
At FMC Fort Worth, inmates cannot receive packages from home unless there is prior written approval from the inmate's unit team or another authorized staff member. That means most boxes you put together yourself (snacks, clothing, toiletries, electronics) will be turned away at the door. If you believe there's a legitimate reason to send something in, have your loved one ask their unit team first. They'll need to find out exactly what's allowed and how the approval must be documented before you ship anything.
Exceptions: The only packages an inmate may receive from home are those containing release clothing and authorized medical devices. These still need to be handled the right way, so confirm what the institution expects before you send them.
Books and magazines follow a different rule than care packages. At FMC Fort Worth, magazines and hardback or paperback books must be sent directly from the publisher. Order a book and ship it from your home address, or mail a used copy yourself? It will likely be rejected because it didn't come straight from the publisher.
Shipping freight or using a non-USPS carrier for something that needs to reach FMC Fort Worth? The institution directs shippers to use a specific warehouse addressing format. The key detail on the label: address it to a staff name and include "ATTN: WAREHOUSE" exactly as the institution provides it. This routes the delivery to the correct intake point instead of the regular mail flow.
- Get the correct warehouse label format. Use the institution’s freight and non‑USPS instructions, including “STAFF NAME ATTN: WAREHOUSE,” as provided by FMC Fort Worth.
- Confirm the exact details before you ship. Make sure you have the right staff name and any other identifiers the institution wants included for that specific shipment.
- Book the shipment as freight or non‑USPS delivery. When you set up the shipment with your carrier, use the warehouse format on the label so it routes to the warehouse rather than standard mail processing.
- Keep your shipment records. Save the tracking number, carrier receipt, and a copy of the address label in case staff need help locating the delivery.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Call the facility to confirm the current visiting schedule before you head out (or before you schedule anything time-sensitive).
- ✓ If you’re shipping freight or non‑USPS, verify the warehouse addressing format you plan to use, including the “STAFF NAME ATTN: WAREHOUSE” line.
- ✓ Double-check the person’s identifying details you’re using (for example, correct spelling of their name and register number) so a shipment does not get hung up for mismatched information.
- ✓ Keep copies of approvals, receipts, and tracking information so you can follow up if a shipment is delayed.
Verify before you go: Call to confirm the visiting schedule before you leave home. The Warden may restrict or cancel visits for safety concerns, severe weather, or other incidents. The visiting-schedule phone number listed by the facility is 603-342-4000.
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