Table of Contents
What are the rules for sending media mail?
You can send books, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, printed music and other sound recordings through Media Mail as long as they weigh less than 70 pounds. Although you won’t pay as much to send these items via Media Mail, they can take longer to get to their destination.
Can media mail be shipped in a box?
Yes, you can use a box to put those 8 books in for media mail. Debi, you can use any size box as long as it isn’t a priority mail box (will arrive postage due for the higher priority rate if caught).
How does media mail calculate shipping?
Measure the length plus the girth at its thickest point. Add these two numbers together. If they add up to 108 inches or less, you’ve passed the first test. It’s small enough to ship media mail.
What package do you ship media mail in?
Available for sending small and large packages containing books, film, manuscripts, sound recordings, video tapes, and computer media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes) only. Media Mail cannot contain advertising. Books shipping as Media Mail may contain incidental book announcements. Packages can weigh up to 70 lbs.
Is Media Mail cheaper than regular mail?
When is Media Mail the cheapest shipping option? Generally, Media Mail is the cheapest USPS mail class for shipping heavy items up to 70 lbs. However if you’re shipping packages that weigh 6 ounces or less, First-Class™ Package Service offers the lowest cost along with delivery in 2 to 3 days.
Is Media Mail cheaper than priority?
On the benefits side, though, Media Mail for orders shipped in the United States is usually much less than other methods, which makes it a popular choice. Benefits: Dramatically cost-effective when compared to Priority Mail. For example, a package that costs $4.59 for Media Mail would be $11.95 via Priority Mail.
Do you need special packaging for Media Mail?
Your options for Media Mail packaging include flat cardboard envelopes, padded envelopes and boxes. If you send a book in a Media Mail envelope, you might put a cardboard insert on both sides of the book.
Does USPS actually check media mail?
Another point to consider is that Media Mail items are not insured and are open to postal inspection. The USPS retains the right to open and inspect your package to check for abuse of the system such as including an item not on their approved items list.
What is the difference between priority mail and media mail?
Priority Mail is usually delivered in two days, while Media Mail generally takes longer as it is not considered priority.
Why is Media Mail so much cheaper?
The Postal Service created Media Mail back in 1938 as a less expensive way to mail books – it was originally designed to encourage the flow of educational materials through the mail. Anyone who sends a non-approved item through Media Mail runs the risk of being charged with mail fraud!
Why does Media Mail take so long?
Media mail takes ‘so long’ because it is all trucked mail, meaning it is not loaded onto airplanes like Express and Priority Mail. No mail is ‘left behind’. If you mail a book from your home, or the post office, it is on it’s way that day to a processing and distribution center.
What qualifies as media mail?
What qualifies as Media Mail is books, music and movies that contain only incidental advertising. That means no magazines, no newspapers, no comic books, and no video games. It also means things you wouldn’t ordinarily find in a library.
What is the cheapest shipping option?
For flat rates, the cheapest option is the USPS priority mail. Not only does it deliver your package quickly, but also its prices are the lowest. Additionally, USPS offers a higher maximum for packages that are eligible for its flat-rate. The Cheapest Shipping Company For Next Day Services
How is media mail shipped?
Media Mail is shipped at the same time rate as a Parcel Post. This means that the packages are shipped solely by trucks and may take 7 through 9 days to reach their destination.
Does media mail include tracking?
Simply navigate to the “Packages” tab and select “Media Mail” in the drop-down menu for mail class. You will notice Tracking is included for FREE. With USPS Tracking now included for free, USPS Media Mail still remains the lowest cost option for qualifying items like books, CDs , DVDs etc.