Why is media mail so cheap?

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!

for instance, Can I use any box for media mail?

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).

significantly, What Cannot be sent Media Mail?

Media Mail rates are limited to the items listed below: Books (at least 8 pages). Sound recordings and video recordings, such as CDs and DVDs. Play scripts and manuscripts for books, periodicals, and music.

also What happens if you abuse Media Mail?

Due to the heavy restrictions of Media Mail, the USPS retains the right to open and inspect packages to check for abuse of the system. If contents violate Media Mail guidelines, then the package may be returned due to insufficient postage or the postage difference may be billed via APV.

Does Media Mail have tracking 2020? With USPS Tracking now included for free, USPS Media Mail still remains the lowest cost option for qualifying items like books, CDs, DVDs etc. If your package qualifies, you can save big with Media Mail.

Table of Contents

What qualifies for Media Mail shipping?

Using Media Mail

Books (at least 8 pages)
16-millimeter or narrower width films.
Printed music and test materials.
Video and sound recordings.
Playscripts and manuscripts.
Printed educational reference charts.
Medical loose-leaf pages and binders.
Computer-readable media.

Can cookbooks be sent Media Mail?

Virtually all cookbooks get media mail, even if there is small incidental advertising for similar from the publisher.

Is Media Mail considered priority mail?

Priority Mail is usually delivered in two days, while Media Mail generally takes longer as it is not considered priority.

Is there a weight limit for Media Mail?

Books shipping as Media Mail may contain incidental book announcements. Packages can weigh up to 70 lbs. and measure up to 108 inches in combined length and distance around the thickest part. A surcharge may be applied to certain items; including printed matter over 25 pounds.

How does Media Mail need to be packaged?

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.

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.

How long does Media Mail take 2020?

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. USPS estimates that Media Mail will arrive in 2 to 10 days.

Can a calendar be sent Media Mail?

Nope, Calendars do not qualify for media mail.

Can I ship clothes with Media Mail?

If you chose Media Mail shipping for an order that contains clothing please be aware that your package is likely to be stopped by the Postal Service. … USPS will charge you for any excess postage they deem necessary before delivering your package.

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.

Can I include a letter in Media Mail?

PaperBackSwap rules preclude including extraneous materials such as advertising, commercial solicitation, political materials, religious tracts, non-Media items, letters or cards.

What is the difference between Library mail and Media Mail?

Just like Media Mail, items sent through Library Mail cannot contain advertising or other non-media materials except for a packing slip. … Just like Media Mail, items sent through Library Mail cannot contain advertising or other non-media materials except for a packing slip.

What class is Media Mail?

Media Mail is a USPS mail class restricted to the delivery of books, film, audio and other recorded media. The mail class is also known as “Book Rate” among book sellers. 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.

Can I ship Media Mail in a priority envelope?

Can I ship media (a book) in a priority mail flat rate envelope through the USPS but choose USPS media mail shipping? NO. Priority Mail Envelopes can only be used for shipping Priority Mail Rates.

Can I ship Media Mail through pirate ship?

There are no discounts available for single-piece Media Mail but you’ll save time by shipping with Pirate Ship.

Is Media Mail slower than first class?

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 taking longer?

Media Mail is a cost-effective way to send media materials through the U.S. Postal Service. … Although you won’t pay as much to send these items via Media Mail, they can take longer to get to their destination. USPS estimates that your item will arrive in 2 to 10 days.

Is Media Mail slower than regular Mail?

Media Mail is the USPS’s more affordable, slower option for shipping CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, books, bound print media consisting of 8 or more pages. Unlike other USPS services, the USPS can inspect the package to make sure the contents are approved materials without first authorizing a search warrant.