Introduction
Media Mail service is designed to assist users in sending educational resources quickly, efficiently, and at an affordable rate. However, its services are specific. People who want to utilize the Media Mail service should get well acquainted with its guidelines to send mail easily and avoid additional expenses. In this article, we’ll provide all the detail as to what to ship using media mail.
What Can You Ship With Media Mail?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides Media Mail as a service to help clients mail learning material across the nation. It is commonly used by those who want to send documents, which are sometimes very heavy given their low significance. Due to its cheap rate some persons try to slip prohibited items into sealed packages, which is usually unsuccessful as USPS ensures in-depth inspection of packages. Below are items you can ship.
Approved Items
- Books (at least 8 pages).
- CDs and DVDs contain both audio and video recordings.
- books, journals, and music manuscripts, and also play scripts.
- music pieces.
- Prerecorded material on computer-readable media, along with instructions or scripts created specifically for the use of such media.
- films of a width of sixteen millimeters or less.
- Printed materials for objective tests and their related accessories.
- Reference charts for teaching that are printed.
- The medical information on loose-leaf pages and in binders that will be distributed to doctors, clinics, medical institutions, and medical students.
Things You Cannot Ship
- Comic books
- You can not ship Puzzles as they are viewed as entertainment materials.
- Video games or classic board games
- Vintage magazines containing ads although these ads may be old and invalid are not allowed.
- Flashcards can be sent, however, you are not permitted to send additional school supplies like blank binders and writing materials.
- Blank tapes, CDs, and DVDs
- Advertising materials
- Clothing
Tips For Packaging Your Shipment
- You must meet the USPS load capacity standards when boxing your books for Media Mail, and avoid including prohibited objects like commercials inside the package or wrapper.
- Flat cardboard envelopes, padded envelopes, and boxes are all alternatives for Media Mail packaging.
- A Media Mail package can only weigh up to 70 pounds and a minimum of 108inches
- The Mail price cannot be combined with approved Media items and ineligible things in the same parcel such as a greeting card, this attracts an extra fee. Although, notes will be permitted if it relates to an approved item to be shipped.
- Shipments must include both the sender’s and recipient’s full addresses.
- Ensure to seal your boxes or envelopes properly
Media Mail Cost
Media mail runs cost-effective services making it easy for users to ship their packages affordably and stress-free.
The weight of the package to be mailed determines the price. Note that the price doesn’t depend on the recipient’s location.
Below is an example of weight and relative cost estimate
1lb $3.19
10 lb $8.86
20 lb $15.16
30 lb $21.46
40 lb $27.76
50 lb $34.06
60 lb $40.36
70 lb $46.66.
Since prices increase based on each pound of weight, it is advisable to take your package to the office for weighing to get a cost estimate. Note that you should be just below, and not beyond the weight band.
There are often no shipping discounts offered by the software because Media Mail is relatively affordable. However, some companies are likely to acquire lower rates.
When Does Media Mail Arrive?
Despite its effectiveness, Media Mail is not the quickest service. Typically, it takes 2 to 8 working days to deliver. Although, you will not be able to demand a refund of payment if it takes longer. This is because it is not a guaranteed service. The further the location, the longer it takes for your package to deliver.
Although they provide you with the means to track your items, it doesn’t cost an extra fee and this will help you determine their arrival
Conclusion
Media mail is a general service that can be used by anyone. It is one of the best services as fragile materials such as books are shipped safely. However, it has specifications of items that can be shipped and rules which users must follow to obtain its services. It is important to note that packages are strictly checked and the presence of restricted goods attracts a punishable fee. Although the service is not swift with deliveries, a person can track their shipments at no extra cost.
FAQ’s
Are Boxes Inspected Before Shipping?
USPS retains the right to inspect parcels before delivery for prohibited goods. There is no way to predict when a media mail package will be examined because it is up to the postal worker. Sending unauthorized things via Media Mail should be avoided for your safety.
Can I Use USPS Media Mail To Deliver A Book Bundle Package?
People wonder if they can ship book subscriptions using Media Mail. Yes, although only books may be included in subscription boxes nothing else is allowed, such as incentives, clothes, bookmarks, or pens. Also, You cannot ship graphic novels and comic books using this service.
