Media Mail

Media Mail is a cost-effective USPS shipping service specifically for books, recorded media, and educational materials. It offers significantly lower rates than other services but has strict content restrictions and longer delivery times (2-8 business days).

What Can Ship Media Mail

Allowed Items

• Books (at least 8 pages)
• CDs and DVDs (recorded content)
• Vinyl records
• Printed music (sheet music)
• Test materials
• Computer-readable media
• Scripts and manuscripts
• Educational reference charts
• Medical information for blind persons
• Sound recordings
• Video recordings

Not Allowed

• Advertising materials
• Blank media (unrecorded)
• Computer drives/hardware
• Video games
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Any merchandise
• Packing peanuts

Media Mail Rates

Current Pricing Structure

Maximum weight: 70 lbs

Cost Comparison

Shipping 5 books (4 lbs):

Media Mail: $6.17
Priority Mail: $14.00+
Ground Advantage: $10.00+
UPS Ground: $15.00+

Savings: $8-10+ per package

Media Mail Requirements

Packaging

• Sturdy packaging required
• Must protect contents
• Can be inspected by USPS
• Leave unsealed or note “May be opened for postal inspection”

Labeling

Proper marking:
┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│ FROM: Your Name                  │
│       123 Main St                │
│                                  │
│ TO:   Customer Name              │
│       456 Oak Ave                │
│                                  │
│ [MEDIA MAIL]                     │
│                                  │
└─────────────────────────────────┘

Media Mail Restrictions

Content Restrictions

• No advertising - Catalogs, flyers prohibited
• No merchandise - Can’t include promotional items
• Educational only - Must be educational content
• No blank media - Must be recorded/printed

Incidental Advertising

Allowed:

• Publisher’s name/logo
• Book jacket with synopsis
• Standard copyright information

Not Allowed:

• Promotional inserts
• Coupons
• Catalogs
• Marketing materials

USPS Inspection

What to Expect

• USPS can open and inspect Media Mail
• Packages may be marked “May be opened”
• Inspection at any point in transit
• Random or suspicious package checks

If Contents Violate Rules

• Additional postage charged
• May be returned to sender
• Delays in delivery
• Potential penalties for fraud

Media Mail Transit Time

Expected Delivery

• 2-8 business days
• Often closer to 5-8 days
• No guaranteed delivery date
• Can take longer during peak seasons

Factors Affecting Speed

• Distance shipped
• USPS facility workload
• Time of year
• Route efficiency

Using Media Mail Effectively

Best For

• Booksellers
• Libraries
• Schools
• Music collectors
• Film collectors
• Educational materials sellers

Not Recommended For

• Time-sensitive deliveries
• Mixed content shipments
• Items requiring tracking reliability
• International shipping

Tracking and Insurance

Tracking

• Basic tracking included (recent change)
• Scan events limited
• Not as detailed as Priority Mail
• Delivery confirmation

Insurance

• Not included
• Can purchase additional
• $100 coverage: ~$2.00
• Recommended for valuable items

Media Mail Tips

For Sellers

1. Clearly understand allowed contents
2. Don’t include promotional materials
3. Use sturdy packaging
4. Keep invoices/packing lists minimal
5. Mark packages appropriately
6. Consider insurance for valuable items

Common Mistakes

Media Mail Alternatives

When to Use Something Else

USPS Library Mail

• Even cheaper for libraries
• Specific requirements
• Institution-to-institution
• Limited public access