USPS created Media Mail in 1938 as a cheaper way to mail books – originally intended to encourage the distribution of educational materials through the mail.
Over the years, as technology has evolved and the way information is distributed has changed, the classification of Media Mail has been modified to include materials such as movies and computer media.
Although Media Mail takes longer to reach its destination than First-Class Mail, it is much less expensive, making it a very attractive option. But, because the price is too low, the USPS has set strict limits on what does and does not qualify as media mail.
Media mail is a cost-effective way to send media materials through the USPS. You can send books, video tapes, DVDs, CDs, printed music and other recordings via Media Mail, as long as they weigh less than 70 pounds. Although the cost of sending these items via media mail is not high, they may take longer to reach their destination.
However, one disadvantage of Media Mail that needs to be noted is that USPS has the right to open and inspect your package to check whether the system has been abused.
Therefore, you should not post advertisements (except the statement in the book with the book) or other non-media materials through Media Mail, because you may send the package back to you due to insufficient postage.
Even if a birthday card is included in the package, it will cause the package to be returned because the card is not a media format approved by the USPS.(Remember that anyone sending unauthorized mail via media mail runs the risk of being charged with mail fraud!)
We learned that media mail has strict requirements about the contents of packages, so now let’s see what the rules actually are.
By the way,USPS Media Mail is a domestic service that serves
According to USPS, the following media are allowed to be shipped by media mail:
And now let’s take a look at what doesn’t count as media mail:
The maximum combined length and circumference is 108″. This means that the combined distance measured around the longest side and thickest part cannot exceed 108″.(Some items may require a surcharge; this includes printing in excess of 25 pounds.)
When media mail is mentioned, library mail are usually mentioned as well, since the two shipping services are somewhat similar.
USPS Library Mail is an economical method of shipping for schools, museums, libraries, and other similar nonprofit organizations. They use this service primarily to ship items borrowed from one another.
The maximum mailing limit for library mail is 70 pounds (which, same as media mail), includes recordings, academic papers, and media related to these at a very low cost.
USPS will provide additional services for library mail, including insurance, USPS tracking, signature confirmation, COD, return receipts, and delivery restrictions. Proof of mailing, providing proof of shipment and special handling of fragile items.
There is no doubt that library mail services are also content-restricted:
1)Eligible Senders and Addressees:
Each item must show the name of the school, college, university, public library, museum, or the name of a nonprofit religious, educational, scientific, charitable (public benefit), agricultural, labor, veteran, or fraternal organization or association in the address or return address.
2)Qualified Mailings of library mail:
Delivery time is an average of 2-8 business days if within the United States.However, this is not a guaranteed service; delivery may be delayed.
Media Mail was created to distribute educational materials in a cost-effective manner. It is offered through the USPS; you can send educational items such as books, videos, CDs, printed music, magazines, and other items that weigh less than 70 pounds.
This service is reasonably priced and can be used as an alternative to regular postage. However, shipping is restricted because only educational materials are allowed. These packages cannot contain any advertising materials or cartoons, as they are not considered educational materials.
Another point to consider is that media mail items are not insured and can be mailed for inspection.The USPS reserves the right to open and inspect your package to check for abuse of the system, including, for example, items that are not on its approved list of items.
Unfortunately, when packages are inspected, they are usually poorly packaged prior to delivery to the customer. Will see in some customer reports that the original shipping package was resealed or tied so poorly that the box or envelope was not delivered to the recipient empty.
Media Mail is more affordable than first-class service, and this may be the most affordable option. With a shipping weight limit of 70 pounds instead of less than 16 ounces, it’s a good option for heavier packages involving large books and multiple products.
First Class is much more expensive, and customers must select Priority Mail to exceed that weight limit, which can be even more expensive.
To sum up,here are the pros and cons of the media mail service:
PROS: Significantly more cost effective than Priority Mail. For example, for media mail, a package that costs $4.59 would cost $11.95 via Priority Mail.
CONS: slow delivery, risk of inspection and material damage, no insurance, no compensation for loss
What is USPS delivery confirmation? USPS Delivery Confirmation can help you track and confirm your package by telling you the date and time of delivery or that a delivery attempt was made. This is also known as “USPS Tracking”.
Delivery Confirmation/ USPS Tracking is useful in many situations, such as when you are shipping high value merchandise and want to know when a package will be delivered or want your customers to know when they should expect it to be shipped.
Delivery confirmation/ USPS tracking is included in many USPS services.
(Packages must be larger than ¾ inch thick. Thinner contents shall be placed and sent in a sturdy box or container and shall not be deformed or collapse into flat or letter-sized pieces during handling and shipping.)
What is USPS Signature Confirmation?The signature confirmation will help you track and confirm your package by informing you of the date and time of shipment and the recipient. You can use this information for up to one year after delivery.
However, it is important to know that Signature Confirmation does not speed up delivery time or provide any other tracking information.
Signature Confirmation is best suited for shippers who like peace of mind. While this service does not require that the intended recipient be the person signing the package, the service allows the sender to confirm that the recipient actually received it manually and that it was not placed on a door step or in a hallway.
And tracking information for signature confirmation can be accessed online or over the phone.
Here are the rules to be aware of when calculating prices:
Library Mail—Retail
Large Envelopes & Parcels
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