Cheapest Way to Ship Books (Media Mail Alternatives)

Shipping Books: The Options

Books are heavy but compact—perfect for certain shipping methods. Let's find the cheapest.

USPS Media Mail: The Classic Choice

What Qualifies:

• Books (no advertising except incidental)
• Sound recordings
• Recorded video
• Computer-readable media
• Printed music

What Doesn't Qualify:

• Magazines (generally)
• Newspapers
• Video games
• CDs with non-music content

Media Mail Rates (2026)

Pros: ✅ Incredibly cheap ✅ Up to 70 lbs ✅ Includes tracking

Cons: ❌ Slow (2-8 business days) ❌ Subject to inspection ❌ No insurance included ❌ No expedited option

When Media Mail Isn't Best

Scenario 1: Single Paperback (6 oz)

First Class is faster for only $0.20 more.

Scenario 2: Urgent Delivery Needed Media Mail can take 8+ days. If buyer needs faster:

• First Class (under 16 oz): 2-5 days
• Priority Mail: 1-3 days

Rate Comparison: 2 lb Book

For non-urgent: Media Mail wins For faster: USPS Ground is reasonable

Media Mail Inspection Risk

USPS Can Open Your Package

If they suspect non-qualifying content:

• Package opened and inspected
• Non-qualifying = postage due to recipient
• Bad customer experience

Avoid Issues:

• Only use for qualifying items
• Clear labeling
• Manifest what's inside

Alternatives for Book Sellers

High Volume Options:

• Library Rate - For libraries only
• Bound Printed Matter - For catalogs, similar
• Marketing Mail - Bulk advertising

For Regular Sellers:

• Media Mail for eligible items
• First Class for light books
• Ground Advantage for heavier/urgent

Packaging Books Properly

Light Books (1-2):

• Cardboard stiffener
• Poly mailer or bubble mailer
• $0.25-0.50 packaging cost

Multiple/Heavy Books:

• Snug-fitting box
• Minimal void fill
• Paper wrap for protection
• $0.50-1.50 packaging cost

Amazon Book Sellers

FBA vs FBM for Books:

• FBA: Amazon handles, Prime eligible
• FBM: You ship, often via Media Mail

Media Mail for FBM:

• Great for textbooks
• Good for heavy books
• Buyer must accept slow shipping

With Atoship

Media Mail Through Atoship:

• Same low rates
• Easy label generation
• Tracking included
• Compare to alternatives instantly

When to Skip Media Mail:

• Light books (First Class comparable)
• Urgent orders (use Priority)
• Non-qualifying items (music CDs, etc.)

Quick Decision Tree

Is it under 13 oz?
├─ Yes → First Class (almost same price, faster)
└─ No → Is delivery urgent?
         ├─ Yes → Priority or Ground Advantage
         └─ No → Media Mail (cheapest for 1+ lb)

Start Shipping Books Cheaper

Whether Media Mail or alternatives, get the best rates:

Check eligibility

Compare options in Atoship

Choose speed vs cost balance

Print discounted labels

Use Atoship for all your book shipping needs.