Media Mail: USPS Cheap Shipping for Books and Educational Materials

USPS Media Mail offers dramatically lower rates for shipping books and educational materials. This guide explains how to use it properly and maximize savings.

What Is Media Mail?

Overview

Purpose Special USPS service for shipping educational materials at reduced rates.

Cost Savings

• Significantly cheaper than Priority Mail
• Ideal for heavy books
• Cost based on weight
• No zone pricing impact (minimal)

Example Comparison (5 lbs)

• Media Mail: ~$4.50
• Priority Mail: ~$15.00
• Savings: 70%+

History

Background Originally called "Book Rate," Media Mail was created to support education by making educational materials affordable to ship.

What Can You Ship?

Eligible Items

Books

• Printed books
• Textbooks
• Novels
• Reference books
• Religious texts

Educational Materials

• Educational films
• Sound recordings
• Video recordings (educational)
• Printed music

Media

• CDs
• DVDs
• Blu-rays
• Vinyl records

Other

• Computer-readable media (educational)
• Play scripts
• Printed educational charts

What's NOT Eligible

Explicitly Prohibited

• Advertising (even in books)
• Computer drives
• Video games
• Magazines (except bound volumes)
• Newspapers
• General merchandise

Common Mistakes

• Books with advertising inserts
• Computer peripherals
• Non-educational video games
• Items with CDs attached (usually)

Rules and Requirements

Content Restrictions

No Advertising

• Advertising in packages = violation
• Includes promotional inserts
• Product catalogs not allowed
• Even small ads can be problematic

Inspection Rights

• USPS can open and inspect
• Random inspections occur
• Violations result in postage due
• May be at retail rates

Packaging Requirements

Marking

• Clearly mark "Media Mail" on package
• Include sender and recipient
• Weight clearly visible if requested

Packaging Types

• Boxes
• Padded mailers
• Poly mailers (durable enough)
• Paper wrapping

How to Ship Media Mail

At the Post Office

Process

Package your media

Bring to counter

Request Media Mail

Pay the rate

Get receipt

What to Bring

• Packaged item
• Recipient address
• Payment method

Online (USPS.com)

Steps

Log into USPS.com

Select Create Shipping Label

Choose Media Mail

Enter weight and addresses

Print label

Drop off or schedule pickup

Shipping Software

Using Platforms

• atoship supports Media Mail
• ShipStation
• Pirateship
• Stamps.com

Benefits

• Discounted commercial rates
• Integrated tracking
• Batch processing
• Address validation

Delivery Times

Expected Transit

Timeframe

• 2-8 business days typical
• Can be longer
• Not guaranteed delivery date
• Varies by distance and volume

Why Slower?

• Lower priority than Priority/First Class
• Processed when capacity allows
• May take longer routes

Setting Expectations

For Buyers

• Clearly state shipping method
• Provide estimated delivery range
• Note it's slower but economical
• Update tracking when available

Pricing Structure

Rate Chart (2024)

Weight-Based Pricing

• 1 lb: ~$3.50
• 2 lbs: ~$4.00
• 5 lbs: ~$4.50
• 10 lbs: ~$6.00
• 20 lbs: ~$9.00

Notes

• Prices subject to change
• Commercial rates slightly lower
• Very slight zone variation

Cost Comparison

5-Pound Package

Best Practices

When to Use Media Mail

Ideal For

• Selling books online
• Library shipments
• Educational supplies
• Textbook exchanges
• Media collectors

Not Ideal For

• Time-sensitive shipments
• Non-media items
• International (not available)
• High-value items needing speed

Avoiding Problems

Compliance Tips

• Only ship eligible items
• Remove any advertising
• Don't mix with other goods
• Be prepared for inspection

Documentation

• Keep copies of listings
• Note what was shipped
• Retain proof of eligibility

Packaging for Protection

Books Need Protection

• Books can be heavy
• Corners are vulnerable
• Use appropriate packaging
• Consider corner protectors

Weather Protection

• Wrap in plastic
• Use waterproof mailers
• Protect from moisture

Insurance and Tracking

Included Tracking

Yes, Tracking Included

• All Media Mail has tracking
• Updates may be less frequent
• Check USPS website for status

Insurance Options

Default

• No included insurance
• Items at your risk

Additional Insurance

• Can purchase separately
• Add at checkout
• Worth it for valuable items

For Booksellers

Marketplace Considerations

Amazon

• Media Mail is common choice
• Set appropriate handling time
• Consider book condition

eBay

• Popular for used books
• Clearly indicate shipping method
• Factor into pricing

Other Platforms

• Poshmark: Books category
• Mercari: Media category
• Abebooks: Book-specific

Pricing Strategy

Factor Shipping Into Price

• Lower shipping attracts buyers
• Competitive advantage
• Media Mail enables low shipping offers

Free Shipping Consideration

• Often viable with Media Mail
• Higher item price + free shipping
• Test both approaches

Common Questions

Can I include a packing slip?

Yes, basic packing slips are acceptable. No advertising or promotional material.

What if USPS charges extra?

If inspected and ineligible, they'll charge difference to recipient or return to sender.

Is tracking reliable?

Tracking is included but may update less frequently than Priority Mail.

Can I use flat rate boxes?

No, flat rate boxes are for Priority Mail only. Use your own packaging.

International Media Mail?

Not available. Use First Class International or other services.

Media Mail is an excellent option for shipping books and educational materials. Follow the rules, set proper expectations, and enjoy significant savings.