Media Mail: The cheapest book shipping option

The Cheapest Way to Ship Books

Ship books for as low as $3.49 with USPS Media Mail. The best rates for bookstores, libraries, and online book sellers.

Typical: 0.5 - 10 lbs
Size: Padded mailers to book boxes

No credit card required • No monthly fees • No contracts

Common Challenges When Shipping Books

Heavy textbooks
Protecting dust jackets
Bulk book shipping
First edition protection
International book rate

Best Shipping Options for Books

Compare rates and choose the best option for your shipment

Recommended
USPS

Media Mail

Price Range:$3.49 - $12.00
Delivery:2-8 days

Books, textbooks, and educational materials. Cheapest option, slower delivery.

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USPS

First-Class Mail

Price Range:$3.50 - $5.00
Delivery:2-5 days

Paperbacks under 13 oz. Faster than Media Mail.

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USPS

Priority Mail

Price Range:$8.00 - $15.00
Delivery:1-3 days

Valuable first editions or time-sensitive deliveries.

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How to Pack Books for Shipping

Follow these tips to ensure your items arrive safely

1

Use Rigid Packaging

Books need sturdy boxes or rigid mailers to prevent bending. Cardboard book mailers work well.

2

Wrap in Plastic First

Protect books from moisture by wrapping in a plastic bag before boxing, especially for valuable editions.

3

Protect Corners

Book corners are vulnerable. Add cardboard corner protectors for hardcovers and first editions.

4

Size the Box Right

Don't leave room for books to shift. Fill gaps with packing paper or use a properly sized mailer.

Protection Checklist

Use cardboard or rigid mailers
Wrap in plastic for moisture protection
Add corner protectors for valuable books
Fill all empty space to prevent shifting
Consider insurance for rare or first editions
Mark as fragile for dust-jacket books

Why Ship Books with Atoship?

Save Up to 89%

Get commercial shipping rates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx without volume requirements.

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Free Insurance

Get up to $100 free coverage on USPS Priority Mail shipments.

Books Shipping FAQ

What is USPS Media Mail?

Media Mail is USPS's cheapest rate for shipping books, films, and educational materials. It's 40-60% cheaper than other options but takes 2-8 days.

Can I include anything with books in Media Mail?

No! Media Mail is only for educational media. Including promotional materials or non-book items can result in postage due to the recipient.

How do I ship heavy textbooks cheaply?

Media Mail is best for heavy books regardless of weight. A 10 lb textbook ships for around $8-10 via Media Mail, vs $20+ for Priority Mail.

Should I use Media Mail for single paperbacks?

For lightweight paperbacks under 13 oz, First-Class Mail may be faster at a similar price. Compare rates in the calculator.

How do I protect first editions?

Wrap in acid-free paper, use cardboard sandwich, place in rigid mailer or box, and consider insurance plus signature confirmation.

Can I ship comics with Media Mail?

Yes! Comics and graphic novels qualify for Media Mail. Use comic bags and boards for protection, then ship in rigid mailers.

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No credit card required • No monthly fees • Ship in 5 minutes