How To Package Media Mail Usps

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Many people ship packages off everyday. However, many people don't know that you can ship packages off in another class besides first. This class is called Media Mail. Media mail is just that—a class where you can ship many of your media items (ex. CD's, books, cassettes, etc.) for lower prices than first class or priority mail.

1
Review the kinds of items the USPS lists as being eligible for Media Mail. The USPS lists the following types of media as eligible for Media Mail:^[1]
- Books that are at least 8 pages.
- Sound recordings and video recordings, in the form of CDs and DVDs.
- Play scripts and manuscripts for books, periodicals, and music.
- Printed music (sheet music).
- Computer-readable media such as CDs containing prerecorded information and guides, or scripts prepared solely for use with such media. This does not include video games
- Sixteen millimeter or narrower width films.
- Printed objective test materials and their accessories.
- Printed educational reference charts.
- Loose-leaf pages and their binders of medical information for doctors, hospitals, medical schools, and medical students.
2

Avoid trying to mail something Media Mail if it doesn't comply with USPS's "no advertisements" rule. Media Mail can't be used to send any media that contains advertisements. This rule is a little fuzzy, however, because incidental mentions of other media within a piece of media are considered okay, as long as it isn't a part of overt advertising for the purpose of selling the media mentioned.^[2]
3
Review the other restrictions on what can be sent via Media Mail. Nothing over 70 pounds can be sent. Computer software and video games are not eligible. Some enclosures are allowed to be sent along with the media that fits in their content guidelines. For example you can include:^[3]
- Bills and invoices.
- A brief personal note that introduces the media.
- Instructions for the media's use.
- Corrections to printed information in the media.

1
Get an envelope or box for the item you're shipping. Envelopes and boxes can be purchased at office supplies stores. The maximum dimensions for envelopes are 12 by 15 inches, and 3/4 inches thick. For boxes, the distance around the thickest part of the package plus the length of the package can't exceed 108 inches.^[4]
- Envelopes and boxes can also be purchased at most USPS locations.
2
Wrap your packages as usual . If the items you're mailing are small enough that they will shift around in the box you're using, get packing peanuts to fill the empty space. Packaging peanuts can be bought at office supply stores.^[5]
- You can also use newspaper to cushion items in boxes. Just make sure you test the box by shaking it gently to see if there's enough cushioning. There should be no items rattling around in the box.
3
Address the package correctly. Media Mail is addressed just as any other mail shipped with USPS is. Print the recipient address and the return address neatly and clearly with a pen.
- The return address goes in the upper left corner of the envelope or top of the box. The recipient address goes in the middle.
- In the upper right corner of the envelope or top of the box, you'll need to place a postage stamp. USPS's website has a tool for calculating and purchasing the correct postage.
4

Seal the package. Boxes should be sealed with two-inch packing tape, either brown or clear. Envelopes should be sealed as normal, with the tape included on the envelope flap.^[6]

1

Go to your nearest post office. You can find USPS post offices near you with an online search. Bring your package with you and head to a local USPS post office.
2
Ask how much media mail is for your package. It will vary between items. In some cases, it'll be better to just ship your package via priority mail, especially if it is under 9 ounces. The worker at the post office will weigh your package and determine the cost for you.^[7]
- Media Mail shipping starts at $2.72 and goes up $0.50 for each pound over one, up to 37.22 for a 70 pound package.
3
Ship your package. If you do decide to ship it via Media Mail, the cashier will stick a label on the package. You then have the option to add additional services, such mailing certification and insurance.
- Certified mailing means that you will receive evidence that you mailed what you did when you did it.
- Media Mail includes USPS tracking, so that you can know when the estimated delivery date and time will be.
- The cost of insuring your mail depends on the value of the item or items inside, and it can be insured up to $5000.

Add New Question

Question

How do I print out the label on my home printer?

USPS.com does not provide an option for "Click 'n Ship" postage labels to be created online for media mail. You'll need to mail it from the post office.
Question

Can I put clothing in the media mail box?

No. Only items eligible for media mail can be in the box.
Question

What is the difference in delivery time when using media mail?

In my experience, it's about a four day difference.
Question

Can I weigh my package at home, apply the appropriate number of stamps, and drop it of at the Post Office without having to talk to anyone?

Not if it is over 13 oz. It would be held or returned for compliance FAA security regulations. Anything over 13 ounces with stamps as postage must be presented to an employee at a retail window. If it is metered or has a computer-generated, paid label, you can drop it at the post office or have your carrier pick it up.
Question

How can I send USPS media mail to Europe, and at which media mail rates?

Media Mail is not for International shipping, so you cannot get that pricing for sending materials overseas. You could look into an M-Bag if you want the cheapest option.
Question

Can I include a small picture frame as a free gift with book purchase?

No. Read the criteria for what may be shipped via Media Mail. Picture frames are definitely ineligible and could result in your entire package being charged as postage due - for the Priority Mail price!
Question

Can I use an Amazon box to ship something by media mail?

Turn the box inside out. How? Look inside, on one corner there is a 1" plus glue joint. Cut carefully between the box and the joint. Turn the box inside out and glue the joint in place. Now the outside is plain and suitable for shipping.
Question

Can I ship items via media mail from home using a USPS account, or do I need to drop the items off at the post office?

No. USPS.com does not provide an option for "Click 'n Ship" postage labels to be created online, you'll need to mail it from the post office.
Question

Can I use usps.com for media mail?

No. Just follow the instructions above.
Question

Can I ship media mail in a priority mail box?

No. Priority mail boxes are only for priority mail.

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Make sure to wrap your packages well. Media mail is not as comfortable as first-class mail, so packages will, more often that not, be jumbled and tossed around.
Weigh the pros and cons. If your package needs to be there quickly, you should probably send it first-class. If it's something that's not really needed right away, you can send it Media Mail. Media Mail isn't guaranteed to arrive by any specific date, and is estimated to take two to eight days.^[8]

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Be aware that Media Mail is not "closed to inspection." This means that the USPS can inspect the contents of your mail to make sure you are only sending eligible media.^[9]

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To ship media mail, first put what you want to ship in an envelope that's no bigger than 12 by 15 by ¾ inches or a box where the distance around the thickest part plus the length is no more than 108 inches. Then, seal your envelope as usual or your box with packing tape. Next, print your recipient's address in the center and your return address in the upper left corner. When you're reading to ship your envelope or box, you can go online to the USPS website or to your local USPS location to buy the correct postage before you mail it. To learn what items the USPS says can be shipped via media mail, scroll down!

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