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USPS Media Mail is the most cost-effective way to send items such as books, vinyl records, videos, and other educational materials through the US Postal Service. Media Mail takes a bit longer to deliver than the other USPS mail classes (between 2-8 business days), but it is a fantastic money-saving perk for sending these types of items. However, it comes with some pretty strict guidelines. In order to be sent Media Mail, packages can ONLY contain the qualifying media products that USPS has defined. Also, USPS reserves the right to inspect packages to verify that they only contain items that qualify for Media Mail.
Table of Contents
- What Qualifies for USPS Media Mail?
- How Much Does It Cost?
- No Pieces Can Contain Advertising
- What About Comic Books or Graphic Novels?
- Can I Send A Book Subscription Box via USPS Media Mail?
What Qualifies for USPS Media Mail?
According to the list on USPS’ website, the following are items that qualify for USPS Media Mail:
- Books that contain at least 8 pages
- CDs, DVDs, records, tapes, or other audio and video recordings
- Scripts for plays, books, periodicals, and musicals
- Printed sheet music
- Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media
- Sixteen millimeter or narrower width films
- Printed objective test materials and their accessories
- Printed educational reference charts
- Loose-leaf pages and their binders consisting of medical information for distribution to doctors, hospitals, medical schools, and medical students.
How Much Does It Cost?
Media Mail is priced based on weight, and the Retail Rate starts at just $4.13 for a 1-pound single-piece package. After 1 pound, the price increases by just $0.74 per pound for single-piece Media Mail (for example, a 2-pound package costs $4.87). Unfortunately, since Media Mail is already priced so affordably, there are typically no postage discounts available through shipping software.
Below, we’ve listed out how much it costs to ship USPS Media Mail for packages weighing up to 20 pounds. Keep in mind that if your package falls in between any of the weights listed, you’ll need to round up to the nearest one. For example, if your package weighs 2.6 pounds, you’ll ship at the 3 lb rate.
- 1 lb – $4.13
- 2 lb – $4.87
- 3 lb – $5.61
- 4 lb – $6.35
- 5 lb – $7.09
- 6 lb – $7.83
- 7 lb – $8.57
- 8 lb – $9.32
- 9 lb – $10.07
- 10 lb – $10.82
- 11 lb – $11.57
- 12 lb – $12.32
- 13 lb – $13.07
- 14 lb – $13.82
- 15 lb – $14.57
- 16 lb – $15.32
- 17 lb – $16.07
- 18 lb – $16.82
- 19 lb – $17.57
- 20 lb – $18.32
For a complete rate sheet up to 70 pounds, visit the USPS website.
Heads Up: No Pieces Can Contain Advertising
If you wish to send your package via Media Mail, you CANNOT include any advertising inside. This is an extremely important point. If USPS finds advertising of any kind inside your package, it will be disqualified for Media Mail and you’ll end up paying way more money for “postage due” with another service like Priority Mail. That would defeat the whole purpose of trying to save money by sending your parcel via USPS Media Mail in the first place.
What About Comic Books or Graphic Novels?
Unfortunately, comic books and graphic novels do not quality for USPS Media Mail.
Can I Send A Book Subscription Box via USPS Media Mail?
Book subscription boxes are getting more popular, and people often ask if they can ship them with Media Mail. Book subscription boxes can qualify for Media Mail service, but there can ONLY be books in the package. You cannot include anything else inside—no shirts, no bookmarks, no pens…nothing. Just books.
If you’re thinking that nothing but books sounds a bit boring for a subscription box, you’re not wrong. Subscription boxes are all about your customers getting the most bang for their buck—it’s all about creating an experience for them, after all. If you’re running a book subscription business and you want to include other items in your box, your best bet to save money is to ship your boxes USPS Priority Mail Cubic. Your boxes will also arrive at their destinations faster, between just 1 and 3 days!
Last Updated:
The Boxing Guru
I’ve been using Media Mail for over a decade. Sometimes the clerks get “picky” about what is being mailed. Today the young clerk asked what was inside, I said “A DVD” he said “What’s on it?” I said “A Boxing Match”, he said “Sorry, that doesn’t qualify”. I said “Oh, did they change the rules?” he said “No, that just doesn’t qualify”. I said “I’ve been mailing boxing on dvds for years now”. He said “Sorry”. I said, “can you check with the Postmaster?”. He went back and came back and said, “OK, it is good”, then he added “I’m sorry, I just wanted to make SURE that it qualified for Media – next time I’ll know!” LOL!
Rabb C Nesbitt
What regulations apply to historical printed materials such as decades-old magazines, newspapers, and similar ‘advertisement-containing’ (although now useless, as out-of-date) periodically published artifacts of paper culture?
Gladys
They still do not qualify no matter how old they are. USPS Media Mail guidelines are very specific on their website.
Lonnie
Why can’t a graphic novel go media rate? Which of their rules is it breaking?
Charles Claxton
I have 10×12 B&W photos of old railroad steam engine, no advertising, can I mail them media mail?
Gladys
photographs are not Media therefore do not qualify
Yuri Katchan
Is the blank canvas panel qualified for USPS media mail?
Pierrette Powell
Can I use Media Mail for an appointment book / monthly planner?
David
No, i went to the post office today…they wanted 44.00 to ship calendar from Ga. to Canada.ant take 3 wks.
Janis Fox
Would a calendar with geologic information on it (no advertising) be considered media mail? The dimensions of the calendar would be 22″ x 24″ and mailed in a poster tube. We typically mail 150 plus posters to other universities, government agencies, businesses, etc that would benefit from having the calendar with a specific geologic information with photos. Just trying to determine if the mailing could be determined as media mail.
Rockwell Sands
Sorry Janis – per the USPS guidelines, calendars don’t qualify for Media Mail.
David A Goostree
Can I ship old family Photo Albums Media Mail?
GENA
Can I ship a journal that is in a padded mailer inserted into a white envelope as media mail? I know the journal can be shipped but wasn’t sure about the padded mailer inserted into the white envelope.
Terry
Can a MP 3 player be sent by Media Mail?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Terry,
Unfortunately, it cannot. Wish I had better news!
Joyce
I am sending kids books. One has pieces to insert in slots ( red apple piece goes in slot on Apple tree). Does that count or should I leave it out?
Linda
I have fifteen hardcover Vampirella Archives, they are all books but contain the full collection of the original comics.
mazzy
Would I be able to use media mail to send a personal journal? it’s the same size and shape as a small hardcover book. and it just has my personal writing/artwork in it. please let me know!
Charles
Nobody would know it wasn’t a book, so go ahead. I think technically if there is any kind of “personal correspondence” in it, it doesn’t qualify, but nobody is going to open it up and see, and even if they did, you could say it was a book.
Weisermaster
I’d open it and inspect it.
Nancy Bechtel
Can a first class letter be included with media mail if you pay for the letter inside the package?
Charles
Media Mail takes much longer than first class, so it’s better to mail the letter separately. Technically Media mail can’t have any “personal correspondence” in there (they will ask you when you ship), though you can lie & they would never know. but why not just send the 1st class letter which will go much faster.
Amy
Can I giftwrap vinyl records and use media mail?
Thank you!
Keith
I’m pretty sure I know the answer but would appreciate it if you can confirm it: Stamp albums cannot be sent via media mail if they contain stamps (based on the answers for photo and postcard albums). I believe some time ago the post office told me this too. However, what about an unused album with no stamps? Technically it is a book with printed pages and printed pictures only. Also, stamp price catalogs generally do contain ads so they would be out, right?
Charles
The thing about MM is, unless they open the package, they won’t really know what is in there. Whether a stamp album is empty or not, it feels like a book on the outside & that’s what they would go by. People tell white lies about the contents of “Media Mail” packages a lot, and it’s extremely rare to get caught.
That said, I think a blank album and certainly a catalog (book) would be totally legal.
steve easo
can I ship a concert poster cardbaord–23×15–sandwiched between 2 pcs cardboard–weight 10 oz by medial mail? no advertising
Thank-you!!
Gladys
Concert posters do not contain any type of media….so no, it doesn’t qualify
Garp
Gladys is incorrect. And – should not be offering “expert” opinion. Courts have acknowledged print art IS a legitimate medium allowable. Isn’t that right Gladys? I am sure that is what u meant to say. And- nothing will happen because you originally gave bad advice. Right? No ramifications for postal workers giving dis-info.
Gladys
No, you are the one who is wrong, so YOU shouldn’t be offering “expert” opinion. Courts have nothing to do with USPS Media Mail and I have every USPS Media Mail update saved. Quit berating me and do your research!!!!
Sharron Toulouse
Can I send old letters, newspaper articles, report cards via media mail?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Sharon – Unfortunately those won’t qualify. However, you can send all of those items through regular First-Class Mail and save yourself some money!
Steve
Can I use media mail to ship a loose-leaf binder containing pages with US first-day covers on them?
Sam
Would a package of ten-page booklets printed at home and with stapled bindings qualify?
linda boyd
What about an antique catalog of building materials?
Moe
Can you send Contruction manuals? (no ads-instructions)
Tiffany
Can I ship a Bible to Mexico
Liz
No, Media mail is within the domestic US only.
Nan Vollbracht
Can the torn out pages of periodicals/monthly magazines (no ads) be sent media mail.
Orissie Faloon
Would a bible be classed as media mail?
Rockwell Sands
Yep, that would qualify!
Michael
Can I send a box of several books or do I need to ship them one at a time?
Rockwell Sands
You can send a box of several books at once, no problem…just make sure there’s nothing inside of it that USPS won’t qualify for Media Mail!
Nina
Hi Mike! Can I send CDs for my band via media mail? They are professionally created and wrapped, so does that count as advertising? There are drawings and photos on it, but no coupons or anything telling people to buy it.
David Brian HAGEY
Do parts manuals for trucks and buses count as books for media mail shipping rates?
Jameson berry
Most definitely.
Dan
I use clink and ship of and on and it’s great. Am shipping 200 copies of a book and for the life of me I can’t figure out how to select Media Mail for postage. I see Priority and Priority Overnight. Lots of options but no Media Mail. Do I need to go to a PO or ship service to do this? Am Tring todo at home so I’m not stuck there for who knows how long. Thanks.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Dan – I’m not sure why you’re not seeing Click N’ Ship as an option on the USPS website. You can create a Pirate Ship account for free and print Media Mail postage, as well as Priority Mail/First Class Package/Ground service for the cheapest possible rates: https://www.pirateship.com/usps/media-mail. That’s the software I use and it’s saved me tons of money over the years. Hope this helps!
Mary
You can’t use Click & Ship any more for non-PO packaging. That is, you can only print labels for the Post Office provided envelopes and boxes. That just changed this year and t’s very annoying…
Michael Murphy
I’m a bit confused about the labels thing. Who prints them, me? Post Office? And, there’s no way one CD in a 61/2×9″ bubble-wrap thingy is going to weigh anywhere near a pound, but, what kind of scale do you recommend, if I am the printer of the labels?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Michael – you can print the labels from your own home, as long as you use shipping software to buy your postage online and you have access to a printer! If you’re just shipping Media Mail, you can also buy labels on USPS.com, through their Click N’ Ship program. As far as the rates for Media Mail go, the lightest option is the 1-pound rate…so, if you’re just sending a CD that weighs a couple of ounces, you’ll still need to pay the 1-pound rate. Media Mail rounds up to the nearest whole number. For instance, if your package weighs 1.2 pounds, you’ll pay the 2-pound rate. I hope this clears up the confusion. For scales, I personally use this Acutek scale that you can pick up Amazon for just north of $15.
Shonna
I produce little booklets (16 pages) for kids. I put my website address on the back cover of each issue. Is that considered advertising, and not allowed?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Shonna – this is likely okay to still send Media Mail, since it’s not technically any form of marketing pamphlet or anything like that.
N S
What about shipping historical magazines? (more than 50 years old) Unfortunately old magazines have advertising, but it’s not pertinent, but they have historical/research value.
I’m assuming from your comments that it would be a no go?
Rockwell Sands
Hi – unfortunately I don’t believe these would qualify. Historical or not, they’re still magazines…and USPS won’t allow magazines to be sent via Media Mail. Wish I had better news!
Gladys
It doesn’t matter if the magazine is new or vintage. They do not qualify.
Heather
Hi!
I have probably 70+ VHS tapes recorded with various “Saturday morning cartoons” and other such tv shows, but nothing under the genre of educational programming to my knowledge. Recorded directly from tv, advertisements included. I understand magazines/books contain ads are not permitted for media mail, but would these tapes qualify?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Heather – these tapes should qualify just fine, as long there is nothing else is in the package. USPS just doesn’t want physical advertisements within your shipment, like coupons, etc. Whatever is on the tapes doesn’t affect whether they qualify. Hope this helps!
R Mary
Why not? The advertising is old and no longer valid. It does not make sense. Thank you for your response
A. Montoya
Hey, I was wondering if I could send a small packet of game cards along with a rulebook for said game in media mail through eBay? Would this be allowed or would I have to ship them as something else.
Rockwell Sands
Hi – Oh, this is a tricky one! Technically, the rulebook would qualify for Media Mail, but the game cards itself won’t. If you want to send them all together, you’ll need to use a different service. Wish I had better news! If they’re small enough, the Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope would be a great option.
Ron
Does a stamp album with stamps qualify as media mail?
Brooke Stark
My former school has published a book of memories written by alumnae. There are stories and photos, but no advertisements. It is in the form of a hardcover book. Can this be shipped Media Mail?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Brooke – yep, since this is a book that doesn’t contain any advertisements, this would totally qualify! Just make sure nothing else is included in the shipment, and you’ll be good to go.
Maria Gilardin
I want to mail one CD in a 6″ by 6″ cardboard mailer
Rockwell Sands
Hi Maria – Yes, this shipment will qualify for Media Mail! Just make sure nothing else is in the package.
Maria Gilardin
How much postage do I put on? (amazing that you are working on a holiday – thank you!_
Rockwell Sands
Maria – You only need to affix one shipping label to your package. Just make sure you enter the correct weight when you buy your label; the price of shipping will vary based on how much your package weighs.
MAZ
4.1 e: sound recordings including incidental announcements of recordings, guides and scripts for use with. 6.2 d written additions, instructions and directions for use 6,1 loose eclosures any printed matter mailable as USPS Marketing Mail 6.4 incidental first class attachments, bill, statement,personal message or greeting. all may be placed with media mail
Ron Levy
Can laser toner or other ink qualify as media mail?
Terry
Can my HMO send it’s directory by media mail if it contains ads for our sponsors. We are a PA non profit
Amor Traceski
Do recipients of the media mail I send have to pay for postage (or any fee?) before the media package I sent is released to them?
JV
No the person that receives the package does not pay. If you sell media items like books or DVD’s etc. on eBay it will give you the option to print the label from their website and pay the media rate. Otherwise you would take the package to the post office and tell the clerk you want to ship via media mail.
Karen Young
Hi, I want to send 2 books in one package, but they are different sizes and weights. Can I weigh and send them together, or do I have to send individually. The phrase “single piece” in the rate tables is confusing to me.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Karen – Thanks for the comment. This is a good question! From the info on the USPS website, it looks like you’ll need to weigh them each separately and send them separately, since they aren’t identical products with identical sizes and weights. Here’s what I looked up to reference: https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/173.htm. Check out Section 1.3. I hope this helps!
ChrisLennon
Can I use the free USPS boxes to put the media (books in this case) in for Media Mail?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Chris – unfortunately, no you can’t. You need to provide your own packaging. for Media Mail, since all of the free USPS packaging is only for Priority Mail service. Sorry for the bad news!
Teresa Ray
Can I ship a spiral bound perpetual calendar [ISBN 9781614942092] via Media Mail? EBay will not let me and wants me to ship it Priority Mail. Thanks!
Karen
Hi Mike
Do you happen to know if an oracle deck with the book companion is acceptable as media mail in USA? Thank you so much!
Karen H
Mike Smith
I mail 30 media mail envelopes every other week. They contain books of more than eight pages and a CD. It’s for a not-for-profit organization. Can I get commercial pricing? Or is retail pricing all that’s available?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Mike – there are no further discounts for Media Mail, so prices are the same anywhere you buy postage!
Mike Smith
I mail 30 media mail envelopes every other week. They contain books of more than eight pages and a CD. It’s for a not-for-profit organization. Can I get commercial pricing? Or is retail pricing all that’s available? The
Brendan Smith
Do media mail rates increase according to distance? If I send a media mail package across town, will it be the same price if I ship the same package across the country?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Brendan – Nope! Media Mail rates are only based on the weight of your shipment…distance doesn’t matter!
john p
Hi There,
Would a 60 page spiral bound book of healthcare benefits qualify for Media Mail
Rockwell Sands
John – this should definitely qualify! It’ll likely be categorized as “Loose-leaf pages and their binders consisting of medical information for distribution to doctors, hospitals, medical schools, and medical students”…so I think you’re good!
Peggy
Interesting juxtaposition of “”should” and “definitely.” Which is it, please.
D. Jeanne Collins
Can I use media mail to send these items to charities: cancelled stamps, fronts of used Christmas cards?
michele
Hi, thank you for this, I am trying to find the new shipping rates. It seems a book under 1# was $2.89. In the last few days the rate charged has be $3.19 for the same book. That is fine, what I am looking for is the up-charge per pound after 1# ($0.53 was the old amount), has that changed??
Mike
Hello. Would an internal hard drive qualify for media mail rates?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Mike, no it wouldn’t. Sorry for the bad news!
Joe
Does media mail send from the USA to France
Ex
What about coloring books? Do they qualify? New unused ones.
Rockwell Sands
I believe coloring books actually do qualify for Media Mail, as long as they exceed 8 pages!
Jim
I would like to send DVD’s by Media Mail & I know that’s ok, but some of the original DVD jackets may have an offer printed on the inside of the jacket, does that mean the jacket must be removed before sending the DVD, if so, is it better to send them 1st Class instead… Thank you for your response!
Michele
I would like to send 59 Disney VHS tapes via media mail. So they qualify and how do I calculate cost?
Rockwell Sands
Michele – These definitely qualify. Media Mail rates are calculated on a per-pound basis. You’ll need to place all of the VHS tapes inside a single package, and then weigh it (rounding up to the nearest pound). You can see the weight-based rates for Media Mail here: https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c059
Rockwell Sands
Jim – Thanks for your patience with my reply. In the case of those particular DVD’s, I would remove those jackets that contain offers or advertisements of any kind, just to be safe!
Rick Bowling
Can can non sport cards be sent media mail
Rick Bowling
Can I ship non sport cards, like Davy Crockett at the Alamo, zorro, or hulk cards media mail?
Rockwell Sands
Rick – Thanks for your patience with my reply. Sports cards and non sports cards (including trading cards) unfortunately don’t qualify for Media Mail. Wish I had better news!
Jasmine
Can I send a collectible book such as a “50 Years of Playboy” hardcover book via media mail? No advertising!
Rockwell Sands
Hi Jasmine – As long as the book doesn’t contain advertising and the total length exceeds 8 pages, this should be perfectly fine to send via Media Mail!
Mark Penn
Hello – Thanks for all this good information, and I hope my question has not been asked before – I did run through the list to check, but… It appears that the USPS does not allow me to purchase media mail postage online (a la Click-and-Ship). Is there a better way to do that? Also, the local PO made me by Media Mail labels (a packet of 2 for $0.99 – kind of a ripoff…). What’s the best way to avoid these speedbumps – sign up with a shipping software service? Thanks in advance….
Amy
Paypal allows you to print media mail. I’m not sure if I can put a url in this comment, so just type in the regular PayPal domain and then add “shipnow” on the end.
Peggy Way
I have some old Nitendo Power magazines I need to ship. They were put out by the Nintendo company. They have gaming clues and cheat codes intheir games in them as well as information about the newest games.. Would they qualify for media mail?
Scout
No, they do not qualify. If they happen to open and check your box, it will almost certainly be denied.
Call me Maybe
why exactly do these not qualify? all they are simply a periodical magazine. because of the potential for advertisements within the pages?
Tiffany
If I put a card in the package that says thank you using our business with links to our fb and stuff is that advertising?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Tiffany – unfortunately USPS may indeed consider those slips as advertising. The best bet for Media Mail is to not include anything except the products themselves. Wish I had better news!
J Somma
I believe you can include transaction info such as an invoice with the media material when using media mail.
Dave Webb
Can I use Media Mail to ship a DVD set of 8 DVD’s about WW ll.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Dave – yes, these absolutely qualify for Media Mail! Just make sure nothing else is in the package and you’ll be good.
Christine
Oops I clicked on reply instead of post comment.
Hi! Do artbooks qualify? The artbook has only artwork and no words.
Mary R
I would think so. If is a hard-cover book, I don’t know why it wouldn’t. I don’t what would disqualify it from the media category .
Sam Kahan
I need to ship, halfway across the country, a mini-library of some 2,000 volumes now in storage. It seems to me that Media Mail is, by some distance, the most economical option, despite the inconvenience of shipping the books in dozens of small Media Mail boxes. Do you happen to know of a service that would send its employees to the storage space to collect the boxes and ship them Media Mail for me ? I figure there must be some alternative to shuttling endlessly between the storage space and the post office, carrying and shipping the boxes one by one. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Kris
My sister and I need to exchange journals, that our mother wrote for many years. Would these qualify?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Kris – your mother’s written journals won’t qualify for Media Mail, I’m afraid. If you’re looking for a cheap service to send these back and forth, try First Class Package or the Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope.
Rich
I have a bunch of Guitar For The Practicing Musician magazines that contain sheet music that I’d like to send via media mail. Do they qualify?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Rich – yes, printed sheet music qualifies for Media Mail, as long as there’s nothing else in the package!
Ruth
If it’s a magazine, it most likely contains ads. Individual sheet music is different.
Wayne
Do I have to write, “Media Mail” on the package?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Wayne – no, you do not. If your package qualifies and you print a Media Mail label that you affix to your box or envelope, that’s all USPS needs to see.
Mary Rohne
I am wondering if Postcard Books can be sent by Media Mail. They are soft-cover books with ISBN numbers. The postcards are tear-out.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Mary – I don’t believe these will qualify for Media Mail rates, unfortunately. The only “books” that qualify are literature and educational reference booklets. You may want to ask your local Postmaster, though! It couldn’t hurt to try.
Vanessa
I have a set of “Ask Me” Southwestern Advantage educational home schooling books I want to ship. The back cover of each book talks about going to a separate website to “bring your books to life!” through videos, music and activities to reinforce what you learn in the books. It does not mention needing to buy anything. Can I use media mail to ship these? They’re close to 12 pounds.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Vanessa – these can definitely qualify for Media Mail! These are considered educational booklets, so you’re totally good to go there. Just make sure nothing else is in the package other than the books themselves.
Ferit Tuzer
can I send blank printing paper as media mail, as 1 ream will have exorbitant shipping charges compared to the price of paper otherwise. This is “media” after all, it is the medium through which information is distributed.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Ferit – unfortunately, you can’t send blank printing paper with Media Mail. If you’re looking to save money on sending these packages, you may want to look into a shipping software solution that will give you the biggest discounts with USPS. Here is the one I use: http://www.pirateship.com/rates
I wish I had better news, but I hope this is helpful!
Dana Butler
Thanks! Appreciate the feedback!
Dana Butler
Hiya! I have a box of cd jewel cases with the artwork. I have the CDs in notebooks separately. I’m hoping to send the cases to my brother in CA via media mail. It’s a big box with about 1000 cases but definitely under the 70# weight limit as the CDs are separated. I will bring him the CDs when I fly to visit him. I’m in Hawaii and he’s in CA.
Do you think I’d have an issue shipping just the cases via media mail rate? Nothing else in the box but the CD cases and CD liner notes.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Dana – as long as you’re only sending CD’s and nothing else (and the jewel cases don’t contain advertisements of any kind), I think you’re okay here! Some Post Offices are more finicky than others, so I would be prepared to take your boxes to the Post Office and display what’s inside of them to make sure you can qualify for Media Mail. Hope this helps!
Dan
It’s 2021 and cd’s & dvd’s are phasing out, would I be able to send thumb drives?
Rockwell Sands
Dan – Unfortunately, thumb drives don’t qualify for Media Mail. I’m assuming USPS won’t allow for these to ever qualify, because of all the myriad things that could be on them. Wish I had better news!
Katherine
I would like to send old scrapbooks (notebooks) to a relative weighing 40 plus pounds would this qualify?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Katherine – Scrapbooks don’t qualify for Media Mail, unfortunately. USPS Will require you to ship these via regular Priority Mail service. I wish I had better news!
Alex
I was just informed at the Post Office that in order to ship BOOKS (specifically) through media mail, the package needs to weight 1lb minimum. Apparently it’s a new rule that started earlier this year. Is it true? I cannot find anything about that requirement online and wonder if the post office worker is mistaken.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Alex – I haven’t heard of this “requirement,” actually. Typically, you can send your book shipments via Media Mail even if they’re under 1 lb…but you still need to pay the 1 lb rate. Rates for Media Mail round up to the nearest pound, so maybe that’s what that particular postal worker meant? It’s worth going back there and trying again though, maybe with a different clerk.
Bobby
Wouldn’t gameboy games technically be considered computer readable media containing prerecorded information if a guide on how to use it is included? 😛
bill
is there a box size or weight limit?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Bill – like many USPS services, the maximum weight for Media Mail is 70 pounds, and the maximum length + girth of your package is 108 inches. You can learn how to calculate the girth here: https://www.shippingschool.com/maximum-box-dimensions-for-shipping-with-usps/. Hope this helps!
Cristina
I have a question, how can I send used books to a charity?
The libraries in NYC do not accept them and I can’t see myself throwing away books.
Thanks.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Cristina – you can use Media Mail service to send any used books anywhere! As long as the charity provides you with a shipping address, this is all you need (and some boxes for your books). If you’d like to print Media Mail labels, you can buy them online or go to the Post Office…it’s all the same price. It may make sense to go to the Post Office so they can walk you through the process. You’ll need to provide your own boxes, though.
Rich
Can I send a vintage dealer car brochure media mail again no advertising just photos and specks?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Rich – in terms of your first question about sending the “how to” manual, I’m not sure this qualifies, since it likely applies to a product sold for commercial use. USPS might technically consider it “Printed educational reference charts” though, which do qualify for Media Mail…but this is a tricky one. I would ask your local Post Office, if I were you!
As far as the vintage car brochure goes, that one definitely won’t qualify for Media Mail. I wish I had better news!
Rich
Can I send a reference repair manual ? No advertising just a how too .
Holly
I want to send a few packs of stickers that weigh less than 10 oz.. can I use media mail or what would be the most economical way to shop in U.S.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Holly – I don’t believe stickers qualify to be sent via Media Mail service, unfortunately. The cheapest way to send these will be via First Class Package! If you’d like, you can enter in your shipment info here to see how much it will cost to ship. That’s the shipping software I use to buy all my USPS labels.
Eddie
Can I ship media mail from Cleveland Ohio to Windsor Canada? What is the cost per pound?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Eddie – no, you can’t ship Media Mail to any part of Canada, unfortunately. It’s strictly only a domestic service. You’re better off using an international USPS service like First Class Package International or Priority Mail International. Wish I had better news!
Agatha
Actually, you can ship books internationally by media mail; it’s called “mbag.” Pick up the special bag (looks like big clear Santa clause sack, lol) from your post office & ask them about the shipping rules for it. There’s an 11lb minimum & general max of 66lb max. Main thing I learned the hard way is books inside the bag have to be in “packages” of 5lb & smaller & each be individually labeled with sending & return address. I wrap them in bubble wrap packages as they are easier than small boxes. Its not super cheap, but cheaper than other international options. Prices vary depending on country, have to dig deep online to find the pricing.
Linda Morgan
If I want to ship 4 books in the same package and the weight is 4 lbs, how much will that cost using media mail?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Linda – under current Media Mail rates (2021), a 4 lb package will cost you $4.57.
Michaela
I’d like to mail books that I donate to a church in another state. What’s the cheapest and at the same time reliable way to ship? Thanks
Rockwell Sands
Michaela – the cheapest way is definitely Media Mail! It’s the cheapest way to ship books hands down, and comes with full tracking. If your recipients aren’t in a rush to get them, it’s totally fine – delivery usually takes between 2-8 days, but the price of shipping more than makes up for this. You can read more about it in this article that you commented on.
Joy
I want to mail 2 music CD’s together in one padded envelope (no advertising). Does USPS sell a padded envelope that will hold both CD’s, in jewel cases, that can be used to ship them as Media Mail?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Joy, USPS doesn’t offer any padded envelopes that you can use for Media Mail. You’ll need to provide your own packaging for this! If you’re looking for some, the ULINE website has a lot of options here: https://www.uline.com/Grp_31/Padded-Mailers
Ruby
I would like to send 3 boxes of medical books to a program in the Philippines. If each box weighs approximately 30 pounds, what is the cost to mail these media rate out of the country?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Ruby, I’m sorry, but Media Mail is only a domestic service. If you want to ship these medical books to the Philippines, you’ll need to use another international service like Priority Mail International!
Daniel Cada
Do old post ccards qualify for media rate?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Daniel,
Are you sending them in a bundle? I don’t think these would qualify, since USPS requires postcards to be sent via First-Class Mail…but to be honest I’m not 100% sure! If I were you I might go to your local Post Office and ask the postmaster if they’ll allow it. Media Mail is the same rate at the Post Office as it is online anyway, so you won’t be out any extra money.
Paul J O'Connell
Can you ship cds/dvds in nylon binders?
Paul J O'Connell
I have CDs and DVDs in Nylon CD/DVD Binders .Am I able to pack the CD/DVDs in a box with the binders or will I have to remove them from the binders. I ask because the binders would take up more space and add some weight.
Thank You
Rockwell Sands
Hi Paul,
This is a great question. The biggest thing that USPS doesn’t allow for Media Mail is anything that contains advertising. So, as long as your binders don’t have any branding or sort of advertising on them, I think you’re probably ok here! I would be safe and ask your local Post Office though before you send them out, if you’re ok with waiting in line. Media Mail costs the same at the Post Office as it does online with any shipping software, so the only thing you’ll lose is time and you’ll gain some peace of mind.
Hope this helps!
Paul J O'Connell
Thanks for the reply
john demshar
Is there special packaging that I need to pick up at the post office for media mail? Or do I just wrap package myself. When mailing do I need to let the post office clerk know that it is media mail?
Rockwell Sands
There isn’t special packaging available, but you have to provide your own. It can either be generic (brown or white) packaging, or you ca use your own custom boxes or envelopes. If you buy the label at the Post Office, yes – just let them know it’s a Media Mail shipment and they’ll probably inspect the contents to make sure it qualifies!
Pamela Williams
I have two separate sets of books to send. One set weighs 2lbs 50 oz and the other weighs 2lbs 5 oz. How much is it to ship these
Rockwell Sands
Pamela – assuming the 2 lbs 50 ounce package you’re referring to comes out to a total of 6 lbs for the Media Mail rate, that package will cost $5.69 to send. The other 2 lb 5 ounce package comes out to 3 lbs at the Media Mail rate, and will cost $4.01 (these prices are the 2021 rates).
Ernie Paris
I was charged $4.67 instead of the $2.80 charge set for one pound or less to send a 45 record in a 7in x 7in x .05 box weighing less than a pound using the media mail option at a postal annex. The workers at the annex told me that the media rate prices changes when sipping to different zip codes. I do not think that is correct but the annex refuses to change their view on this subject.
Stevie
Thanks, Ernie. Sounds highly bogus, all right. I’ll let you know how things go here using Orangemailer.
Stevie
For shipping a single CD in a bubble-wrap squarish envelope via media Mail, can I just slap on $2.80 in stamps and drop in a mailbox, or does my local post office need to label it “Media Mail” in some way? Or should I indicate that on the envelope myself? Thanks, Rockwell!
Rockwell Sands
Hi Stevie, unfortunately that won’t work! You’ll need to specifically buy Media Mail postage for this particular package. You can access Media Mail through pretty much any shipping software platform though!
andrew
if i sent a record and a small thing of rolling papers media mail will it work? or will it be sent back? how would they be able to tell?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Andrew, that’s tough to answer. Generally speaking, USPS doesn’t want you to include anything else in a Media Mail shipment other than what qualifies…so the rolling papers would be excluded here. When you ship Media Mail, USPS reserves the right to inspect it and could require you to send your items Priority Mail if the entire shipment doesn’t qualify. Better to be safe than sorry!
Donald
Can you wrap a vinyl record in newspaper (inside the shipping box) and qualify for the media mail rates?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Donald, good question! I wouldn’t necessarily try to wrap the vinyl record in newspaper, if we’re being honest. USPS is super strict about anything containing advertising being in violation of what qualifies for Media Mail, and it’s tough to say what would (or wouldn’t) be on the newspaper pages.
If you’re looking to wrap your vinyl record, I’d suggest picking up some packing material like foam roll that you can get either at your local Target/Staples or on ULINE here.
Becca
When was this written? Are these shipping rates for Media Mail still accurate?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Becca, we first wrote this article in 2018, but we keep it updated each year with the current prices. USPS raises their rates each year, and this article reflects the most accurate information.