Usps Book Shipping In 2022 (Price, Delivery Times + More)
USPS apparently offers shipping services that will ship anything. The USPS Media Mail service, which is used to ship books, offers a great option.
USPS has several shipping options available for books, starting in 2022. Additionally to Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail Express shipping options, USPS also offers Media Mail which has extremely reduced shipping rates. Media Mail is usually faster than all other shipping methods and costs up to 50% more.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Ship A Book With USPS?
Media Mail, which is USPS’s cheapest shipping option, allows you to send books by USPS. In fact, for shipments under one pound, which is more than most individual books, Media Mail costs just $3.19.
Priority Mail’s pricing begins at $7.95. It will go up depending on what size or weight the package is.
As you can see, that makes Media Mail more than 50% cheaper than Priority Mail.
How much does it cost to send a book via USPS
Media Mail starts at $3.19. Prices will increase according to weight per kilogram.
If your shipment is between two and three pounds (e.g. 2.6 pounds), then you will need to add three more pounds to the total weight of the package.
Here’s an example of Media Mail shipping costs based upon weight.
Additionally, Media Mail packages can weigh up to 70 pounds, but I’ve only included shipping prices up to ten pounds in the interest of space.
Why is USPS Media Mail such a cheap option?
Media Mail can be very affordable because of a couple reasons. Media Mail is a USPS-subsidized service.
This shipping method is also slower than others, offers only basic options, and can be subject to compliance inspections. We’ll now look more closely at each one.
USPS subventions Media Mail for more than 80 years.
Since the 1938 creation of the program by President Roosevelt, the purpose has been to encourage individuals to send education materials to the post.
To do this, USPS carries books and other educational materials at a loss (i.e., for no profit), which is one primary reason Media Mail is so cheap.
Media Mail is also more economical than traditional shipping options. Media Mail can arrive in as little as two to eight days, but it may take longer.
A Priority Mail package delivered on cross-country trips will arrive four times quicker than a Media Mail mail package.
Media Mail also has a third benefit: it is a basic service.
Priority Mail, for example, includes $50 in insurance, and can be forwarded or returned free of charge. Media Mail, however, only receives a one-way ticket.
To ensure that the Media Mail box arrives in good condition, it will be sent back or forward to the addressee.
In addition, Media Mail insurance costs extra.
Media Mail, the last class of mail that the postal service is legally allowed to open and inspect for legal purposes, costs less than regular mail.
So if someone tries to get a couple of extra things in with a book shipment, USPS might open the box and see you don’t just send books.
Technically speaking, USPS could charge you for mail fraud. However, USPS is more likely to return the package or keep it for delivery.
If this is the case, the recipient or you will be responsible for the difference in the Media Mail rate and First-Class or Priority Mail rates.
How Long Does USPS Media Mail Take?
USPS states that Media Mail can take between 2-8 business days for delivery.
Still, it’s essential to keep in mind that it could take longer depending on how far it has to travel and how busy USPS is.
Does USPS Actually Check Media Mail?
Although the USPS checks Media Mail for accuracy, it is not always as thorough as you might expect. Essentially, USPS’ methodology is more spot-check than a systematic review.
With that, USPS is too busy to check every single Media Mail package each day. USPS receives more than 173,000,000 pieces of First Class mail every day.
USPS is unable to confirm the contents of Media Mail packages.
Keep this in mind as the USPS examines approximately 2,000 Media Mail packages per day.
It may not seem like much at first, but that’s a small amount compared to how many letters were sent using Media Mail postage.
If your parcel conforms with USPS standards it is likely that it will be not flagged.
How can I ship books with USPS?
Follow these steps to ensure that your books arrive at their destination intact.
If you are using a bag, place the book inside a plastic bag. Fold the top and secure it by tape.
You can wrap your books by using a corrugated roll of cardboard. This will keep them safe during the shipping process.
For extra protection, wrap the books in bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
Learn more at our USPS posts on USPS tablet shipping, USPS guitar shipment, and USPS media mailing speed.
USPS Media Mail can be a good option when shipping books. The USPS Media Mail is a great option for shipping books. Not only do the rates compare to other options, but you can also expect your package to arrive on time.
.Usps Book Shipping In 2022 (Price, Delivery Times + More)
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