Usps Book Shipping In 2022 (Price, Delivery Times + More)
USPS appears to have services that can ship almost any item. USPS Media Mail, a service that allows you to send books by USPS is an outstanding option.
USPS offers several options for customers shipping books as of 2022. USPS offers Priority Mail Express Express and Priority Mail Express. The media mail program allows for extremely low shipping costs. Media Mail packages arrive within two to eight days and cost on average more than half of other options.
What’s the Cheapest Method to Ship a Book with USPS
Media Mail is the cheapest option for shipping books through USPS. Media Mail is actually cheaper than USPS for books weighing less than one pound. This amount is much lower that the cost of individual books.
Priority Mail pricing is comparable at $7.95 per package. Prices can vary depending on how large or heavy the package.
As you can see, that makes Media Mail more than 50% cheaper than Priority Mail.
Shipping a Book with USPS: What Is the Cost?
Media Mail Prices start at $3.19. They increase depending on the weight of each pound.
You will be charged a shipping fee if the weight of your parcel falls below 2.6 lbs.
You can also see a breakdown below of Media Mail’s shipping rates by weight
Media Mail packages are able to weigh as high as 70 pounds. I only include shipping charges up to ten pounds to keep it simple.
Why is USPS Media Mail so Cheap?
Media Mail can be very affordable because of a couple reasons. It’s heavily subsidized by the USPS.
Additionally, this shipping option is more expensive than standard methods and includes very basic options. Let’s examine each one.
Since over 80 years, USPS has subsidized Media Mail.
Since the 1938 creation of the program by President Roosevelt, the purpose has been to encourage individuals to send education materials to the post.
USPS purchases books and educational materials for a loss. Media Mail can be accessed at such a low price because of this.
Media Mail costs less than other methods of shipping, and is therefore more affordable. Media Mail is usually delivered within 2-8 business days. However, it could take up to 8 weeks.
On a cross-country journey, Priority Mail packages will actually be delivered four times faster that a Media 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.
If a Media Mail parcel needs to be returned or forwarded, either the sender or the receiver will need to pay extra postage.
In addition, Media Mail insurance costs extra.
Media Mail is also cheap, as it is the only mail class that the post office can open legally and check the contents.
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.
USPS could technically assess you for mail-fraud. However, the chances are that the mail will be returned or kept for payment by the recipient.
If that’s the case, you or the recipient will have to pay the difference between the Media Mail rate and the First-Class or Priority Mail rate.
How long does USPS Media Mail take?
USPS claims that Media Mail arrives within two to eight business day.
It is important to remember that the distance it travels and the busyness of USPS can make it take longer.
Does USPS Actually Check Media Mail?
Yes, USPS does verify the contents of Media Mail, but not as much as you’d think. USPS’s process is more spot-checking rather than a thorough review.
USPS cannot keep up with the volume of Media Mail mail packages it receives every day. USPS receives more than 173,000,000 pieces of First Class mail every day.
USPS does not have sufficient time to inspect most Media Mail package contents.
This in mind, USPS most likely inspects several hundred Media Mail packages daily.
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.
It is possible that the flagging of your package will not occur as long it meets USPS standards.
How Do I Package Books For Shipping With USPS?
To ensure your books make it to their destination undamaged, follow the steps below:
You can place your book in either a bubble wrap bag or clear plastic bag. If using a zip lock, seal it. If the plastic bag doesn’t have a zip lock, fold the open end and tape it firmly so it won’t open.
Wrap books with a corrugated card roll to protect them during shipping.
Place books into a cardboard box and pack with bubble wrap, packing peanuts or craft paper.
Learn more at our USPS posts on USPS tablet shipping, USPS guitar shipment, and USPS media mailing speed.
USPS Media Mail offers great shipping options for books. It is more affordable than any other service and your shipment will still be delivered on-time.
.Usps Book Shipping In 2022 (Price, Delivery Times + More)
