Can photo albums ship as media mail

According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), photo albums can be shipped as Media Mail, but there are some conditions and considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Weight and size: Media Mail is a cost-effective service for shipping books, CDs, DVDs, and other media items. However, photo albums are considered "printed matter" and can be shipped as Media Mail if they meet the weight and size requirements:
    • Weight: Up to 70 pounds (31.8 kg)
    • Size: Up to 108 inches (274.3 cm) in length and girth combined
  2. Content: Media Mail is intended for shipping printed materials, such as books, magazines, and educational materials. Photo albums, being a type of printed matter, can be shipped as Media Mail if they contain primarily printed content, such as:
    • Printed photographs
    • Printed captions or text
    • Printed covers or bindings
  3. No loose items: Media Mail is not suitable for shipping items that are not securely attached to the album, such as loose photographs, prints, or other loose items. These items may be subject to damage or loss during transit.
  4. No fragile or valuable items: Media Mail is a relatively slow and inexpensive service, and it's not suitable for shipping fragile or valuable items, such as:
    • Delicate or irreplaceable photographs
    • Valuable or rare photo albums
    • Items that require special handling or insurance
  5. Additional services: If you need to add extra services, such as tracking, insurance, or signature confirmation, you may need to use a different shipping service, like Priority Mail or Parcel Post.

To ship a photo album as Media Mail, you'll need to:

  1. Prepare the album according to the USPS guidelines for Media Mail.
  2. Use a Media Mail shipping label.
  3. Pay the applicable Media Mail postage rate, which is based on the weight and size of the album.

Keep in mind that Media Mail is a relatively slow service, with estimated delivery times ranging from 2 to 8 business days, depending on the destination. If you need faster or more reliable shipping, you may want to consider alternative services, such as Priority Mail or Parcel Post.