What is a media mail parcel

Media Mail is a type of mail service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows for the shipping of printed matter, such as books, CDs, DVDs, and other media, at a lower cost than regular First-Class Mail.

Media Mail is designed for shipping non-urgent, non-perishable items that are not time-sensitive, such as:

  1. Books (including textbooks, novels, and reference books)
  2. CDs and DVDs
  3. Vinyl records
  4. Audiocassettes
  5. Video tapes
  6. Printed music
  7. Maps
  8. Posters
  9. Blueprints
  10. Printed educational materials

To qualify for Media Mail rates, the item must meet certain criteria:

  1. The item must be printed matter, as defined by the USPS.
  2. The item must be shipped to a domestic address (not international).
  3. The item must not contain any hazardous materials, perishable items, or live animals.
  4. The item must not be a commercial sample or a catalog.

Media Mail parcels are subject to the following restrictions:

  1. Maximum weight: 70 pounds (31.8 kg)
  2. Maximum size: 108 inches (274.3 cm) in length and girth combined
  3. No signature required upon delivery
  4. No insurance coverage is available for Media Mail parcels
  5. Delivery times are typically 2-8 business days, depending on the destination

Media Mail rates are generally lower than First-Class Mail rates, making it a cost-effective option for shipping non-urgent, printed matter items. However, Media Mail parcels are not trackable, and delivery times are not guaranteed.

It's worth noting that Media Mail is not suitable for shipping items that require a signature upon delivery, such as packages containing valuable or sensitive items. In those cases, you may want to consider using a different type of mail service, such as Priority Mail or Parcel Post.