Media Mail

  Media mail is the class of mail to use when shipping books or similar products.  Other products are CDs, magazines, or bound manuals.  The shipping time is most similar to parcel post so if speed is important use priority.  The media mail rates start at 1 pound, where the cost is $2.23.  Every additional pound after the first is only 35 cents more.  Thus even a 5-pound book will ship for $3.63.  You can ship many books together in one box as long as the weight is below 70 pounds.
  There is an additional weight range where media mail would be prudent to use.  That is when the item weighs between 7 and 16 ounces.  Here the first class parcel rate is higher than the media one.  Thus inform the postal worker that you wish to select the media rate.
  To use media rate, you must bring the box to a postal counter.  The package cannot just be dropped off.  Also, there is no international media rate.  To ship books to other countries, you will select first class international, if they are below 4 pounds.  You will select international priority if they are above 4 pounds.
  All other shipping requirements are in place for media mail.  The packages can be examined by postal workers to determine if they are books.  It would be wise to at the very least select delivery confirmation.  This will give you a tracking number for 75 cents.  Also, insurance is wise to have if the books are at all expensive.
  Be sure to use wrap and good boxes.  Good luck with your books.