What packaging does USPS require for books, records and CDs?
A book more than 1 inch thick or over 1 lb can't go in a plain letter-style envelope or unwrapped, and shrinkwrap alone is allowed only for paperbacks up to 3 lb. Boxes of books from 25 lb need 200-lb test board for paperbacks and 275-lb test for hardbacks, and from 50 lb, 275-lb and 350-lb test.
Records and CDs up to 3 lb can go in 70-lb basis-weight envelopes; from 3 lb they need corrugated or fiberboard boxes, with stronger board as the weight climbs (DMM 601.3.8, 601.3.10).
Rates verified on
The rule, in USPS's words
“that are more than one inch thick or one pound must not be accepted in letter-style non-reinforced flat envelopes or without packaging.”
“Shrinkwrap (under 3.6) may be used as the only method of packaging for paperback books and similarly produced printed matter up to 3 pounds.”
“Void spaces within containers must be filled with dunnage, or otherwise stabilized to prevent shifting or damage to the contents or container.”
“Up to 3 pounds: 70-pound basis-weight envelopes.”
“From 3 up to 10 pounds: Outer corrugated, fiberboard containers.”
“Damage by abrasion, scarring, or scraping to articles not properly wrapped for protection.”
What it costs, with examples
| Shipment | Packaging the DMM requires | Media Mail |
|---|---|---|
| One paperback, 12 oz, under 1 in. thick | a letter-style envelope is allowed; shrinkwrap alone is allowed | $4.39 |
| One hardcover, 2 lb, 1-1/2 in. thick | not a plain letter-style envelope: a sturdier envelope (28-lb paper or Mullen over 90 psi, DMM 601.4.1) or a box | $5.13 |
| Box of books, 8 lb | closed with tape, nonmetallic banding or adhesives (5 to 10 lb) | $9.55 |
| Box of hardcovers, 30 lb | 275-lb test fiberboard box | $25.76 |
| Box of paperbacks, 30 lb | 200-lb test fiberboard box | $25.76 |
| Box of hardcovers, 55 lb | 350-lb test fiberboard box | $44.18 |
| Records or CDs, 2 lb | 70-lb basis-weight envelopes | $5.13 |
| Records or CDs, 12 lb | 175-lb test fiberboard, closed and reinforced with adhesives, tape or staples | $12.50 |
| Records or CDs, 45 lb | 200-lb test fiberboard, reinforced about every 8 in. | $36.81 |
Edge cases
- Up to 5 lb, staples count: book boxes up to 5 lb may close with friction closures, fully clinched staples, heat sealing, adhesives, tape or nonmetallic banding; from 5 to 10 lb only tape, banding or adhesives (DMM 601.3.8).
- Banding tight: nonmetallic banding must be tightened until it depresses the carton at the edges.
- Shrinkwrap outside a box is fine; shrinkwrap as the only packaging is not acceptable for hardbacks over 1 lb or 1 in. thick.
- Records over 65 lb need 275-lb test fiberboard; 40 to 65 lb, 200-lb test reinforced about every 8 in. (DMM 601.3.10).
- Right-sized boxes: parcels must be sized to the contents so they don't bend, fold or collapse (DMM 601.3.1.2).
- Media Mail eligibility is a separate question (Media Mail rates; cheapest way to ship books).
What to do
- Put hardcovers in a box or a reinforced mailer, never a plain paper envelope.
- Fill every gap with dunnage so books can't shift, and band or tape heavy boxes.
- Check the box maker's test rating before packing 25 lb or more of books.
Questions
Can I mail a book in a regular envelope?
A paperback under 1 lb and under 1 in. thick, yes. A book over 1 lb or 1 in. thick must not go in a letter-style non-reinforced envelope or unpackaged (DMM 601.3.8).
Can I ship a paperback in just shrink wrap?
Yes, up to 3 lb: shrinkwrap may be the only packaging for paperbacks to that weight (DMM 601.3.8).
Sources
Rates verified on from each official page below.
Free 1-page Reseller Cheat Sheet: fees on 8 platforms, Media Mail and stamp prices
What each platform takes from a $10, $25 and $50 sale, Media Mail 1-10 lb, Ground Advantage to Zones 1, 5 and 8, and the Forever stamp, on one printable page. The link appears as soon as you sign up.