--- title: "USPS packaging rules for books, records and CDs (DMM 601)" description: "Hardcovers over 1 lb or 1 in. need more than a plain envelope; shrinkwrap alone is OK only for paperbacks to 3 lb; heavy boxes need tested board." canonical: https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/packaging-books-and-records/ last_updated: 2026-10-19 publisher: "The Reseller Index" --- # 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](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm)). Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026 ## 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.” [DMM 601.3.8](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm), read Oct 19, 2026 > “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.” [DMM 601.3.8](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm), read Oct 19, 2026 > “Void spaces within containers must be filled with dunnage, or otherwise stabilized to prevent shifting or damage to the contents or container.” [DMM 601.3.8](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm), read Oct 19, 2026 > “Up to 3 pounds: 70-pound basis-weight envelopes.” [DMM 601.3.10](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm), read Oct 19, 2026 > “From 3 up to 10 pounds: Outer corrugated, fiberboard containers.” [DMM 601.3.10](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm), read Oct 19, 2026 > “Damage by abrasion, scarring, or scraping to articles not properly wrapped for protection.” [DMM 609.4.3 (claims not paid)](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm), read Oct 19, 2026 ## What it costs, with examples *What DMM 601.3.8 and 601.3.10 require by shipment, with the Media Mail price for that weight (Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026).* | 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](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm)). - **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](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm)). - **Right-sized boxes:** parcels must be sized to the contents so they don't bend, fold or collapse ([DMM 601.3.1.2](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm)). - **Media Mail eligibility** is a separate question ([Media Mail rates](https://resellerindex.com/rates/media-mail/); [cheapest way to ship books](https://resellerindex.com/guides/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](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm)). ### 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](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm)). ## Related rules - [When does a padded envelope count as a package instead of a large envelope?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/padded-envelope-flat-or-parcel/) Large envelope prices only up to 15 x 12 x 3/4 in., flexible and evenly thick (1/4 in. variance); otherwise parcel prices. - [Can you reuse a box with old labels, barcodes or logos for USPS?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/reusing-boxes/) Yes if rigid with flaps intact; cover old labels and fully remove hazmat or alcohol marks, or risk the $50.00 fee. - [How much insurance is included with Ground Advantage and Priority Mail?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/included-insurance/) Up to $100 with a tracking barcode; extra coverage to $5,000 from $2.80. Used items are depreciated. - [Can you tape two boxes together and ship them as one USPS package?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/two-boxes-taped-together/) Yes if they're about the same size or shape and securely fastened, within the limits; never with Flat Rate boxes. Also on this site: [Media Mail: what qualifies](https://resellerindex.com/usps/media-mail/) [All 25 USPS package rules](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/) ## Sources Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026 from each official page below. - [USPS Notice 123, Price List (effective Oct 4, 2026)](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm) - [USPS Domestic Mail Manual 601: mailability, packaging and USPS-produced packaging](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm) - [USPS Domestic Mail Manual 609: filing indemnity claims for loss or damage](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm) Subscribe: https://resellerindex.com/subscribe/ Pricing postage into every listing? 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