Quick question about mail

[PeterB]

USPS mail, that is...

I've got something fairly heavy to mail. Looking at the USPS website, it seems the cheapest option is Media Mail-- I've actually never used this before. It says it's supposed to be used for paper and computer media-- can it be used for other stuff too? (If not, I guess my next best bets are Parcel Post and UPS -- but both are much pricier.)

Also ... it seems that you CAN buy the Media Mail postage online, but can't get carrier pickup. So in the end, you'll have to take it to the PO. Is that right?

[papercup]

R U mailing media? (Books, Video Cassettes)

Its pretty much the honor system. Just don't mail a human head at media rate.

[NewtonMP2100]

[quote PeterB]USPS mail, that is...

I've got something fairly heavy to mail. Looking at the USPS website, it seems the cheapest option is Media Mail-- I've actually never used this before. It says it's supposed to be used for paper and computer media-- can it be used for other stuff too? (If not, I guess my next best bets are Parcel Post and UPS -- but both are much pricier.)

Also ... it seems that you CAN buy the Media Mail postage online, but can't get carrier pickup. So in the end, you'll have to take it to the PO. Is that right?

People use it for "non media" A LOT because it is so inexpensive, so the post office has tried to crack down on this. Supposedly, they have the right to inspect packages. . .to verify this. (AND yes you are only suppposed to use it for the list of items @ the website. . .I think dvds, certain books, papers. ..etc --don't quote me on this. check the website to be sure.)


Also depending where you live sometimes the delay in media mail can be long. One package too over 2 weeks to arrive. ..

and yes you have to take it to a post office. They won't pick it up.

but you can print media mail labels using the SwordfishXpress. . .

[Jp!]

Sounds like you need a USB SCALE, first.

[C(-)ris]

Check out DHL, their prices are almost always the cheapest for heavy stuff. I ship all my towers and LCDs with them. $15 to ship a G5 from Iowa to Cali.

[PeterB]

Guys... thanks for quick answers.

No, unfortunately, this is NOT media.

I could just send it UPS, and they will do pickup, I'm just trying to minimize costs.

If I bring it to a PO, how likely is it that they will open to inspect? Obviously if the chances of this are good, then there's probably no point in bringing it to the PO, because the costs are sort of like this:

Media Mail << Parcel Post ~ UPS < Priority Mail

... so then if Media Mail is out, I would probably go UPS, because Parcel Post will also require taking it to the PO, whereas UPS will do a pickup.

Edit: Jp!, I have a UPS scale. This package is at the upper end of what it will measure.

I could also check DHL-- but it's much more convenient for me to do UPS or USPS because I already have accounts set up with them.

[NewtonMP2100]

how delicate is it?

I found Fedex Ground/Home to be the cheapest but I would not mail anything to delicate. ..even if you get insurance. FedEx makes you jump through hoops to get the claim and they will probably claim it is not their fault and deny the claim. . .happened to a few people I know. . .the insurance was basically useless. ..

[PeterB]

Newt, not too delicate.

Same problem with Fedex as with DHL -- I don't have an account, and would have to set one up. I'd rather not hassle with that, if not necessary. That's why I was asking about the media mail...

[NewtonMP2100]

[quote PeterB]
Same problem with Fedex as with DHL -- I don't have an account, and would have to set one up. I'd rather not hassle with that, if not necessary. That's why I was asking about the media mail...

I don't think you need an account for FedEx. . .I don't have one and shipped a few times. You can just charge a credit card.


the chances are slim. ..IMHO. . .I ship a lot (legitimate stuff) by media mail and I've never had one inspected but that might be because the items are ship are in boxes that look more like "legit" stuff or they might just be saying they will inspect to scare people. also, I bet they are more likely to inspect large packages that don't seem "legit" if it is a normal sized box. . .I don't think they will inpect ( but don't quote me on this.).

[C(-)ris]

DHL is the same way as fedex, don't need an account to ship. Just make a login and use a CC. But if your package is light enough to be used on the USB scale(10 lbs isnt it?) it probably won't be cheaper for you to use DHL.