USPS Media Mail is a low-cost shipping option for sending media materials like books, CDs, DVDs, and other eligible items. Media Mail is not enabled by default in Warehance because it has strict content restrictions — items that don't qualify can be intercepted and returned by USPS. To prevent accidental use, you must explicitly enable it on your USPS carrier connection before it will appear as a rate option.
Media Mail is only available for domestic shipments containing eligible media. USPS may open and inspect Media Mail packages. If the contents are not eligible, the package may be returned or charged at a higher rate. Only enable this if you are confident your shipments contain qualifying items.
Step 1:
Navigate to Shipments in the left sidebar, then click Carriers at the top of the page.
Step 2:
Find your USPS carrier connection in the list and click Settings (the gear icon) to open the connection settings.
Step 3:
Scroll down to the Carrier Specific Settings section.
Step 4:
Check the box labeled Enable Media Mail.
Step 5:
Click Save to apply the change.
Once enabled, USPS Media Mail will appear as a rate option during rate shopping for domestic shipments on this carrier connection.
What Is Eligible for Media Mail?
USPS Media Mail can only be used for:
- Books (at least 8 pages)
- Sound recordings (CDs, vinyl records)
- Video recordings (DVDs, Blu-rays)
- Play scripts and manuscripts
- Printed music
- Computer-readable media (diskettes, USB drives containing recorded content)
- Printed educational charts
- Medical information in loose-leaf binder format
- Printed objective test materials
Media Mail cannot be used for:
- General merchandise or non-media products
- Advertising materials
- Comic books (unless qualifying under other categories)
- Blank media (empty USB drives, blank CDs)
- Video games
When in doubt, refer to the USPS Media Mail guidelines or contact USPS directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't Media Mail showing up in my rate options?
Media Mail is disabled by default. Follow the steps above to enable it on your USPS carrier connection. If you've already enabled it and still don't see rates, confirm that the shipment is domestic — Media Mail is not available for international shipments.
Can I enable Media Mail for some orders but not others?
Yes. Once Media Mail is enabled on your carrier connection, it will appear as one of the available rate options alongside Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express. You choose which service to use when purchasing the label — enabling Media Mail does not force it to be selected.
What happens if I ship non-eligible items via Media Mail?
USPS reserves the right to open and inspect Media Mail packages. If the contents are not eligible, USPS may return the package to you, charge the recipient the difference for a higher mail class, or refuse delivery.
Does Media Mail have any weight or size limits?
Media Mail packages must weigh 70 lbs or less. Standard USPS size restrictions apply.
How long does Media Mail take to deliver?
Media Mail is the slowest USPS service. Delivery typically takes 2 to 8 business days depending on the origin and destination, though it can occasionally take longer.