10/99
M Tags are available at
any post office. M-tags are used for mailing books and printed matter Surface Mail (outside the U.S.) for packages weighing between 11 and 66 pounds. Surface mail takes 6-12 weeks. M-tag Airmail rates vary
between countries and take 1-2 weeks to most countries.Can you explain how you can send a whole sack of books to another country, up to 75 pounds, I think, for $2-$3 M class?10/99
Books must be
placed in one or more packages bearing the name and address of the sender and addressee. Each package must be marked in the right-hand corner: Postage Paid – M-Bag." The post office will supply you with
M-Tags and bags. Total weight cannot be less than 11 pounds. The combined weight of the contents and the sack may not exceed 66 pounds.
Why didn't anybody tell me that book rate postage had to be a minimum of one pound?10/99
The pound rate starts at 5 oz. to 16 oz (1 pound). Books that weigh under 5 oz. would be cheaper to go First Class.
How come they won't let me ship my comics Book Rate at location A, but they do at location B?10/99
Comic books cannot go book rate. Comics, magazines and newspapers are not considered books. All locations
should have the same rules. Book rate is a complicated issue, for instance, certain sound recordings, play scripts and manuscripts may also be shipped book rate. I recommend getting a copy of the regulations
for sending book rate from your local Post Office to determine what can and can't be shipped book rate.
Can you get Delivery Confirmation on a Book Rate package under 1 lb.?10/99
Yes, you can. Books
are treated per pound. Any books weighing 5 oz. or more automatically go to the 1 lb. rate. If you send a book less than 5 oz., you are charged the lower First Class rate, but it still goes Book Rate. (i.e., if
it is a 5 oz. or 6 oz. book sent Book Rate, you are charged the 1 lb. rate of $1.13. If it weighs 4 oz., you are charged 99 cents, but it still goes Book Rate.)
Can you explain why I can't put cellophane tape on a registered overseas package? 10/99
- There is an ink absorption requirement.
- Tape must visibly damage the envelope or wrapper if removed.
Tape intended or designed to be removed, such as masking tape, must not be used to seal Registered Mail. The post office only allows plain paper or cloth tape to be used because tape like duct tape, or our
Priority Mail tape, do not meet the ink absorption requirement. Tape must visibly damage the envelope or wrapper if removed.
Bill the Postman's FAQ's