USPS Media Mail Tracking

Anish

March 10, 2024

The year 2022 saw the United States Postal Service (USPS) process a 127.3 billion mail volume. Many of these mailpieces likely went through the country’s more than 31,000 post offices.

Among the many mailing services the U.S. Postal Service offers, Media Mail passes through these post offices. If you need to ship books and other educational items, consider sending them through Media Mail.

How do you use Media Mail? What items are eligible to ship with this service? Can you track packages sent through Media Mail?

This article tackles these questions and discusses how to package Media Mail items. It also explores the other USPS services aside from Media Mail and what the different tracking statuses mean.

Are you seeking a post office to send your item through Media Mail? FindPostOffice.org can help you locate a post office near you. If you’re looking for other shipping-related topics, FindPostOffice.org also offers helpful articles to help you become a more informed shipper.

“Can I Track USPS Media Mail?”

When sending a package through Media Mail, it’s normal to be curious about where your parcel is and how long it will arrive. USPS Tracking can help keep you updated about your item’s delivery status.

Read the following sections to learn how to track Media Mail.

Free Package Tracking Added to Media Mail

Whenever you purchase USPS Media Mail for your mailing needs, it automatically includes tracking.

Before the USPS postage rate increase in 2015, USPS Tracking costs $1.05 to add to Media Mail if purchased at the post office and $0.23 from Stamps.com. After May 31, 2015, tracking for Media Mail became free.

Can You Buy Tracking on Media Mail?

As mentioned earlier, tracking has no additional cost when purchasing Media Mail. Thus, there is no need to pay to include tracking with Media Mail.

Track U.S. Mail Service by Number: “What Does My Tracking Number Look Like?”

The tracking number format for USPS Tracking is as follows:

9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

Meanwhile, the tracking number formats for other USPS services are the following:

Service	Tracking Number
Priority Mail	9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
Certified Mail	9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
Collect on Delivery Hold for Pickup	9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
Global Express Guaranteed	82 000 000 00
Priority Mail Express International	EC 000 000 000 US
Priority Mail Express	EA 000 000 000 US or 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
Priority Mail International	CP 000 000 000 US
Registered Mail	9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00
Signature Confirmation	9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

“Where Do I Find My Tracking Number?”

You can find your mailpiece’s tracking number in the following locations:

Post office shipping receipt
Your email confirmation (if you ship from USPS.com)
Sales receipt (from buying insurance at the post office)
The shipping confirmation email you receive from an online seller
The USPS Tracking label’s bottom peel-off portion

Where Is the Tracking Number in the U.S. Mail Service Receipt?

The tracking number is at the bottom part of your USPS sales receipt. If you purchased insurance, the tracking number should be at the bottom of your insurance receipt.

U.S. Mail Service Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) Tracking and Tracing

The IMb is a 65-bar USPS barcode for sorting and tracking letters and flats (large envelopes). This service lets you use one barcode to simultaneously engage in multiple Postal Service programs, expand your ability to track individual mailpieces, and provide wider mail stream visibility.

“Where Is My U.S. Mail Service Package?”

To find where your package is, go to the USPS website and enter your parcel’s tracking number in the search bar. As long as USPS promptly updates the tracking status, you should find your package’s location on time.

How to Track USPS Media Mail

Whether you send books to another person or purchase educational material from an online store, USPS allows you to track your mail. The following sections explain the steps to track Media Mail.

Step 1

If you’re the recipient, request your USPS tracking number from the sender. Write the number so you can type it in when needed.

Step 2

Go to USPS.com’s tracking page, enter your package’s tracking number, and click “Track” beside the search bar. You’ll then see your item’s delivery information, which should update each time your parcel arrives at the next station along the delivery route.

Step 3

Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to speak with a customer service representative. The USPS Customer Care Center is open from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM Eastern Time (E.T.) from Monday to Friday and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM E.T. on Saturday.

Step 4

Consider requesting signature delivery to determine if your USPS package has arrived at the final destination. Upon the package’s arrival, you will automatically receive an email notification regarding your package’s arrival.

About USPS Media Mail: What Is Media Mail?

Media Mail is a cost-effective option to ship educational materials like books, compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and other eligible media. The sections below discuss USPS Media Mail in more detail.

How Does Media Mail Work?

You can only send Media Mail by going to the post office, especially when you must send heavy items up to 70 pounds (lbs). As of July 2023, postage prices start from $3.92, and Media Mail ships in two to eight business days.

Benefits and Limitations of Media Mail

As mentioned earlier, one benefit of Media Mail is that it comes with tracking for no added cost to help you know your package’s whereabouts.

Another advantage is that you can purchase insurance for Media Mail for damage or loss up to $5,000. However, this value is limited to merchandise only.

USPS Media Mail Pros and Cons

One of Media Mail’s primary advantages is that it is relatively more affordable than other USPS services.

For example, as of July 2023, the postage to send a Priority Mail Flat Rate box starts at $10.20, and USPS Ground Advantage begins at $4.75. In comparison, Media Mail starts at $3.92.

On the other hand, the cons include the following:

Delivery can take two to eight business days. Consider other shipping services if you need faster delivery times.
USPS Media Mail rules dictate what you can and cannot send.
Media Mail doesn’t have insurance unless you buy coverage for an extra cost.
Suppose you send items ineligible for the Media Mail rate. USPS can assess them at the proper price and send the postage to the recipient or contact you for additional postage.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Media Mail?

As of July 9, 2023, the retail prices to send Media Mail through USPS are as follows:

Weight not over (lbs)	Price per piece
1	$3.92
2	4.67
3	5.42
4	6.17
5	6.92
6	7.67
7	8.42
8	9.17
9	9.92
10	10.67
15	14.42
20	18.17
25	21.92
30	25.67
40	33.17
50	40.67
60	48.17
70	55.67

Why Is Media Mail So Cheap?

USPS typically charges postage by weight. If you need to ship books and other heavy packages, imagine the expense of sending these items.

USPS created Media Mail to allow you to mail books for less expense and encourage educational materials to flow through the mail.

Weight, Size, and Shape Requirements

Items shipped through Media Mail should have a maximum weight of up to 70lbs and measure up to 108 inches (in) in length and distance around the thickest part (girth).

How Long Does It Take for Media Mail to Be Delivered?

One significant concern for shippers and recipients is the time it takes for packages to arrive. Different USPS services have varying delivery speeds, and Media Mail is no exception. The following sections discuss the time it takes to deliver Media Mail.

Shipping in 2 to 8 Business Days

Media Mail can be an excellent and affordable option to send non-urgent items as the service ships in two to eight days. Thus, ensure your recipient isn’t in a hurry to receive them.

U.S. Mail Service Expected Delivery Window

While checking your item’s tracking status, you may see an expected delivery window message. This window is a two-hour time slot for your parcel to arrive.

There’s no guarantee USPS will deliver within that time. However, you may receive your item by the day’s end if not by the expected window.

U.S. Mail Service Delivery Hours

Usually, USPS can deliver packages around 5:00 PM, local time, from Monday to Saturday. However, delivery times can vary based on the following reasons:

Traffic rush
Adverse weather
Fewer workers
Natural calamities

How to Use USPS Media Mail

To use USPS Media Mail, ensure your item weighs no more than 70lbs. You can send any of the following items through Media Mail:

Books containing at least eight pages
16mm films or narrower
Test materials and printed music
Sound and video recordings, such as albums, tapes, CDs, and DVDs
Manuscripts and playscripts
Printed educational reference charts
Medical loose-leaf binders and pages
Computer-readable media

Media Mail Insurance and Inspections

Shipping insurance is typically an extra service courier companies offer. The following sections explore Media Mail package inspection and insurance coverage.

Can You Insure Media Mail?

As discussed earlier, you can purchase merchandise insurance up to $5,000 for your Media Mail package.

The table below shows the cost per desired merchandise insurance coverage as of July 9, 2023:

Desired coverage	Fee
$0.01 to $50	$2.70
50.01 to 100	3.45
100.01 to 200	4.55
201.01 to 300	5.95
301.01 to 400	7.50
401.01 to 500	9.05
501.01 to 600	12.15
601.01 to 5,000	$12.15 plus $1.85 per $100 (or fraction thereof) over $600 in declared value

How Often Is Media Mail Inspected?

Because of Media Mail’s affordable prices, USPS often inspects packages to ensure shippers don’t misuse this service. Thus, USPS can open your envelopes and boxes anytime to ensure compliance.

Should the Postal Service find your package violating its requirements, USPS can return the parcel to you or charge you for extra postage.

Other USPS Media Mail Rules You Should Watch Out for

USPS Media Mail has a strict ban you must adhere to regarding the placement of any advertising in your package.

Also, packages containing video games, digital drives, and computer drives don’t qualify for Media Mail prices.

What Items Can You Ship With Media Mail?

With USPS Media Mail, you can send different media types as long as they are eligible items. The following sections discuss these media types and whether you can send them through Media Mail.

Can You Ship Magazines With Media Mail?

Magazines usually have advertisements and, thus, may not be eligible for Media Mail shipping. Even if these items have the appropriate size and are within the weight limit, consider sending magazines using other methods.

Can You Ship CDs With Media Mail?

You can ship CDs through Media Mail, provided they have content. In other words, blank CDs are not eligible.

Can You Ship DVDs With Media Mail?

Like CDs, DVDs are also eligible for Media Mail as long as they aren’t blank. Ensure your DVDs have content before shipping them with Media Mail.

Can You Ship Comics With Media Mail?

Comic books do not meet Media Mail standards. These items may contain advertising or promotion and, thus, cannot qualify for this service.

Can You Ship Books With Media Mail?

Media Mail’s original conceptualization was for shipping books. This service allows you to ship books as long as they contain at least eight pages.

Can You Ship More Than One Book With Media Mail?

You can ship multiple books via Media Mail, as long as the total weight is less than 70lbs.

Can You Ship Vinyl Records Using Media Mail?

Vinyl recordings are part of the sound recordings category. This category is eligible for Media Mail delivery. Thus, you can send vinyl records through Media Mail.

Can You Ship Posters With Media Mail?

You can send posters through Media Mail if they belong to the printed educational reference materials category.

These materials qualify for Media Mail service if they convey information using graphs, tables, diagrams, and other nonnarrative matter.

Can You Ship VHS Tapes Using Media Mail?

Video home system (VHS) tapes are acceptable for Media Mail, provided they have content. Like CDs and DVDs, blank VHS tapes are not eligible for Media Mail.

Can You Ship Cassettes With Media Mail?

You can send cassettes through Media Mail if they have content. Blank cassettes don’t qualify for this service.

Can You Ship Trading Cards With Media Mail?

Collectible cards or trading card games (TCG) like baseball, Pokémon, and Magic: The Gathering (MTG) do not qualify for Media Mail as these items are not educational material. Consider shipping TCGs using other mailing services.

The Best Way to Package Media Mail Items

When sending items through Media Mail, you must package them properly. Doing so helps reduce the chances of your item getting damaged or lost so it will reach your recipient in good condition.

The following sections discuss the best ways to package your Media Mail items.

Guidelines for USPS Media Mail Packing Materials

USPS has the following guidelines for packing materials, including these tips:

Whether you utilize a box, tube, or padded envelope, use packaging strong enough to protect your item and ensure that it doesn’t bulge. Accurately measure your package’s weight and size to avoid unexpected fees.
Use strong packaging with enough space for cushioning fragile items and preventing them from shifting.
If you reuse a box, cover or black out all old addresses, logos, shipping labels, and barcodes.
Use a two-inch-wide packing tape to close and secure the seams. Don’t wrap your box with string, twine, or cord. These items can get caught in the USPS sorting equipment.

Additional Media Mail Standards

You cannot send prohibited items through USPS, so you must send them through another carrier. These items include the following:

Alcoholic beverages
Ammunition, fireworks, and explosives
Items with liquid mercury

How to Label Your USPS Media Package

When labeling your Media Mail package, follow these tips:

Include a delivery address with a ZIP or ZIP+4 code and place it in the middle of the package.
Print “Media Mail” in each piece’s postage area or shipping address label.

How to Ship Media Mail

When sending Media Mail, note the various limitations and requirements so that shipping your item through this service has less chances of becoming a hassle. Read the sections below to learn how to ship Media Mail.

How Heavy Can Your Media Mail Package Be?

As mentioned earlier, your package’s total weight must not exceed 70lbs. If the weight is over 70lbs, consider splitting your shipment into two or more packages.

How Big Can Your Media Mail Package Be?

Based on the size and shape requirements, your Media Mail package must measure 108 inches in total length and girth. Consider using a different mailing service if your item is larger than that dimension.

How Long Does Media Mail Take to Arrive?

Suppose you need to send a book, but your recipient won’t need it until about a week later. In this case, consider using Media Mail to ship your book. As mentioned, Media Mail can take two to eight days to arrive at the delivery address.

Can You Ship Media Mail From Home?

Media Mail is only available at a USPS post office, meaning you must go to a post office to ship books and educational materials. Thus, you cannot ship Media Mail from home or online.

Can You Ship Media Mail to Canada or Internationally?

Media Mail is a domestic USPS service. Therefore, you cannot use Media Mail to send items to Canada or other countries outside the U.S.

Can You Use a Priority Mail Box With Media Mail?

Priority Mail boxes are exclusive for Priority Mail shipments only. If you need to pack your Media Mail item, consider using other packaging methods that comply with the size and weight requirements.

“My Package Shipped by U.S. Mail Service Shows No Tracking Information”

Through delivery confirmation, USPS scans your package only upon its arrival at your local post office and again during delivery. Thus, you may not receive updated tracking information until your package arrives and gets scanned at the post office.

What Are the Reasons Behind Tracking Not Updating?

A few reasons your package’s tracking information is not updating include the following:

Package not scanned for any reason at intermediary stops
Carrier delay
Unscannable or broken barcode
Adverse weather conditions

“I’ve Received My Packages, but U.S. Mail Service Tracking Is Still Not Updating”

If you receive your package despite the tracking information not updating, USPS is likely rushing mail packages. In such situations, the Postal Service can skip scanning to handle the increased mail volume demand.

U.S. Mail Service Package Not Moving for a Week, a Month, or Stopped

If your package does not receive a scan in 18 hours, an “in transit” status can appear in your item’s tracking information. This status can mean your package is in any of the following situations:

Traveling in a plane, train, or automobile
Stored in a large container with other items and not scanned until offloaded
Offloaded but not yet processed
Stuck in a pileup at a facility
Stuck in a transport that has broken down

Other Tracking Statuses

Your package’s tracking information can show various statuses depending on the delivery progress. The following sections explain the statuses you’ll likely encounter when tracking your parcel.

What “In Transit” Means in U.S. Mail Service

“In-transit” means the carrier has scanned your package upon pickup and is delivering the item to the recipient.

Suppose your shipment is “in-transit” for an extended period. The package may have been delayed due to various reasons, like adverse weather or road conditions.

What “Out for Delivery” Means in U.S. Mail Service

This status means your package has left the carrier’s facility and is heading to the recipient’s delivery address.

What “Delivered” Means in U.S. Mail Service

This status indicates that the carrier has delivered your package to the recipient. After the postal worker drops off the item, the tracking status should update with this message showing the delivery date and time.

What “Return to Sender” Means

This status means USPS will return the mail to the sender, especially when the carrier cannot deliver the item to the destination address or the recipient cannot receive the mail.

“Inbound Out of Customs” Meaning

This status means U.S. Customs has released your package, and USPS is delivering the item to your recipient.

What Does *Customs Do?***

Customs checks inbound international mail and packages. During this process, the customs officer in the country you ship to will inspect the package to ensure it meets their country’s regulations, laws, and policies. The officer will also determine what taxes and duties apply to your package.

Does the Customs Clearance Process Work?

In most cases, international mail arrives at airports and gets handled by ground handlers who unload your package from the plane. These workers take your parcel to an international service center (ISC), where USPS staff verify your item’s safety.

Suppose the employees find irregularities on the envelope or discover potential risks. The process of sending the package to the recipient can take longer.

USPS Media Mail Customer Support

If you need customer support for your Media Mail, contact USPS at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). You can also email customer service on the USPS website.

U.S. Mail Service Delayed Mail and Packages

Mail volume fluctuates daily, so delivery times aren’t guaranteed. All deliveries should be made by 5:00 PM, local time, Monday through Saturday, unless unforeseen events like severe weather conditions, natural disasters, or traffic will occur.

Compare Mail Services

When you need to send books and other heavy items, Media Mail isn’t the only service USPS offers. The following sections discuss other domestic and international mailing services if your item isn’t eligible for Media Mail.

Priority Mail Express

USPS Priority Mail Express provides next-day to two–day delivery service. It offers fast delivery daily to most U.S. addresses and post office boxes (P.O. boxes) at competitive prices starting from $28.75 at the post office.

If you go for Flat Rate, Priority Mail Express allows you to ship packages up to 70lbs to any U.S. state for the same price.

Next-Day to 2-Day Guarantee by 6:00 PM

Priority Mail Express service guarantees next-day to two–day delivery by 6:00 PM, or you get your money back.

Priority Mail

If you need a fast shipping solution not necessarily limited to next-day or two-day delivery, consider USPS Priority Mail.

Mail and Small Packages in 1 to 3 Business Days

USPS Priority Mail delivers and tracks envelopes and boxes in one to three business days. This service also has a Flat Rate option that lets you ship packages up to 70lbs to any state for the same price.

U.S. Mail Service Priority Mail Domestic Tracking

USPS Priority Mail includes tracking to help you monitor your Priority Mail shipments for no additional cost.

U.S. Mail Service Priority Mail International Tracking

Priority Mail International ships to more than 180 countries and includes tracking. However, tracking is unavailable for Priority Mail International Flat Rate envelopes or small boxes.

U.S. Mail Service Priority International Delivery Times

Priority Mail International offers fast delivery times to overseas destinations in 6 to 10 days. The Flat Rate option starts at $30.35, and shipping by weight begins at $42.10.

U.S. Mail Service Priority Mail Express International Tracking

This express mail service ships to about 180 countries and includes USPS Tracking. However, some destinations may have limited tracking coverage.

U.S. Mail Service Priority Mail International Standard and Express Service

If you need an economical and reliable way to send packages from the U.S. to other countries like Canada, Australia, and Mexico, USPS Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International are excellent options.

Both services allow you to ship up to 70lbs to about 180 countries and offer extra services like tracking, insurance, and free package pickup.

First-Class Mail

USPS First-Class Mail service is an easy and affordable way to send postcards and envelopes. As of July 2023, First-Class Mail Forever stamp prices start at $0.66.

How Long Does First-Class Mail Take? Shipping in 1 to 5 Business Days

Suppose you need a relatively fast shipping service, such as one to five days, to send non-urgent mail or postcards. In this case, consider First-Class Mail as your mailing service of choice.

U.S. Mail Service First-Class Mail International Tracking

First-Class Mail International does not include tracking. However, this mailing service is USPS’ most affordable option for sending letters, flats, and postcards.

USPS Retail Ground

If you need a reliable and affordable way to send items within the U.S., consider shipping with USPS Ground Advantage.

This service lets you ship to all 50 U.S. states, territories, possessions, military bases, and freely associated states.

Shipping in 2 to 5 Business Days

Do you operate an eCommerce business catering to U.S. customers and selling non-urgent merchandise through Amazon or eBay? If you need a relatively fast delivery, such as within two to five days, choose USPS Ground Advantage.

Using Retail Ground

With USPS Ground Advantage, you can send packages up to 70lbs.

For items weighing 15.999 ounces (oz) or less, prices apply to the following tiers:

Up to 4oz
Up to 8oz
Up to 12oz
Up to 15.999oz

Additionally, if you send a large First-Class Mail envelope, you may need to pay Ground Advantage rates if it is:

Rigid (cannot bend)
Non-rectangular (square or taller than its width)
Lumpy (not having uniform thickness)
Longer than 11.500in, thicker than 0.250in, or higher than 6.125in

U.S. Ground Mail Tracking

USPS delivers Ground Advantage items in two to five business days and already includes USPS Tracking.

U.S. Mail Service Parcel Select Ground

USPS Parcel Select can be an economical ground delivery service if you frequently ship medium and large packages. Competitors like United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (FedEx) can use this service.

The following sections discuss this service’s details.

U.S. Mail Service Parcel Select Ground Tracking

Parcel Select allows you to track packages through the USPS Tracking service at no extra cost. This feature lets you locate your item and check its delivery status for free.

U.S. Mail Service Parcel Select Delivery Time

Parcel Select delivers to every U.S. address, including P.O. boxes and military locations. This service’s estimated delivery time is two to eight business days from Monday to Friday before 5:00 PM.

U.S. Mail Service International Tracking

Not all USPS international shipping services include tracking. Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, and First-Class Package International have USPS Tracking. However, First-Class Mail International does not have this service.

U.S. Mail Service Business Solutions

USPS Business Solutions consists of services catering to small and medium businesses’ everyday needs. These solutions include the following:

Marketing campaigns
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)
Shipping best practices
Ordering supplies
Package pickups and drop-offs
Pricing calculator
Click-N-Ship (online solution for shipping packages from your home or office)

U.S. Mail Service Global Express Guaranteed

Suppose you need to send an urgent package that must arrive in a few days and with a money-back guarantee. Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) can be the solution for you.

GXG can deliver shipments in one to three business days worldwide, including next-day delivery to select locations in Canada.

FAQs

What is U.S. mail service tracking?

USPS Tracking is an end-to-end item tracking service available for most mail products addressed to domestic locations. When you enter your package’s tracking number into the USPS Tracking page, you get your item’s current status and other tracking information.

Does Media Mail get lost?

Media Mail is not a guaranteed service, so there’s a possibility of your item getting lost. However, you can buy insurance worth up to $5,000 for merchandise sent through Media Mail.

How long does it take for tracking information to show up on the U.S. mail service?

Once your item gets scanned, the tracking information can take up to 24 hours to get updated on the site.

What is the U.S. mail service’s First-Class Package International?

USPS First-Class Package International Service is a popular option to ship packages up to 4lbs (64 oz) that are valued at up to $400 to over 180 countries. As of July 2023, shipping prices start at $15.75.

Why is Media Mail so slow?

Media Mail often takes longer to arrive because the courier has to inspect your parcel to determine if the package contains approved contents.

USPS states that the mailing of items through Media Mail constitutes consent by the mailer to postal inspection.

What is Priority Mail Express service?

As the article mentioned, Priority Mail Express provides guaranteed next-day to two-day delivery to most U.S. destinations and P.O. boxes for packages up to 70lbs. This service delivers on Sundays and holidays for a fee and offers free package pickup.

How long does Priority Mail take?

USPS Priority Mail has a service delivery time of one to three business days. If you send a Priority Mail item on a Monday, it should arrive anytime from Tuesday to Thursday.

Does USPS really check Media Mail?

As mentioned, shipping through Media Mail means giving USPS consent to inspect your item. The courier can open and check the package to ensure the items inside are eligible based on the Media Mail requirements list.

How can I leave delivery instructions?

If your package qualifies for the USPS Delivery Instructions service, you can inform USPS to do any of the following:

Leave your package at a specific place at your address
Send the parcel to a different address
Send the item to your post office

To provide delivery instructions, click the “Change Delivery Instructions” link on the USPS tracking results page. If you don’t see the link, your package isn’t eligible for this service.

Can I file a claim on Media Mail?

Suppose you bought insurance for your package, and your parcel gets damaged or lost. You can file an insurance claim by filling out a form and providing all the required documentation, such as proof of value and evidence of insurance.

When will my letter carrier or mail arrive?

USPS doesn’t guarantee the delivery of Media Mail within a specific time.

Although the courier strives to complete all deliveries by 5:00 PM local time, unusual circumstances like traffic, severe weather, staffing issues, and carrier route changes can cause deliveries to arrive later.

Do calendars count as Media Mail?

Based on the items eligible for Media Mail, calendars aren’t on the list. Consider other shipping options besides Media Mail if you need to send calendars.

What can I do if my mailpiece hasn’t been delivered?

First, check the delivery standard for the mail service you use to send your item. For example, Media Mail’s standard is two to eight days.

Afterward, compare your mail service’s delivery standard to the current delivery. If your Media Mail hasn’t arrived five days after shipping, there should be no worry since the elapsed time is still within the standard duration.

Although USPS doesn’t guarantee that Media Mail arrives within a specific time, you can contact customer service if the time exceeds the delivery standard.

How do I get my package with the U.S. mail service delivered?

Shipping through USPS usually begins with the seller bringing your package to the local post office or a mailbox. A postman then picks up your item with other shipments and sends them to a sorting facility.

In this facility, machines automatically organize packages by reading the address and sorting the parcels to the correct destinations.

The courier places domestic shipments in trucks that deliver your item to your address. Meanwhile, international shipments must pass through customs before getting sent to the destination country by plane.

U.S. mail service package lost or stolen: What to do?

If your USPS package goes missing or gets stolen, check whether your item has insurance. If your parcel has insurance, you can file a claim with USPS. If the claim gets approved, the Postal Service will mail you a check.

How does U.S. mail service tracking work?

USPS scans your trackable package’s label several times throughout the mail stream, whether USPS or one of its shipping partners possesses your item.

Tracking starts when you or a shipping partner notifies USPS electronically regarding your package. Tracking continues with the Postal Service accepting your parcel and ends when the courier delivers your item or the recipient picks it up.

Throughout this process, you can access your item’s tracking information using the tracking number associated with your package.

How do I track a U.S. mail service return receipt?

You can track your return receipt by accessing the USPS website and entering the receipt’s tracking number on the search field on the homepage.

What is the U.S. mail service’s Informed Delivery?

Informed Delivery is a free USPS service that shows preview images of your incoming mail and status updates about your outbound and incoming parcels.

How does the U.S. mail service’s premium tracking work?

USPS Tracking Plus is a premium tracking service that allows you to extend your USPS tracking history access for six months to 10 years for a fee.

Does the U.S. mail service deliver on Saturdays?

USPS delivers on Saturdays, depending on the mail service you use. For example, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express have Saturday deliveries.

Does the U.S. mail service deliver on Sundays?

Some USPS services, such as Priority Mail Express, can deliver on Sundays and holidays in specific markets for an additional fee.

References

SIZE AND SCOPE
https://facts.usps.com/size-and-scope/
Mail & Shipping Services
https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm
USPS Tracking®
https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
Intelligent Mail® Barcode
https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/intelligent-mail-barcode
Contact Us
https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm
MEDIA MAIL SERVICE
https://about.usps.com/notices/not121/not121_tech.htm
Price List
https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c059
What is Media Mail® (Book Rate)?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Media-Mail-Book-Rate
How to Send a Package: Domestic
https://www.usps.com/ship/packages.htm
Priority Mail Express
https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail-express.htm
Priority Mail
https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail.htm
Priority Mail International
https://www.usps.com/international/priority-mail-international.htm
Priority Mail Express International
https://www.usps.com/international/priority-mail-express-international.htm
First-Class Mail
https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-mail.htm
Business Solutions with USPS® – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Business-Solutions-with-USPS-The-Basics
170 Retail Mail Media Mail and Library Mail – 173 Prices and Eligibility
https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/173.htm
USPS Tracking®
https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input