USPS Media Mail Delivery Time Calculator
The most economical shipping option for books, CDs, DVDs, and educational materials. Delivery in 2-8 business days.
Estimated Delivery Time
2-8 days
Business days (can take longer during peak periods)
Media Mail Delivery Time Calculator
Enter your ZIP codes to estimate Media Mail delivery time. Remember, Media Mail is slower but much cheaper for qualifying items.
Upcoming USPS Non-Delivery Days:
- Sun, Dec 14 - Sunday - No regular mail delivery
Ready to Calculate
Enter your origin and destination ZIP codes above, then click "Calculate Delivery Time" to see estimated arrival dates for all USPS services.
Media Mail Delivery Times
Media Mail typically takes 2-8 business days, though delivery can occasionally take longer. It's the slowest USPS option but offers significant cost savings.
Plan for Longer Delivery
While USPS estimates 2-8 days, Media Mail often takes the full 8 days or longer. During holiday seasons, delivery can extend to 2-3 weeks. Don't use Media Mail for time-sensitive shipments.
What's Eligible for Media Mail
- Books (at least 8 pages, no advertising)
- Sound recordings (CDs, vinyl records)
- Video recordings (DVDs, Blu-ray discs)
- Printed music and sheet music
- Test materials and answer sheets
- Computer-readable media (educational only)
- Play scripts and manuscripts
- Film (16mm or narrower)
- Printed educational charts
- Medical binders (loose-leaf)
What's NOT Eligible for Media Mail
- Video games (unless educational)
- Advertising materials of any kind
- Computer drives and hardware
- General merchandise
- Magazines and newspapers
- Comic books
- Blank media (empty CDs, DVDs)
- Books with advertising inserts
Packages May Be Inspected
USPS can open and inspect Media Mail packages. If ineligible items are found, you'll be charged the difference in postage (at the Priority Mail rate) plus a potential penalty. Only use Media Mail for clearly qualifying items.
Media Mail Pros & Cons
- Lowest shipping rates available
- Great for heavy books
- Up to 70 lbs allowed
- Perfect for booksellers and libraries
- Slowest delivery option
- Restricted to media items only
- No tracking included
- Subject to postal inspection
- Cannot include advertising
When to Use Media Mail
- Books and textbooks
- CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records
- Educational materials
- Film and video recordings
- Sound recordings
Media Mail Pro Tips
- 1Do not include any non-media items - packages may be opened and inspected
- 2Add tracking as an extra service if needed
- 3Great for online booksellers and library loans
- 4Consider insurance for valuable items
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Media Mail take to deliver?
USPS Media Mail typically delivers in 2-8 business days, though it can take up to 2 weeks during peak periods. It's the slowest USPS service but offers the lowest rates for qualifying media items.
What can I send via Media Mail?
Media Mail is limited to: books (at least 8 pages), sound recordings (CDs, vinyl), video recordings (DVDs, Blu-ray), play scripts, printed music, test materials, computer-readable media containing educational material, and film (16mm or narrower).
Can USPS open my Media Mail package?
Yes, USPS reserves the right to open and inspect Media Mail packages to verify contents meet the requirements. If non-qualifying items are found, you may be charged the difference in postage plus a penalty fee.
Can I ship video games via Media Mail?
Standard video games are NOT eligible for Media Mail. Only computer-readable media with educational content qualifies. Entertainment software, video games, and general merchandise must use other shipping methods.