What Is The Least Expensive Way To Ship Books?

What's the least expensive way to ship books? Turns out, it depends on how many you're shipping! And what type of books they are. Here's a breakdown of the most cost-effective ways to get your reading materials from here to there.

USPS is by far the most cost-effective option for single goods. The most cost-effective method for mailing a few boxes of books is to use media mail or flat rate shipping. On the other hand, consolidated freight is typically the most cost-effective option for moving an entire library in conjunction with a house move.


Comparing multiple shipping alternatives is the best way to find the cheapest way to mail books. Let's have a look at it more closely!


USPS Priority Mail

In general, USPS Priority Mail is a cost-effective delivery option for customers in the United States. This shipping option is relatively quick, comes with up to $50 in insurance, and includes free pickup, making it an incredible bargain.


Flat Rate Shipping With USPS

USPS Flat Rate boxes are yet another viable alternative if you're seeking the slowest method to mail books. Flat Rate mailers are appropriate for single-book delivery, while medium and large Flat Rate boxes are helpful for larger shipments.


USPS Media Mail

Go no farther than the USPS Media Mail Service for the most cost-effective mail-books option. Because of its inexpensive charges, Media Mail is usually regarded as the ideal method for sending books. Book dealers have traditionally utilized Media Mail to maximize their profit margins. Media Mail is just $2.80 to mail for orders under 1 pound (including most single books).


On the other hand, Media Mail is a delayed service than other USPS services, taking anything from 2 to 8 business days to arrive. As a result, you get a longer delivery duration with Media Mail as a compromise for such low costs.


USPS Parcel Post

Another cost-effective way to mail books is by USPS Parcel Post. The weight of the Package and the distances it must travel evaluate the price of Parcel Post delivery.


Amazon

Another excellent source for book delivery is Amazon. The eCommerce website, gradually constructing its courier fleet, provides access to a worldwide industry and an inexpensive and growing delivery service that includes dependable ground and air transportation choices.

 

UPS Ground

UPS Ground is another reliable and reasonably priced alternative for mailing books within the United States. The costs are generally cheap compared to other ground shipping options, and the three-to-five day arrival time frame is also affordable.


Is It Possible To Get Free Shipping On Books?

Books, video recordings, DVDs, CDs, published music, and other audio recordings can all be delivered via Media Mail if they don't weigh more than 70 pounds and aren't too bulky. Although shipping these items by Media Mail can save customers money, the additional delivery may lead them to take more time to reach their location.


For A Faster Delivery, Use The First Class Package, Which Is Also A Low-Cost Book Shipping Option

Speaking about First Class Package, USPS First-Class Package Service will be the next least expensive for mailing books after Media Mail. First-Class Package shipping takes 1-3 working days and is the best option for lightweight mailing products weighing less than 16 ounces (1 lb).


On the other hand, First-Class Package is usually more costly than Media Mail. First-Class Package costs roughly $3-4 each shipment when purchased using an online shipping software. Still, if you want your order delivered faster, a few additional dollars may be worth it.

Recommended: How to Get Free Shipping Supplies from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL