Book too thin for 1st class mail with DC - USPS Postal Regulations

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ERIN O. (ribbitthis)

Subject: Book too thin for 1st class mail with DC

Date Posted: 8/4/2008 2:28 PM ET
Member Since: 1/11/2007
Posts: 211
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I received a book today that had postage due. The USPS story was the book was too thin, therefore DC could not be used and I had to pay to the next rate level (priority mail). I was very GRRR about it because it seemed amazingly stupid to be told my book was too thin

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Melanie D. (melanied) -

Date Posted: 8/4/2008 5:25 PM ET
Member Since: 8/16/2007
Posts: 15,234
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It is very annoying, but the rules for DC are very clear on the USPS site and here, so the sender should have known. It sucks they marked it up, most will just cover the DC and send it on.

From the Help Center:

Are there any requirements to use Delivery Confirmation?

Yes, provided that the package is at least 3/4 of an inch thick ("at its thickest point"), according to USPS Delivery Confirmation Regulations, and is being sent to a USPS-validated address.

If your package is NOT 3/4 of an inch thick, then it must meet ALL of the following criteria:

"rigid" (most books are)

be greater than 6" x 3" x 1/4 " in dimension

weigh more than 6 ounces

source: USPS Delivery Confirmation Regulations.

If you are concerned that your package does not meet the dimensional criteria above, you can always "bulk up" its dimensions with lightweight material that will not add significant weight (for example, Styrofoam, crumpled plastic bags or paper).

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MsRight

Date Posted: 8/8/2008 12:40 PM ET
Member Since: 8/23/2007
Posts: 26,510
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You could have refused acceptance since it had postage due. I hope you report this to PBS and ask for at least your credit back from the sender.

Some people use a padded envelope or stick a packing peanut in to make them thicker.

Last Edited on: 8/8/08 12:40 PM ET - Total times edited: 1

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RUTH F. (ruthy)

Date Posted: 8/11/2008 2:53 AM ET
Member Since: 12/9/2007
Posts: 9,601
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I have only had one and I wrapped it in bubble wrap before putting it in the PBS wrapper. Bubble wrap will increase the size or thickness.

Ruth

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Discussion Forums - USPS Postal Regulations

Topic: Book too thin for 1st class mail with DC

Are there any requirements to use Delivery Confirmation?

Yes, provided that the package is at least 3/4 of an inch thick ("at its thickest point"), according to USPS Delivery Confirmation Regulations, and is being sent to a USPS-validated address.

Discussion Forums - USPS Postal Regulations

Topic: Book too thin for 1st class mail with DC

Are there any requirements to use Delivery Confirmation?

Yes, provided that the package is at least 3/4 of an inch thick ("at its thickest point"), according to USPS Delivery Confirmation Regulations, and is being sent to a USPS-validated address.

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