Considering how many books I receive and mail out, this was bound to happen. I received a package containing several cassettes of a book (audio book). Thank goodness the sender didn't decide to be "helpful" and include a tea bag or decide to recycle some priority mail cartons!

I think the unusual size of the package, plus it's light weight was the reason it was inspected.

The USPS just opened up one end and retaped it when they were through - you could tell by the extra tape that something had gone on. Then, they used a black stamp & marked the back "OPENED FOR INSPECTION BY USPS"

The USPS can open up any media mail I send out - no problem. I just sometimes worry about media mail packages coming to me because the sender doesn't know or want to follow the rules for mailing via media.

I have often wondered if the audio cassette books sent by media mail - get opened and inspected more often than regular books.

Whenever I mail them, I write "audio book" on the package.  When you shake the package - it rattles the cassettes.  If I were a postal worker, I might question that it is something other than a book.  But so far mine have gone through the mail witout being inspected.

I'm always worried about audio books as well. The CD one's are square and obviously not a paperback book.  The cassettes can rattle.  The first time I went to mail one MM she said I couldn't mail an audiobook MM.  I said yes I can.  I knew from this site and from ordering audiobooks from ebay that they can be mailed MM. 

What a great idea to write "audio book" on the package, Rita!

Ditto!  Thanks for that tip, Rita.  I send out a lot of audio books.  I'll be sure to label them from now on.