So, I usually go to the post office to drop priority mail packages off (I sell stuff on ebay sometimes) and usually take the books in and put them in the dropbox (it has to be under 13 ozs) or take them to the counter.  But I found out now you can fill out a form at usps and have the mailman pick up the priority packages. So I'm thinking I might do that sometimes to cut back on trips to the post office. I'm wondering, can you put the book packages outside too for him to pick them up??? (it says on here, mail from your own mailbox, I also usually do the option where you pay and than it prints out the address label, etc) does that mean he should pick them up if they are out with the priority mail or even out in the mailbox by themselves? just wondering if anyone knew.

There are Pickup Service FAQs at www.USPS.com. When you go to the site, click on Schedule a Pickup near the top of the page. Look for and click on Carrier Pickup FAQs and then for the most complete info, expand Browse Topics on the left under Sending Mail and then click on Pickup Services.

Thanks, I looked at that, and still could not figure it out. It says it must be priority or whatnot.   So not sure about media mail still???

Ok still a lil confused. Read in another discussion, that if a book is over 13 oz and we print off postage on pbs we can put it in the mailbox inside the post office, is that true or no? I thought they have a rule that says it has to be taken to the counter if its over 13 oz? I'm so confused!!!!

If the book is under 13 oz, you can use postage stamps to mail it and stick it in any dropbox or your mailbox as outgoing mail.

If it's 13oz or over and you use postage stamps to mail it, you MUST take it to the PO counter and personally hand it to a clerk.

If it's 13oz or over and you use online postage (PBS postage, Paypal postage, Stamps.com, Endicia, etc), you can drop it in any dropbox or your mailbox as outgoing mail.  You don't have to take it to the PO counter.

If you have at least one Priority Mail package, you can schedule an online pickup for free and the USPS will come to your home and pick up your package.  Yes, they can take any other packages you have ready to go at that time too (ie, they have online postage on them), no matter what the class of mail you're using.

Does that clear it all up?

Yep I think so! Thanks

Maybe I just have great mailmen, but I have mailed every pbs book (other than 1 or 2 that just would not fit) from my mailbox.  I use printed postage from pbs.  Never had a problem.  This is great for me because both post offices here are out of my daily routine way.  Actually, the two that were too large for my mailbox went into a big box at a bank.  I think that I read somewhere that if you had printed postage, it didn't matter if it was over 13 ounces or not. 

If you use printed postage you don't have to hand it to a postal employee because they can trace the postage back to you.  When I use to put my books in the drive up blue box-I used the printed postageon any books over 10oz incase some postal employee guestimated that is was 13oz and sent it back.  I was just stick stamps on the smaller ones to save the postage fee.

I put books with stamps on them in my mailbox and have never had a problem. I think it depens on your mail carrier.  I don't think they will come to your actual  house and pick up packages unless you have a priority package going as well.  But they should pick one up out of your mail box.

I would ask at your post office.   My mailman won't pick up anything except the priority package.  

I had a book package picked up from my porch.  I think I sent it first class.  I have been told that if a package weighs over one pound you have to hand it to a postal clerk.  I had a package that was just over a pound and my mail lady said that she was very sorry but she couldn't take it.  Homeland Security.  Anything under a pound and she'll take it with no problem. 

Geri, they changed the 16 oz rule to the 13 oz rule last year. Anything over 13 ozs that doesnt have Printed Postage, PBS or otherwise, needs to be handed over the counter to a postal worker.