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USPS deals with different types of mail packages every day. The rules to shipping magazines are slightly different from just shipping a letter on USPS services. Magazines come under another class of mail shipments called the periodicals for USPS. To send magazines using USPS, you will have to sign up on the Periodicals mail program using form 3500. Getting enrolled in the periodicals mailing program is a good decision because it is the cheapest way to ship magazines. With periodicals, you get a discounted rate of shipping magazines to a certain volume threshold.

Advantages Of Choosing USPS

When sending out marketing mail like magazines with advertisements, there are certain advantages if you choose USPS. It only costs 19 cents per piece to send out a volume of magazines under USPS periodicals. However, you have to follow a set of rules when you send out marketing mail or journals. For example, you only get maximum profits when you are shipping magazines in bulk with USPS.

A sender can only avail of the discounted rates when sending 200 pieces per mail shipment or at least 50 pounds in bulk weight. If you are a small-scale seller, you may not be able to send out that many pieces in one shipment every day. However, if you are a large scale seller, USPS periodicals or marketing mail programs are the cheapest way to mail catalogs and magazines.

How to Mail Magazines with USPS

Fill out the form 3500 to apply for periodicals account activation.

Drop off the complete form 3500 at your local USPS postal office. Once the approval comes, your periodicals mail account gets activated. You can then learn about the rules of shipping magazines from a local post office official.

Estimate the postage cost needed for each mail piece and add the amount due to your periodicals mail account.

Design and print the labels for each magazine that will carry the address of each recipient. Incorporate this with the magazine so that the post office can easily read it.

Get an envelope or a box to ship the magazines. Bundle the magazines together and wrap them in plastic or any other protective coating before putting them in the box. You can even buy appropriate boxes and envelopes at any USPS location.

You can use newspaper or other packing material to cushion the magazine bundles. It is always better to use biodegradable packing material instead of plastics and Styrofoam.

Shake the box to ensure there is no rattling in the shipping box once packed.

Write the address of mailing clearly and correctly. Never forget to mention the return address in the upper left corner and the sender's address in the middle of the packaging box.

Affix postage stamp on the upper right corner and double-check the sealing of the box.

Once you are sure, you go to the nearest USPS office to drop the package off. You either pay the mail charges, or it already counts from your periodical mail account. Once you drop it off and get the mail invoice, you can ensure that the magazines will be shipped.

Once you get the hang of shipping magazines USPS way, you can send out magazines every month or week. How many magazines you ship through USPS depends on your customer volume and the period of your subscription cycle.

What is Priority Mail Cubic?

Priority Mail Cubic is a specialized service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that prices packages based on their outer dimensions rather than weight. This unique pricing model can lead to significant savings, especially for small, dense packages weighing up to 20 pounds.

Key Features:

Dimension-based pricing: Rates determined by package size, not weight
Weight limit: Up to 20 pounds
Delivery timeframe: 1-3 business days
Insurance: $100 included for free
Tracking: Free package tracking included
Savings: Up to 90% off retail shipping rates

USPS Cubic Pricing Tiers

Priority Mail Cubic uses a tiered pricing system based on the package's volume. There are five tiers:

Tier 0.1: Up to 0.1 cubic feet
Tier 0.2: 0.101 to 0.2 cubic feet
Tier 0.3: 0.201 to 0.3 cubic feet
Tier 0.4: 0.301 to 0.4 cubic feet
Tier 0.5: 0.401 to 0.5 cubic feet

Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier

For Boxes and Rigid Packages:

Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
Multiply length x width x height
Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
The result is your package's cubic feet measurement

Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":

Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier

Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches

For Envelopes and Soft Packs:

Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
Round down to the nearest quarter inch
Add the length and width together
Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"

Restrictions

Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches

Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic

Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings

2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates

[Insert current rate table here]

Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.

How To Mail Magazines With USPS

USPS deals with different types of mail packages every day. The rules to shipping magazines are slightly different from just shipping a letter on USPS services. Magazines come under another class of mail shipments called the periodicals for USPS. Find out how to ship magazines with USPS.