Postal Letter

Is it legal to use USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes to ship USPS Media Mail or any other kind of shipping?

I want to send some books in California via USPS Media Mail Return Service but I only have some FREE USPS Priority Flat Rate Boxes. Can I use the FREE flat rate box to ship Media Mail or any kind of shipping service? Will this affect my shipping? Will it be returned to me? Is it legal? Please explain. Thank You

Public Comments

1. It is against postal regulations, and while not in violation of any law, they won't allow you to use the boxes in that way.
2. you cant but once i have done it, but what i have done is covered it all with duck tape, and put the label right on top of it.
3. It is absolutely not legal to do what you are asking about. It is a violation of Federal Law, USC Title 18, to intentionally misuse USPS provided mailing materials. It should be a clue to you, when it is printed right on the boxes, the disclaimer that states that the box is ONLY for use in sending Priority Mail with the USPS. Covering the PM markings or wording does not change the fact that the box can only, legally, be sent as Priority Mail. You need to find a box on your own for use with Media Mail. You may also wish to consider this. Media Mail is subject to Postal Inspection. Meaning that your package can be opened and examined to determine that the contents are eligible for the rate being claimed. We find a PM box being misused, and your package will be marked up Postage Due to the Priority Mail rate. At that point, you not only get to enjoy the very slow shipping time of Media Mail, you get to pay more to receive the package in the end.