beyondthebreach wrote:Our postal system is much like out tax system - a miasma of confusion and obscurity. I like to think that I have successfully navigated it's waters by this point. There are so many options - Priority, Flat rate boxes, flat rate envelopes, Express, Global Express, Global Priority (Variable and flat rate - small and large envelope), Parcel, Media Mail, International Air Parcel & Economy Parcel (can be insured - long customs form), International Letter Post & Economy letter Post (can't be insured, let than 4 lbs, less than 36" H/D/W short customs form), delivery confirmation, signature confirmation, insurance, certified, registered, return receipt, M-Bag (Air & Economy).

If you do your homework, you can find obscure ones that hardly anyone knows about - like Bound Printed Matter. This is, essentially, Media mail with a variable rate based on zip code. No one even knows about it, but Media is so cheap that it really doen't pay to even investigate it's rate chart.