John's Modern Postal History Section
Auxiliary Markings

Opened For Inspection

 
Parcel with "OPENED FOR/INSPECTION/BY USPS" Auxiliary Marking

 

     Here's a scan of the top part of a package that was used to return some books to my company. The actual box is 12.5x12.5 and weighed 3 pounds. The Hasler Computer Generated Postage Label's value of $2.26 correctly corresponds to Media Mail rate for 3 pounds from zip 55736 to 99347 for this time perod.  The package is hand endorsed "Media Mail" and the word FIRST of the First Class on the Postage Label has been crossed off.

     The Postal Service's Domestic Mail Manual describes Media Mail: "Used for books, film, manuscripts, printed music, printed test materials, sound recordings, play scripts, printed educational charts, loose-leaf pages and binders consisting of medical information, videotapes, and computer recorded media such as CD-ROMs and diskettes. Media Mail cannot contain advertising."

     The Postal Service does warn you that Media Mail may be inspected.

      If you are interested in Auxiliary Markings on the mail, visit the Auxiliary Markings Club.