What is the cheapest way to send a batch of textbooks to a university
in Thailand from the US?

---

Request for Question Clarification by denco-ga on 27 Apr 2003 23:30 PDT

Howdy raggedyrush!

About how many books, the approximate weight of the books,
and will they be sent from an academic institution, such
as an university, or a nonprofit organization?

This will help researchers answer your question.

Thanks!  denco-ga

Hi raggedyrush,

"M-Bag" is the way to go as long as they are all going to the same
address. The post office literally puts all of the books into a bag
and you are charged for the weight of it.

Up to 11 pounds to Thailand is $11.00. 
Each additional pound or fraction of a pound is $1.00.

Economy (Surface) M-bags: Books and Sheet Music and Publishers'
Periodicals:
http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub51/51tblb.html#_Toc498745166

Thailand is Zone 5 (Letterpost Rate Group Column):
http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub51/51cl.html#0.2.2O24PZ.Q9MC4O.E7VR5G.7

Compare M-Bag's $11.00 (up to 11 pounds) to regular Parcel Post
Economy (Surface) - a 6 pound Parcel Post would cost $22.80.
International Rate Calculator:
http://ircalc.usps.gov/weight.asp?Contents=1

Visit your local post office to get a shipping label for an M-Bag and
while you are there ask about how the books should be prepared for
shipping. You will need to wrap them up so they aren't jumbling around
loose in the bag without protection. "Bubble" wrap or envelopes are
ok, but cardboard is better.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions or if this doesn't
satisfy your request, please post a clarification request before
rating my answer.

Thank you,
hummer

Search Strategy:
USPS
http://www.usps.com/

Thank you for your search and direction for me!

Your welcome, raggedyrush, and thank you for your thank you and fine rating. 

Sincerely,
hummer

Hi again,

It is recommended that you wrap the books up in relatively small
packages (not one big one but several smaller ones - bubble wrap is
ok, cardboard is better) and be sure they are small enough to fit into
the mouth of the M-bag. Also, put address labels on the inside and the
outside of each package in case they get separated from the M-bag at
some point.

hummer