Q. I went to the Post Office today to mail some packages. One of them was a book weighing 12 oz. and in a large envelope. I have always used Media Mail service for this type of package. Today I was told that when the rates changed the rules on Media Mail also changed, and the package now has to be at least 3/4" thick. I ended up mailing it at First-Class Mail rates. Was I misinformed?

A. Yes, you were misinformed. Flats containing qualifying material continue to be eligible for Media Mail rates.

Only if you were adding Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation would your package need to be a parcel.

For the purposes of adding Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation, a Package Services parcel is defined as any piece that:

(1) Has an address side with enough surface area to fit the delivery address, return address, postage, markings and endorsements, and special service label; and,

(2) Is in a box or, if not in a box, is more than 3/4-inch thick at its thickest point.