Fedex and UPS FYI - Do not ship coins!

slipgate

Just an FYI while doing some research - this is from UPS and FedEx web sites. BOTH prohibit the sending of coins. I never knew that!

Fedex Prohibited Items

You are prohibited from tendering the following items for shipment, and they will not be accepted:

A. Cash, currency, collectible stamps and coins.

UPS Prohibited Items

XXVII. SHIPMENTS NOT ACCEPTABLE
Unless otherwise agreed in writing by us prior to shipping, the following shipments will not be acceptable for transportation by us:
A. Corpses or cremated or disinterred remains.
B. Live animals (including birds, fish, reptiles, or insects), except mice, rats, toads, frogs or leeches destined to or originating from medical laboratories within the United States or Canada.
C. Shipments of gold or other precious metals including but not limited to silver, bronze, copper, gold or silver coins, coin collections, gems, and precious stones.

LALASD4

Someone please tell the U.S. Mint.

CoinHusker

Somebody should tell the Mint.

Fletcher

They will not INSURE coins. However, many dealers carry their own insurance that allows them to ship coins via Fedex or UPS as long as they take certain precautions (ie - taping the ends of the boxes, etc.).

Boothill40

I thought the mint shipped with DHL?

Goldbully

<< <i>I thought the mint shipped with DHL? >>




They do ship DHL on lower value coins.

My Plat came FedEx.

slipgate

<< <i>They will not INSURE coins. However, many dealers carry their own insurance that allows them to ship coins via Fedex or UPS as long as they take certain precautions (ie - taping the ends of the boxes, etc.).

>>



I'm not saying I wouldn't ship anyway, but the site is very clear that it is prohibited. It is not an insurance issue.

notlogical

If it is prohibited why does FedEx ship Mint orders? It isn't like they don't know what's in the package?

Boothill40

<< <i>

<< <i>I thought the mint shipped with DHL? >>




They do ship DHL on lower value coins.

My Plat came FedEx. >>



That would be my orders as I don't buy much from the mint.

ziggy29

<< <i>If it is prohibited why does FedEx ship Mint orders? It isn't like they don't know what's in the package? >>

Now you're being, umm.... logical. Stop it!

Russ

Damn, UPS won't ship dead bodies.

Russ, NCNE

ilikebuffaloes

Usually the threshold is $300. If the order is over that, the Mint will ship via Fedex (and it is a free upgrade). There are exceptions since Fedex does not deliver to PO boxes and some remote areas.

You can ship coins via UPS and Fedex but you need 3rd party insurance to cover them.

Barry

<< <i>If it is prohibited why does FedEx ship Mint orders? It isn't like they don't know what's in the package? >>


For the same reason Dell pays $30 to ship the conmputer that would cost you $100 to ship. They negotiate custom contracts for businesses that provide significant revenue - not only price, but contents as well.

291fifth

<< <i>Someone please tell the U.S. Mint. >>



They have a written contract. Casual shippers don't.

19Lyds

Hmmm!

What can Brown NOT do for you??

57loaded

<< <i>They will not INSURE coins. However, many dealers carry their own insurance that allows them to ship coins via Fedex or UPS as long as they take certain precautions (ie - taping the ends of the boxes, etc.).

>>



true, true

TorinoCobra71

That is why USPS Registered Mail is the ONLY way to go when shipping coins and/or currency!

TorinoCobra71

LanLord

<< <i>Damn, UPS won't ship dead bodies. Russ, NCNE >>

I guess I can't help out a friend later on today

airplanenut

<< <i>That is why USPS Registered Mail is the ONLY way to go when shipping coins and/or currency!

TorinoCobra71 >>

Unless you have private insurance. I've shipped coins via UPS, DHL, and FedEx... no problems.

ScarsdaleCoin

The reason stated is that they have unusual value..... UPS in the "fine print" says that many other items with unusual value are also not allowed..... its just a way out....they dont want to take the risk of having to payout for a lost item.... USPS Reg Mail is the way for the average collector to ship!

AnkurJ

<< <i>Damn, UPS won't ship dead bodies.

Russ, NCNE >>



Why Russ? You got something in your closet?

roadrunner

Many major dealers still ship this way. As long as they don't tell what's in the package and their private insurer carries the risk, then UPS/Fedex is out of the loop. How many times have their been threads here were some local Podunk Post Office refused to accept a REG package of coins?

My own local PO refused to allow me to ship an express mail package from "Dealer X" to "Dealer X." They thought this was shady and a somehow a scam or threat to them.

roadrunner

dcamp78

Didn't know that. Thanks for the heads-up!!!

mrearlygold

My insurance covers express mail thru the post office. In AND out. There are specific guidelines to follow. I've been shipping overnight express either thru Fedex or USPS for more than 12 years.

Lost one Fedex although it was sent on Sil DiGenova's account when he still owned TIA. 1920-S St Gaudens in Ch AU. Fedex came in but the box was empty. His insurance company disputed the claim. The coin later surfaced at a coin shop in Maryland. The Fedex drivers brother-in-law was trying to sell it and was promptly arrested.

Fedexed Cardinal a coin once that seemed lost as it didn't arrive on schedule. Called Fedex and they tracked it to a conveyor belt in Oakland Ca while I waited on hold.

Express mail is definitely not as reliable when it comes to tracking as Fedex and in fact it's not even in the same universe. But since 9/11, fedex will often times leave a package on peoples front porches or with neighbors which voids any insurance claim. Hence, many of us use Express mail despite the antiquated tracking system.

It's thousands of dollars for a decent insurance plan.

I've never had a claim.