This is the time of year to be extra cautious when shipping by USPS, as they customarily hire a substantial number of temps for the holiday crush (double entendre intended) of parcels. There will always be a certain percentage of temps who will risk termination and/or prosecution on the odds of pilfering a high value package. Been on the losing end of that scenario.
If I were shipping/expecting a high value package to/from an entity like CAC or even the TPG's, I would be using/insisting double boxing at this time of the year.
For most, if not all Dealers, their insurance policy says that, for Fed. Ex., all coins must be in 'a box in a box'.
(ie; a cardboard box with the coins then goes into a medium or large Fed Ex box, with popcorn, newspapers, plastic, etc.)
The thinking is that if there is a breach of the outer box, the contents won't fall out - they'll still be intact in the inside box.
That's the only way we can get insurance for our Fed Ex Packages - and it makes good sense.
Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
<< <i>Thanks for the feedback on this for all concerned. No loss or theft fortunately. >>
Wow. You're lucky nothing fell out. I sometimes get stuff like this in the mail (just regular mail), but the post office will place it inside another box or envelope with a note explaining that it had been damaged.
Does it make sense to inspect a package before signing for it and, if the package has a big hole in it, refuse the package and tell the delivery person to return it to the sender? Once you sign for a package it then becomes your problem if there is any missing merchandise.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
There is no indication that CAC actually signed for the package, merely that it arrived in damaged condition. Regardless, for Express Mail I typically triple-box for both insurance and peace-of-mind concerns.
If someone really wants your stuff, a double box won't do squat. Indeed, research shows that when a would-be thief spots another box inside then he is more likely to steal the package. Now of course that's different than an inner box preventing an item from falling out if the outer box is breached.
<< <i>Does it make sense to inspect a package before signing for it and, if the package has a big hole in it, refuse the package and tell the delivery person to return it to the sender? Once you sign for a package it then becomes your problem if there is any missing merchandise. >>
...problem is when the package is left without the signature. this has happened many times to me. I guess it depends on the delivery guy or gals mood.
"government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
<< <i>If someone really wants your stuff, a double box won't do squat. Indeed, research shows that when a would-be thief spots another box inside then he is more likely to steal the package. Now of course that's different than an inner box preventing an item from falling out if the outer box is breached. >>
...ditto this.
"government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
Keep in mind that from now until around January the shipping companies (and USPS) being to use "temps" to manage the increase in volume, especially around weekends and closer to the holidays. Never ship on a Friday!
On packages that count, they are always double boxed with a shipping label on each box. Hard to explain you were not trying to steal something if you had to rip through 2 boxes.
If a box is damaged, it is important to open in in the presence of the shipping concern. This will go a long way with your insurance, and finally the first thing you do (before opening it) it take lots of pictures with the shipper holding it for you while you photograph.
I had a box once come from PCGS that was a bulk rate submission of about 250 Morgan's, that had a split in it so large that you could just reach in and take one of the blue coin holders out. It was sent registered and there was no loss, but you should have seen my face when I saw the guy walk over with that box!
It seems all of my losses have been because a package came open, or that the whole package disappeared. I have resolved the former by taping the $hit out of packages and double boxing, the latter you do what you can by making to reference on the outside of the package about what is in it, or that who it is going to is associated to numismatics. And then you make sure you have insurance and cross your fingers.
MLAeBayNumismatics: "The greatest hobby in the world!"
<< <i>Keep in mind that from now until around January the shipping companies (and USPS) being to use "temps" to manage the increase in volume, especially around weekends and closer to the holidays. Never ship on a Friday!
On packages that count, they are always double boxed with a shipping label on each box. Hard to explain you were not trying to steal something if you had to rip through 2 boxes.
If a box is damaged, it is important to open in in the presence of the shipping concern. This will go a long way with your insurance, and finally the first thing you do (before opening it) it take lots of pictures with the shipper holding it for you while you photograph.
I had a box once come from PCGS that was a bulk rate submission of about 250 Morgan's, that had a split in it so large that you could just reach in and take one of the blue coin holders out. It was sent registered and there was no loss, but you should have seen my face when I saw the guy walk over with that box!
It seems all of my losses have been because a package came open, or that the whole package disappeared. I have resolved
the former by taping the $hit out of packages and double boxing, the latter you do what you can by making to reference on the outside of the package about what is in it, or that who it is going to is associated to numismatics. And then you make sure you have insurance and cross your fingers. >>
...of course all depends how determined the thief is. it all hinges on that.
"government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
I have a solution that works better for me than a box in a box
It reminds me of a shipment I sent a couple yrs ago via Registered Mail. It was a box within a box routine. The contents were about 300 Morgans, and prolly around another 5-600 in 90% face which all added up to one Heavy as H--- Box. All it would take is one drop of the box to destroy it. That's probably what happened. The arriving PO called the receiver and stated box arrived broken open, receiver called me and I begin pissin my pants before I got off the phone. I call the out of state PO and they give me the damage report, stating they don't know if anything was missing. I call the Dealer, they won't send someone down to inventory the box since it would be too time consuming to go thru everything there WTF!!! I had no choice but to have them refuse the delivery, while I pray more items don't fall out of the box on the return home. All ended well though, other than loosing a lot of hair. All the coins were rolled or tubed in inner box.
I now use Bank approved $1000 coin plastic deposit bags to seal the box in the box. They're like made of steal, can't be torn open, only cut. If the box is damaged and the plastic cut, then it'd be obvious of tampering and not just box droppage. They cost around $100 for a box of 50 I think, but they give me a lot of peace of mind. Id never consider not using them now for a valuable shipment.
USPS boxes are thin (compare to regular corrugaed boxes and boxes sen by the US Mint)
for the low value stuff, especially if it is heavy, COVER it in tape. That's the only way
For more expensive stuff, DOUBLE BOX.
I had 1 shipment where rolls had partially broken open, almost spilling, AND the box was broken open.
Plus, those accidents may happen.... Priority Mail and Express Mail tape can be picked up without charge from the PO. Use liberally. >>
I think what I shipped you made it ok, right? I agree with boxing strongly and carefully, and taping. I use the registered tape quite liberally on things I ship that have any weight or may be tampered with. Very cheap "insurance" to protect shipments. I also use it on envelopes to prevent tampering (can still be opened but will be noticeable and not hidden like I have seen before). That tape is pretty strong and quite handy.
Comments
you might have chosen registered mail
<< <i>I had an express arrive from CAC today; the box had a significant breach as indicated here: Text
This is the first time this has happened to me, I was wondering if anyone else has had packages with gaping holes in them on arrival? >>
Were the contents intact?
If I were shipping/expecting a high value package to/from an entity like CAC or even the TPG's, I would be using/insisting double boxing at this time of the year.
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
Coin Rarities Online
their insurance policy says
that, for Fed. Ex., all coins
must be in 'a box in a box'.
(ie; a cardboard box with the
coins then goes into a medium
or large Fed Ex box, with popcorn,
newspapers, plastic, etc.)
The thinking is that if there is a
breach of the outer box, the contents
won't fall out - they'll still be intact
in the inside box.
That's the only way we can get insurance
for our Fed Ex Packages - and it makes
good sense.
I wondered why there was a box inside of a box. Now I know.
<< <i>sorry
you might have chosen registered mail >>
.
<< <i>Thanks for the feedback on this for all concerned. No loss or theft fortunately. >>
Wow. You're lucky nothing fell out. I sometimes get stuff like this in the mail (just regular mail), but the post office will place it inside another box or envelope with a note explaining that it had been damaged.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
USPS boxes are thin (compare to regular corrugaed boxes and boxes sen by the US Mint)
for the low value stuff, especially if it is heavy, COVER it in tape. That's the only way
For more expensive stuff, DOUBLE BOX.
I had 1 shipment where rolls had partially broken open, almost spilling, AND the box was broken open.
Plus, those accidents may happen.... Priority Mail and Express Mail tape can be picked up without charge from the PO. Use liberally.
<< <i>Does it make sense to inspect a package before signing for it and, if the package has a big hole in it, refuse the package and tell the delivery person to return it to the sender? Once you sign for a package it then becomes your problem if there is any missing merchandise. >>
...problem is when the package is left without the signature. this has happened many times to me. I guess it depends on the delivery guy or gals mood.
<< <i>If someone really wants your stuff, a double box won't do squat. Indeed, research shows that when a would-be thief spots another box inside then he is more likely to steal the package. Now of course that's different than an inner box preventing an item from falling out if the outer box is breached. >>
...ditto this.
<< <i>Thanks... No loss or theft fortunately. >>
You're one of the lucky few
On packages that count, they are always double boxed with a shipping label on each box. Hard to explain you were not trying to steal something if you had to rip through 2 boxes.
If a box is damaged, it is important to open in in the presence of the shipping concern. This will go a long way with your insurance, and finally the first thing you do (before opening it) it take lots of pictures with the shipper holding it for you while you photograph.
I had a box once come from PCGS that was a bulk rate submission of about 250 Morgan's, that had a split in it so large that you could just reach in and take one of the blue coin holders out. It was sent registered and there was no loss, but you should have seen my face when I saw the guy walk over with that box!
It seems all of my losses have been because a package came open, or that the whole package disappeared. I have resolved the former by taping the $hit out of packages and double boxing, the latter you do what you can by making to reference on the outside of the package about what is in it, or that who it is going to is associated to numismatics. And then you make sure you have insurance and cross your fingers.
<< <i>Keep in mind that from now until around January the shipping companies (and USPS) being to use "temps" to manage the increase in volume, especially around weekends and closer to the holidays. Never ship on a Friday!
On packages that count, they are always double boxed with a shipping label on each box. Hard to explain you were not trying to steal something if you had to rip through 2 boxes.
If a box is damaged, it is important to open in in the presence of the shipping concern. This will go a long way with your insurance, and finally the first thing you do (before opening it) it take lots of pictures with the shipper holding it for you while you photograph.
I had a box once come from PCGS that was a bulk rate submission of about 250 Morgan's, that had a split in it so large that you could just reach in and take one of the blue coin holders out. It was sent registered and there was no loss, but you should have seen my face when I saw the guy walk over with that box!
It seems all of my losses have been because a package came open, or that the whole package disappeared. I have resolved
the former by taping the $hit out of packages and double boxing, the latter you do what you can by making to reference on the outside of the package about what is in it, or that who it is going to is associated to numismatics. And then you make sure you have insurance and cross your fingers. >>
...of course all depends how determined the thief is. it all hinges on that.
I have a solution that works better for me than a box in a box
It reminds me of a shipment I sent a couple yrs ago via Registered Mail. It was a box within a box routine. The contents were about 300 Morgans, and prolly around another 5-600 in 90% face which all added up to one Heavy as H--- Box. All it would take is one drop of the box to destroy it. That's probably what happened. The arriving PO called the receiver and stated box arrived broken open, receiver called me and I begin pissin my pants before I got off the phone. I call the out of state PO and they give me the damage report, stating they don't know if anything was missing. I call the Dealer, they won't send someone down to inventory the box since it would be too time consuming to go thru everything there WTF!!! I had no choice but to have them refuse the delivery, while I pray more items don't fall out of the box on the return home. All ended well though, other than loosing a lot of hair. All the coins were rolled or tubed in inner box.
I now use Bank approved $1000 coin plastic deposit bags to seal the box in the box. They're like made of steal, can't be torn open, only cut. If the box is damaged and the plastic cut, then it'd be obvious of tampering and not just box droppage. They cost around $100 for a box of 50 I think, but they give me a lot of peace of mind. Id never consider not using them now for a valuable shipment.
<< <i>For ALL who read:
USPS boxes are thin (compare to regular corrugaed boxes and boxes sen by the US Mint)
for the low value stuff, especially if it is heavy, COVER it in tape. That's the only way
For more expensive stuff, DOUBLE BOX.
I had 1 shipment where rolls had partially broken open, almost spilling, AND the box was broken open.
Plus, those accidents may happen.... Priority Mail and Express Mail tape can be picked up without charge from the PO. Use liberally. >>
I think what I shipped you made it ok, right?
I agree with boxing strongly and carefully, and taping. I use the registered tape quite liberally on things I ship that have any weight or may be tampered with. Very cheap "insurance" to protect shipments. I also use it on envelopes to prevent tampering (can still be opened but will be noticeable and not hidden like I have seen before). That tape is pretty strong and quite handy.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment