USPS Registered Mail - Always a trip - My package from NEN in Concord, MA hit 8 points on the way.

Goldbully

It's a six and a half hour drive from Concord, MA to Timonium, MD......403 miles on the road per the map below.



Now, there was a blizzard in the Maryland/DC area the weekend of January 22nd.



However, the package never left Boston until Jan. 26th......so I don't think weather was a factor.



My package was with USPS for 10 days, and it hit 8 shipping points along the way.



Can anyone shed some light on how this "safest" mode of of shipping U.S. coins functions?



So you know, I'm not complaining because my coin is here safe and sound.



I'd love to hear your USPS Registered Mail favorite or not so favorite story.

USMarine6

I just went through the same thing. I didn't use registered mail just first class with tracking and it just made it to its destination yesterday. I think the storm really backed them up

OPA

The Blizzard had a lot to do with it. I see by the tracking, that it landed at Dulles instead BWI, which is only a stone throw away for you. Getting through DC last week, was a challenge for everyone including the P.O.

BryceM

As for understanding the USPS, I doubt anyone can help you. Tracking information for Registered mail is more confusing than helpful.



When it comes to shipping, my own algorithm works like this:



Low Value items = USPS First Class in a padded mailer $3

Minor annoyance if lost = USPS Priority small flat-rate box $7

Important items in no hurry = USPS Registered $25-ish

Important items in a hurry = box-in-a-box Large USPS Express Package $30-45

Crucial items = USPS Registered with full insurance - $40-100

Above Registered Insurance limits ($50k) = hand delivery



I personally believe that in terms of safety, using a large box with USPS Express is more or less equivalent to shipping registered, and tons faster.

coindeuce

Originally posted by: BryceM

As for understanding the USPS, I doubt anyone can help you. Tracking information for Registered mail is more confusing than helpful.



When it comes to shipping, my own algorithm works like this:



Low Value items = USPS First Class in a padded mailer $3

Minor annoyance if lost = USPS Priority small flat-rate box $7

Important items in no hurry = USPS Registered $25-ish

Important items in a hurry = box-in-a-box Large USPS Express Package $30-45

Crucial items = USPS Registered with full insurance - $40-100

Above Registered Insurance limits ($50k) = hand delivery



I personally believe that in terms of safety, using a large box with USPS Express is more or less equivalent to shipping registered, and tons faster.

The Priority Express Mail box service (including Flat Rate) has been discontinued as of January 17, 2016.

Tomthemailcarrier

I worked at the USPS for 34 years and recall a few notable registered boxes that I delivered. Back in 1982 I was delivering some stamp stock to a substation. It was Registered mail and on the box it was clearly marked with number of first class stamps that it held. I calculated the value as one year's salary. I hid it in my truck under some extra canvas mail sacks until I could get it safely delivered.

Recently I had a smaller heavy Registered box addressed to an elderly woman. When I rang her doorbell she exclaimed "You've got my husband there." I was taken aback realizing that it held his ashes.

Every person that handles Registered mail must sign a log. It travels in a locked canvas sack. It must have brown threaded tape covering all of its seams which are then round dated by a postal clerk upon its acceptance. The Hope diamond was shipped by Registered mail back in 1958. It is the safest way for an individual to mail something. It is also slow partly due to the security.

Express mail MUST have insurance to cover the value of an item. Shipping a valuable coin by express without full insurance on it is a terrible idea. Most coin dealers carry their own private insurance to cover these items.

Hope this helps with your question!

derryb

Every one of the thousands of dollars I have spent over the years on registered mail were dollars well spent.

Goldbully

Originally posted by: Tomthemailcarrier

I worked at the USPS for 34 years and recall a few notable registered boxes that I delivered. Back in 1982 I was delivering some stamp stock to a substation. It was Registered mail and on the box it was clearly marked with number of first class stamps that it held. I calculated the value as one year's salary. I hid it in my truck under some extra canvas mail sacks until I could get it safely delivered.

Recently I had a smaller heavy Registered box addressed to an elderly woman. When I rang her doorbell she exclaimed "You've got my husband there." I was taken aback realizing that it held his ashes.

Every person that handles Registered mail must sign a log. It travels in a locked canvas sack. It must have brown threaded tape covering all of its seams which are then round dated by a postal clerk upon its acceptance. The Hope diamond was shipped by Registered mail back in 1958. It is the safest way for an individual to mail something. It is also slow partly due to the security.

Express mail MUST have insurance to cover the value of an item. Shipping a valuable coin by express without full insurance on it is a terrible idea. Most coin dealers carry their own private insurance to cover these items.

Hope this helps with your question!

I bet you have many more stories to tell. Thank you Tom for your expert commentary.

golden

Originally posted by: derryb
Every one of the thousands of dollars I have spent over the years on registered mail were dollars well spent.

TopographicOceans

I shipped a registered package from ~100 miles away to PCGS at 4:30 PM and it was delivered at 6:30 AM the next day - 14 hour transit time.

AMRC

Looks like it was dodging a storm or two. :-)

CoinRaritiesOnline

The Priority Express Mail box service (including Flat Rate) has been discontinued as of January 17, 2016.





Flat Rate was discontinued. Regular Priority Express Mail box service is still going strong.

ShadyDave

Originally posted by: BryceM
As for understanding the USPS, I doubt anyone can help you. Tracking information for Registered mail is more confusing than helpful.

When it comes to shipping, my own algorithm works like this:

Low Value items = USPS First Class in a padded mailer $3
Minor annoyance if lost = USPS Priority small flat-rate box $7
Important items in no hurry = USPS Registered $25-ish
Important items in a hurry = box-in-a-box Large USPS Express Package $30-45
Crucial items = USPS Registered with full insurance - $40-100
Above Registered Insurance limits ($50k) = hand delivery

I personally believe that in terms of safety, using a large box with USPS Express is more or less equivalent to shipping registered, and tons faster.

I thought that too until my express package containing ~3k in coins was AWOL from the USPS tracking system for an extended period of time. It took me a total of 3 days to get delivered, so I got my shipping expense refunded. That made me lose a bit of sleep....I'm going to stick w/ registered after that ordeal. I'd prefer to sleep soundly at night know that I will not have any risk or stress if something happens. Sure it might take longer, but that doesn't really matter too much to me.








Thanks for the info Tom, my dad retired from the post office too after 35 years. He has some memorable stories as well...haha

DennisH

Sometimes had packages take two weeks.

Once had my postmaster call L.A. and ask, "why has this package been there for a week?" (on its way to somewhere else).

Fee has gotten ridiculously expensive.



But I have never had a package not arrive safely.

bolivarshagnasty

I once sent a package from the Chattanooga area to Charlotte, NC. Normal two day Priority service took that package to Minneapolis/St. Paul before arriving in Charlotte. This was the exception to the rule, as 98% of my packages make it to the mainland US in two days including the packages sent to our host.

LindeDad

Checking on a purchase this morning from Scottsdale Coin.

Arrived at USPS Facility

Feb-04-16, 00:33 AM, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32099

Arrived at USPS Origin Facility

Feb-02-16, 21:44 PM, PHOENIX, AZ 85043

Departed Post Office

Feb-02-16, 18:49 PM, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258

Picked Up

Feb-02-16, 11:09 AM, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258

Just a slight problem that I live in Washington State? 98373

BAJJERFAN

Originally posted by: LindeDad

Checking on a purchase this morning from Scottsdale Coin.

Arrived at USPS Facility

Feb-04-16, 00:33 AM, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32099

Arrived at USPS Origin Facility

Feb-02-16, 21:44 PM, PHOENIX, AZ 85043

Departed Post Office

Feb-02-16, 18:49 PM, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258

Picked Up

Feb-02-16, 11:09 AM, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258

Just a slight problem that I live in Washington State? 98373

Looks like you'd get better service if you moved!

OPA

Originally posted by: LindeDad
Checking on a purchase this morning from Scottsdale Coin.
Arrived at USPS Facility
Feb-04-16, 00:33 AM, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32099
Arrived at USPS Origin Facility
Feb-02-16, 21:44 PM, PHOENIX, AZ 85043
Departed Post Office
Feb-02-16, 18:49 PM, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258
Picked Up
Feb-02-16, 11:09 AM, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258
Just a slight problem that I live in Washington State? 98373

Free sightseeing tour....compliments of the USPS. Your case is not that unusual, happens more often than you think. It will eventually be redirected to the correct BMC.

BAJJERFAN

Originally posted by: OPA

Originally posted by: LindeDad

Checking on a purchase this morning from Scottsdale Coin.

Arrived at USPS Facility

Feb-04-16, 00:33 AM, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32099

Arrived at USPS Origin Facility

Feb-02-16, 21:44 PM, PHOENIX, AZ 85043

Departed Post Office

Feb-02-16, 18:49 PM, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258

Picked Up

Feb-02-16, 11:09 AM, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258

Just a slight problem that I live in Washington State? 98373

Free sightseeing tour....compliments of the USPS. Your case is not that unusual, happens more often than you think. It will eventually be redirected to the correct BMC.

In the past, a person at my P.O. has said that they don't want you to know where it is so maybe it's sent to places off the beaten path on purpose.

epcjimi1

In the past, a person at my P.O. has said that they don't want you to know where it is so maybe it's sent to places off the beaten path on purpose.

An official WTF?

What? Really?

I think you are pulling my lariat.

MHO.

bolivarshagnasty

"In the past, a person at my P.O. has said that they don't want you to know where it is so maybe it's sent to places off the beaten path on purpose. "



Was that person in line with you, and maybe had the appearance of being homeless?

BAJJERFAN

Originally posted by: epcjimi1

In the past, a person at my P.O. has said that they don't want you to know where it is so maybe it's sent to places off the beaten path on purpose.

An official WTF?



What? Really?



I think you are pulling my lariat.



MHO.

Nope. Think about it for a second. If you were sending a $50K package they wouldn't want you to be able to tell a potential thief what to look for and when. As long as they know where it is, they don't really care if you know or not. Makes perfect sense to me.

epcjimi1

Originally posted by: BAJJERFAN

Originally posted by: epcjimi1

In the past, a person at my P.O. has said that they don't want you to know where it is so maybe it's sent to places off the beaten path on purpose.

An official WTF?

What? Really?

I think you are pulling my lariat.

MHO.

Nope. Think about it for a second. If you were sending a $50K package they wouldn't want you to be able to tell a potential thief what to look for and when. As long as they know where it is, they don't really care if you know or not. Makes perfect sense to me.

Second's over. I want to know where my 50k shipment is. The usps does not want me to know where my package is? Makes perfect sense to you? Thief or not. Swirling down the drain on this theory.

Whatever.

BAJJERFAN

Originally posted by: epcjimi1

Originally posted by: BAJJERFAN

Originally posted by: epcjimi1

In the past, a person at my P.O. has said that they don't want you to know where it is so maybe it's sent to places off the beaten path on purpose.

An official WTF?



What? Really?



I think you are pulling my lariat.



MHO.

Nope. Think about it for a second. If you were sending a $50K package they wouldn't want you to be able to tell a potential thief what to look for and when. As long as they know where it is, they don't really care if you know or not. Makes perfect sense to me.

Second's over. I want to know where my 50k shipment is. The usps does not want me to know where my package is? Makes perfect sense to you? Thief or not. Swirling down the drain on this theory.



Whatever.

That was some years ago before they started offering tracking for registered mail. He'd been there 25 years so I expect that he'd probably know.

MonsterCoinz

I had Registered take 2 weeks before.. same price to overnight it and insure, so that's what I do now. Problem-free last 10 subs.

koynekwest

Slow and with confusing tracking maybe but, in my opinion, the security of Registered Mail is worth every cent. I've been sending high value coins via this method for 35+years with no problems whatsoever.

coindeuce

Last month, I shipped a coin by Registered Service from NY (Central) to a forum member in Oregon. It took 8 business days for the article to travel from Portland, Oregon to a city in southern Oregon (about 225 miles). The leg from acceptance point in NY to Portland, Oregon (1500 miles) took 6 days.