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

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

An official WTF?

What? Really?

I think you are pulling my lariat.

MHO.

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.