Registered mail does not include insurance, unless you buy it.
Because it's handled under lock & key, the insurance is much cheaper.
Because it's handled under lock & key and each transfer is signed for, it's traceable and there is 100% accountability so it's very secure.
There is no real time tracking system for Registered Mail.
Sometimes, Registered Mail will sit (under lock & key) and wait for a batch of Registered Mail can be accumulated before it is forwarded. So, in some cases Registered Mail can be very slow.
If you are agitated enough, your Postmaster can make some phone calls and find out where your package is most probably sitting, based on who signed for it most recently.
Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally
<< <i>If optional insurance wasn't requested and paid for, the coins were not insured. No claim will be paid by the Post Office. >>
If a value is declared, then the coins were insured. When I sent out my package, I didn't check any insurance boxes, but my receipt stated the insured amount. Therefore, I must have paid for insurance.
<< <i>Registered mail does not include insurance, unless you buy it. >>
I thought it was automatically insured for $100.00.
<< <i>Because it's handled under lock & key, the insurance is much cheaper. >>
It is cheaper for more expensive items.
<< <i>Because it's handled under lock & key and each transfer is signed for, it's traceable and there is 100% accountability so it's very secure. >>
It is much slower too.
<< <i>There is no real time tracking system for Registered Mail. >>
You can put in an investigation and they can find your package for you in a hurry if they need to, there just is not a way for the customer to do it. It might have something to do with security.
<< <i>Sometimes, Registered Mail will sit (under lock & key) and wait for a batch of Registered Mail can be accumulated before it is forwarded. So, in some cases Registered Mail can be very slow. >>
Yep, I had two registered mail packages come from CA 3 business days apart, they both got here on the same day.
<< <i>If you are agitated enough, your Postmaster can make some phone calls and find out where your package is most probably sitting, based on who signed for it most recently. >>
I guess I should have read this whole thing first. They can find your package in a hurry if they need to, although sometimes they will not unless it has been more than two weeks since acceptance.
Wow, I'm almost more confused than I was before. I'm pretty sure I knew that you had to ask for insurance.
The only package I've sent registered was my first submission to PCGS recently. It arrived safely. But you guys got me thinking, so I went back and checked my receipt. The box is checked that says "WITH POSTAL INSURANCE".
There are two charges itemized... Registered Fee: $15.70 Postage: $8.25
No breakdown for insurance, so I can only conclude that the Registered Fee changes based upon the amount of insurance you selected. I assume the postage rate is standard based upon zip code.
Also, FWIW about the forms, the one my P.O. used is dated JUNE 2000! I'm guessing they printed thousands of these and smaller branches go through very few each day.
Also, I don't recall specifically asking for insurance even though I wanted it. Maybe I just had a good postal clerk that hooked me up!
I will definitely take a closer look next time I ship Registered.
ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS GET INSURANCE!!! I usually add it even to purchases less than $50. For the small fee, it's worth it.
<< <i>If insurance is included in the fee why does PCGS make us pay for it?
Every time I have ever used registered mail I have always paid extra for insurance.
Steve >>
Insurance is not included you pay for your declared value and PCGS charges accordingly per your valuation!! >>
The only time I use registered mail is when i need to insure something over $5,000 and I wouldn't send something registered if it wasn't fully insured.
Moral of this story is NEVER pay to ship a registered mail package anything other than first class. Priority is a waste of $$, they will NOT expidite your package just because you paid more for priority postage.
<< <i>If insurance is included in the fee why does PCGS make us pay for it?
Every time I have ever used registered mail I have always paid extra for insurance.
Steve >>
Because "the fee" that you pay depends on how much insurance you buy. PCGS returns your coins insured for the amount of value that you declared on the submission form.
Registered Mail 2.1 Registered Mail Fees Fees and charges are in addition to postage:
Declared Value Fee (in addition to postage) Declared Value Fee (in addition to postage) 1
$0.00 $10.00 $25,000.01 to $15,000,000 $42.10 + handling charge of $1.20 per each $1,000 or fraction thereof over first $25,000
0.01 to 100 10.80
100.01 to 500 12.10
500.01 to 1,000 13.30
1,000.01 to 2,000 14.50 Over $15,000,000 $18,012.10 + amount determined by USPS based on weight, space, and value
2,000.01 to 3,000 15.70
3,000.01 to 4,000 16.90
4,000.01 to 5,000 18.10
5,000.01 to 6,000 19.30 Additional Services Fee (in addition to postage)
6,000.01 to 7,000 20.50 COD Collection Charge (maximum amount collectible is $1,000) $4.65
7,000.01 to 8,000 21.70
8,000.01 to 9,000 22.90
9,000.01 to 10,000 24.10 Restricted Delivery 4.30
10,000.01 to 11,000 25.30
11,000.01 to 12,000 26.50
12,000.01 to 13,000 27.70 Return Receipts, requested at time of mailing showing to whom, signature, date of delivery, and addressee's address (if different) 2.20
13,000.01 to 14,000 28.90
14,000.01 to 15,000 30.10
15,000.01 to 16,000 31.30
16,000.01 to 17,000 32.50
17,000.01 to 18,000 33.70 Return Receipts, requested at time of mailing (receive electronically) 1.00
18,000.01 to 19,000 34.90
19,000.01 to 20,000 36.10
20,000.01 to 21,000 37.30
21,000.01 to 22,000 38.50 Return Receipts, requested after mailing showing only to whom and date delivered 4.35
<< <i>If insurance is included in the fee why does PCGS make us pay for it?
Every time I have ever used registered mail I have always paid extra for insurance.
Steve >>
Insurance is not included you pay for your declared value and PCGS charges accordingly per your valuation!! >>
The only time I use registered mail is when i need to insure something over $5,000 and I wouldn't send something registered if it wasn't fully insured.
Moral of this story is NEVER pay to ship a registered mail package anything other than first class. Priority is a waste of $$, they will NOT expidite your package just because you paid more for priority postage. >>
If your item is HEAVY in addition to costly, you can save considerable $$$ by using the flat rate priority boxes for registered mail.
This thread is now frought with confusion and misinformation caused by a form change, terminology inconsistencies, and misinterpretations. I wouldn't believe anything I read here except that we did seem to figure out that the regulations allow envelopes. Here is my understanding of the rest of it:
1. Insurance is included in the registration fee and is no longer optional. There is no extra charge for it. 2. Registered mail is easily and accurately tracable on the USPS internal computer system, not on the web. 3. You can send first class up to 13 oz, then you have to go priority (just like unregistered mail). 4. Taped envelopes are indeed allowed. 5. Many mail clerks don't understand the rules and give out misinformation. We all can be victim of that. I believe the statements above have been confirmed my multiple clerks at various ost offices.
<< <i>This thread is now frought with confusion and misinformation caused by a form change, terminology inconsistencies, and misinterpretations. I wouldn't believe anything I read here except that we did seem to figure out that the regulations require envelopes. Here is my understanding of the rest of it:
1. Insurance is included in the registration fee and is no longer optional. There is no extra charge for it. 2. Registered mail is easily and accurately tracable on the USPS internal computer system, not on the web. 3. You can send first class up to 13 oz, then you have to go priority (just like unregistered mail). 4. Taped envelopes are indeed allowed. 5. Many mail clerks don't understand the rules and give out misinformation. We all can be victim of that. I believe the statements above have been confirmed my multiple clerks at various ost offices.
Good luck guys, Jerry >>
1. of course the fee varies with the value of the package that you are sending 2. is incorrect 3. over 13 ounces you pay priority rates, but usually don't get priority speed and priority flat rate boxes are allowed for heavier items
Its amazing to me how many here use the service yet they all have different knowledge/opinions of the rules/regs. To get back to the OP I don't think its a safety matter as much as it is piss poor packaging.
<< <i>This thread is now frought with confusion and misinformation caused by a form change, terminology inconsistencies, and misinterpretations. I wouldn't believe anything I read here except that we did seem to figure out that the regulations require envelopes. Here is my understanding of the rest of it:
1. Insurance is included in the registration fee and is no longer optional. There is no extra charge for it. 2. Registered mail is easily and accurately tracable on the USPS internal computer system, not on the web. 3. You can send first class up to 13 oz, then you have to go priority (just like unregistered mail). 4. Taped envelopes are indeed allowed. 5. Many mail clerks don't understand the rules and give out misinformation. We all can be victim of that. I believe the statements above have been confirmed my multiple clerks at various ost offices.
Good luck guys, Jerry >>
1. of course the fee varies with the value of the package that you are sending 2. is incorrect 3. over 13 ounces you pay priority rates, but usually don't get priority speed and priority flat rate boxes are allowed for heavier items
Its amazing to me how many here use the service yet they all have different knowledge/opinions of the rules/regs. To get back to the OP I don't think its a safety matter as much as it is piss poor packaging. >>
1. You have the option of a declared value of $0.00 and the rate is $10 plus postage based on weight. Anything with a declared value of more than $0.00 has a higher rate based on the declared value. In my world that equates to paying for insurance. 2. Yes, for the most part, they can tell you where a registered package is at any given time. There are exceptions such as when it's in transit. If you talk to the right people, the USPS is very helpful. 3. There is no such thing as "Registered Priority" or any permutation thereof. Priority is a weight class for 1st Class mail. Registered mail uses 1st Class weight rates. Paying Priority rates for ANY package under 13oz whether it's 1st Class or Reggy is a windfall for the postal circus. Priority & 1st Class parcels travel together based on space available. They are rarely handled differently and when it does it usually happens during times of heavy traffic such as around the holidays. 4. You can use envelopes for Registered mail but not PADDED envelopes. Strangely, padded envelopes are acceptable for international registered mail. AND... One additional reason that Reggies have inconsistent transit times is that many common carriers will not touch them because of the additional BS involved.
Bajjerfan, Anytime a person is worried about the progress of a registered mail package I tell them they have to take the number to the PO and have them look it up on the internal system (or I do it for them). This system has always had detailed info on it.
"Its amazing to me how many here use the service yet they all have different knowledge/opinions of the rules/regs." Yes, amazing. I think registered mail is the most confused set of rules out there.
<< <i>Bajjerfan, Anytime a person is worried about the progress of a registered mail package I tell them they have to take the number to the PO and have them look it up on the internal system (or I do it for them). This system has always had detailed info on it.
"Its amazing to me how many here use the service yet they all have different knowledge/opinions of the rules/regs." Yes, amazing. I think registered mail is the most confused set of rules out there.
--Jerry >>
I was told here that a week after a package was sent registered was WAY too early to begin tracking it. I asked my local PO to track a package sent from PCGS using the tracking number supplied by PCGS and they came up empty and this was AFTER it was delivered; I was hoping to find out where it sat and for how long at each stop. So I can go by the info I'm given here at my PO and my personal experiences with it, so you must use a different postal service then. If a package goes from Des Moines to LA it probably has a standard fixed route and they just call each PO in the chain if the need to know is dire. Insurance tracking numbers are different and can be tracked internally.
<< <i>This thread is now frought with confusion and misinformation caused by a form change, terminology inconsistencies, and misinterpretations. I wouldn't believe anything I read here except that we did seem to figure out that the regulations allow envelopes. Here is my understanding of the rest of it:
1. Insurance is included in the registration fee and is no longer optional. There is no extra charge for it. 2. Registered mail is easily and accurately tracable on the USPS internal computer system, not on the web. 3. You can send first class up to 13 oz, then you have to go priority (just like unregistered mail). 4. Taped envelopes are indeed allowed. 5. Many mail clerks don't understand the rules and give out misinformation. We all can be victim of that. I believe the statements above have been confirmed my multiple clerks at various ost offices.
Good luck guys, Jerry >>
Your understanding matches my understanding. To clarify point #1, the registration fee, which includes insurance, is now based on declared value. Formerly, these were separate, and the pre-2007 forms, which may still be present at some post offices, imply this. To clarify point #3, Priority Mail™ means either "heavier first class mail" or "stupid customer thinks an expensive sticker will result in a light package/envelope moving faster."
<< <i>I was told here that a week after a package was sent registered was WAY too early to begin tracking it. I asked my local PO to track a package sent from PCGS using the tracking number supplied by PCGS and they came up empty and this was AFTER it was delivered; I was hoping to find out where it sat and for how long at each stop. So I can go by the info I'm given here at my PO and my personal experiences with it, so you must use a different postal service then. If a package goes from Des Moines to LA it probably has a standard fixed route and they just call each PO in the chain if the need to know is dire. Insurance tracking numbers are different and can be tracked internally. >>
1. a week is way too early to be filing an inquiry for a reggie but they probably could find it if you knew who to ask and that person is not at your local p.o. 2. Insurance tracking numbers? Sorry, but the fact is that if you use internet postage and drop it in a pickup box, the chances are that the package may never be scanned until it is delivered. Happened to me a few weeks ago. Insured Priority package went astray, was a week late, and was never scanned. I made the appropriate phone call. They found the package at the delivering p.o. and they delivered it within 1 hour of the inquiry. I even had a person at my local p.o. assigned to the inquiry and they called me 3 times about it. Yes, anyone can make that call. Nothing special. It's all in knowing where to call.
<< <i>Well i wonder how far this piece of mail got with 2 slabs. With the whole side slit open as soon as i turned it over the other slab fell out >>
Back to the OP.
I'm a little confused. Did the seller package "loose" slabs in a Standard #10 business envelope or was this a 6x9 Manila envelope?
When you say "as soon as i turned it over the other slab fell out" does this mean that you handled the envelope and the slab fell out on the counter? If the package was registered, I find it surprising that the mail carrier did not make note of the opened envelope, replace the property or at least gather it up and then seal it in one package such as what happens with damaged mail. Also, if the envelope flap was not sealed with the standard postal paper tape, I strongly suspect that this was not registered mail.
1. Was the envelope in a plastic bag with notification from the PO that the package had opened or been damaged during transit?
2. Was this really "registered" or was it "signature confirmation of delivery"? Both require pick up at the post office.
Clarification is needed.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>First, 99% of sellers are honest and would certainly refund your money from the insurance claim. It seems funny that the assumption is that the seller will just tell you to get lost.
Second, I think the rules do require boxes but sometimes envelopes are inadvertantly allowed by clerks who don't know the rules. Hope this doesn't impact the sellers attempt to make an insurance claim. The buyer doen't file the claim.
Third, The new form doesn't seem to have a box to check for insurance so I think registered always goes with insurance. They no longer ask me if I want insurance.
--Jerry >>
The declared value is the insure value now.
Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent. San Diego, CA
If I take the time and effort to send something registered, I make sure the package is wrapped very carefully. It sometimes takes me an 1/2 hour to an hour to package a registered package. I alway use registered mail if is over $500, there is no option for the buyer. I also make sure I have electronic return receipt.
Not directly on-topic to the issue at hand, but as long as we're discussing Registered Mail:
If you ship a PayPal-paid item via Registered Mail, do not forget to to also get Signature Confirmation (if the item is valued above $250)!
It seems redundant, and the postal clerks will look at you as if you are nuts, but remember: Registered Mail in and of itself does NOT satisfy the terms of PayPal's Seller Protection Policy, because the signature is not viewable online. You must get signature confirmation even if you ship via Registered Mail...
Comments
<< <i>Well i wonder how far this piece of mail got with 2 slabs. With the whole side slit open as soon as i turned it over the other slab fell out >>
No offense, but how many postal workers would think this slabbed silvery round was worth their career???
My mailman has said on 3 different occasions, "If you screw up a registered package" you don't have a job anymore....PERIOD!!!!!!!
<< <i>
<< <i>Well i wonder how far this piece of mail got with 2 slabs. With the whole side slit open as soon as i turned it over the other slab fell out >>
No offense, but how many postal workers would think this slabbed silvery round was worth their career???
My mailman has said on 3 different occasions, "If you screw up a registered package" you don't have a job anymore....PERIOD!!!!!!! >>
And I believe that you make restitution as well.
Registered mail does not include insurance, unless you buy it.
Because it's handled under lock & key, the insurance is much cheaper.
Because it's handled under lock & key and each transfer is signed for, it's traceable and there is 100% accountability so it's very secure.
There is no real time tracking system for Registered Mail.
Sometimes, Registered Mail will sit (under lock & key) and wait for a batch of Registered Mail can be accumulated before it is forwarded. So, in some cases Registered Mail can be very slow.
If you are agitated enough, your Postmaster can make some phone calls and find out where your package is most probably sitting, based on who signed for it most recently.
I knew it would happen.
Every time I have ever used registered mail I have always paid extra for insurance.
Steve
<< <i>If insurance is included in the fee why does PCGS make us pay for it?
Every time I have ever used registered mail I have always paid extra for insurance.
Steve >>
Insurance is not included you pay for your declared value and PCGS charges accordingly per your valuation!!
<< <i>If optional insurance wasn't requested and paid for, the coins were not insured. No claim will be paid by the Post Office. >>
If a value is declared, then the coins were insured. When I sent out my package, I didn't check any insurance boxes, but my receipt stated the insured amount. Therefore, I must have paid for insurance.
<< <i>Registered mail does not include insurance, unless you buy it. >>
I thought it was automatically insured for $100.00.
<< <i>Because it's handled under lock & key, the insurance is much cheaper. >>
It is cheaper for more expensive items.
<< <i>Because it's handled under lock & key and each transfer is signed for, it's traceable and there is 100% accountability so it's very secure. >>
It is much slower too.
<< <i>There is no real time tracking system for Registered Mail. >>
You can put in an investigation and they can find your package for you in a hurry if they need to, there just is not a way for the customer to do it. It might have something to do with security.
<< <i>Sometimes, Registered Mail will sit (under lock & key) and wait for a batch of Registered Mail can be accumulated before it is forwarded. So, in some cases Registered Mail can be very slow. >>
Yep, I had two registered mail packages come from CA 3 business days apart, they both got here on the same day.
<< <i>If you are agitated enough, your Postmaster can make some phone calls and find out where your package is most probably sitting, based on who signed for it most recently. >>
I guess I should have read this whole thing first. They can find your package in a hurry if they need to, although sometimes they will not unless it has been more than two weeks since acceptance.
The only package I've sent registered was my first submission to PCGS recently. It arrived safely. But you guys
got me thinking, so I went back and checked my receipt. The box is checked that says "WITH POSTAL INSURANCE".
There are two charges itemized...
Registered Fee: $15.70
Postage: $8.25
No breakdown for insurance, so I can only conclude that the Registered Fee changes based upon the amount of insurance
you selected. I assume the postage rate is standard based upon zip code.
Also, FWIW about the forms, the one my P.O. used is dated JUNE 2000! I'm guessing they printed thousands of these and
smaller branches go through very few each day.
Also, I don't recall specifically asking for insurance even though I wanted it. Maybe I just had a good postal clerk that hooked me up!
I will definitely take a closer look next time I ship Registered.
ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS GET INSURANCE!!! I usually add it even to purchases less than $50. For the small fee, it's worth it.
commoncents123, JrGMan2004, Coll3ctor (2), Dabigkahuna, BAJJERFAN, Boom, GRANDAM, newsman, cohodk, kklambo, seateddime, ajia, mirabela, Weather11am, keepdachange, gsa1fan, cone10
-------------------------
<< <i>
<< <i>If insurance is included in the fee why does PCGS make us pay for it?
Every time I have ever used registered mail I have always paid extra for insurance.
Steve >>
Insurance is not included you pay for your declared value and PCGS charges accordingly per your valuation!! >>
The only time I use registered mail is when i need to insure something over $5,000 and I wouldn't send something registered if it wasn't fully insured.
Moral of this story is NEVER pay to ship a registered mail package anything other than first class. Priority is a waste of $$, they will NOT expidite your package just because you paid more for priority postage.
<< <i>If insurance is included in the fee why does PCGS make us pay for it?
Every time I have ever used registered mail I have always paid extra for insurance.
Steve >>
Because "the fee" that you pay depends on how much insurance you buy. PCGS returns your coins insured for the amount of value that you declared on the submission form.
Registered Mail
2.1 Registered Mail Fees
Fees and charges are in addition to postage:
Declared Value
Fee (in addition to postage)
Declared Value
Fee (in addition to postage) 1
$0.00
$10.00
$25,000.01 to $15,000,000
$42.10
+ handling charge of
$1.20 per each $1,000 or fraction
thereof over first $25,000
0.01 to 100
10.80
100.01 to 500
12.10
500.01 to 1,000
13.30
1,000.01 to 2,000
14.50
Over $15,000,000
$18,012.10
+ amount determined by USPS
based on weight, space, and value
2,000.01 to 3,000
15.70
3,000.01 to 4,000
16.90
4,000.01 to 5,000
18.10
5,000.01 to 6,000
19.30
Additional Services
Fee (in addition to postage)
6,000.01 to 7,000
20.50
COD Collection Charge
(maximum amount collectible is $1,000)
$4.65
7,000.01 to 8,000
21.70
8,000.01 to 9,000
22.90
9,000.01 to 10,000
24.10
Restricted Delivery
4.30
10,000.01 to 11,000
25.30
11,000.01 to 12,000
26.50
12,000.01 to 13,000
27.70
Return Receipts,
requested at time of mailing showing to whom, signature, date of delivery, and addressee's address (if different)
2.20
13,000.01 to 14,000
28.90
14,000.01 to 15,000
30.10
15,000.01 to 16,000
31.30
16,000.01 to 17,000
32.50
17,000.01 to 18,000
33.70
Return Receipts,
requested at time of mailing (receive electronically)
1.00
18,000.01 to 19,000
34.90
19,000.01 to 20,000
36.10
20,000.01 to 21,000
37.30
21,000.01 to 22,000
38.50
Return Receipts,
requested after mailing showing only to whom and date delivered
4.35
22,000.01 to 23,000
39.70
23,000.01 to 24,000
40.90
24,000.01 to 25,000
42.10
registered mail rate chart
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>If insurance is included in the fee why does PCGS make us pay for it?
Every time I have ever used registered mail I have always paid extra for insurance.
Steve >>
Insurance is not included you pay for your declared value and PCGS charges accordingly per your valuation!! >>
The only time I use registered mail is when i need to insure something over $5,000 and I wouldn't send something registered if it wasn't fully insured.
Moral of this story is NEVER pay to ship a registered mail package anything other than first class. Priority is a waste of $$, they will NOT expidite your package just because you paid more for priority postage. >>
If your item is HEAVY in addition to costly, you can save considerable $$$ by using the flat rate priority boxes for registered mail.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Second, I think the rules do require boxes but sometimes envelopes are inadvertantly allowed by clerks who don't know the rules. >>
The USPS website specifically refers to "envelopes" as well as "packages" when describing how registered mail is to be prepared for shipping. >>
I may be wrong. I thought someone (Russ?) once posted the actual USPS regulation saying no envelopes but I may be wrong. --Jerry >>
You are wrong Jerry. I just got my PCGS order of 2 slabbed coins today in the mail. Heavy duty yellow envelope, registered with brown tape. >>
Thanks for straightening that out, Einstein. --jerry
1. Insurance is included in the registration fee and is no longer optional. There is no extra charge for it.
2. Registered mail is easily and accurately tracable on the USPS internal computer system, not on the web.
3. You can send first class up to 13 oz, then you have to go priority (just like unregistered mail).
4. Taped envelopes are indeed allowed.
5. Many mail clerks don't understand the rules and give out misinformation. We all can be victim of that. I believe the statements above have been confirmed my multiple clerks at various ost offices.
Good luck guys,
Jerry
<< <i>This thread is now frought with confusion and misinformation caused by a form change, terminology inconsistencies, and misinterpretations. I wouldn't believe anything I read here except that we did seem to figure out that the regulations require envelopes. Here is my understanding of the rest of it:
1. Insurance is included in the registration fee and is no longer optional. There is no extra charge for it.
2. Registered mail is easily and accurately tracable on the USPS internal computer system, not on the web.
3. You can send first class up to 13 oz, then you have to go priority (just like unregistered mail).
4. Taped envelopes are indeed allowed.
5. Many mail clerks don't understand the rules and give out misinformation. We all can be victim of that. I believe the statements above have been confirmed my multiple clerks at various ost offices.
Good luck guys,
Jerry >>
1. of course the fee varies with the value of the package that you are sending
2. is incorrect
3. over 13 ounces you pay priority rates, but usually don't get priority speed and priority flat rate boxes are allowed for heavier items
Its amazing to me how many here use the service yet they all have different knowledge/opinions of the rules/regs. To get back to the OP I don't think its a safety matter as much as it is piss poor packaging.
<< <i>
<< <i>This thread is now frought with confusion and misinformation caused by a form change, terminology inconsistencies, and misinterpretations. I wouldn't believe anything I read here except that we did seem to figure out that the regulations require envelopes. Here is my understanding of the rest of it:
1. Insurance is included in the registration fee and is no longer optional. There is no extra charge for it.
2. Registered mail is easily and accurately tracable on the USPS internal computer system, not on the web.
3. You can send first class up to 13 oz, then you have to go priority (just like unregistered mail).
4. Taped envelopes are indeed allowed.
5. Many mail clerks don't understand the rules and give out misinformation. We all can be victim of that. I believe the statements above have been confirmed my multiple clerks at various ost offices.
Good luck guys,
Jerry >>
1. of course the fee varies with the value of the package that you are sending
2. is incorrect
3. over 13 ounces you pay priority rates, but usually don't get priority speed and priority flat rate boxes are allowed for heavier items
Its amazing to me how many here use the service yet they all have different knowledge/opinions of the rules/regs. To get back to the OP I don't think its a safety matter as much as it is piss poor packaging. >>
1. You have the option of a declared value of $0.00 and the rate is $10 plus postage based on weight. Anything with a declared value of more than $0.00 has a higher rate based on the declared value. In my world that equates to paying for insurance.
2. Yes, for the most part, they can tell you where a registered package is at any given time. There are exceptions such as when it's in transit. If you talk to the right people, the USPS is very helpful.
3. There is no such thing as "Registered Priority" or any permutation thereof. Priority is a weight class for 1st Class mail. Registered mail uses 1st Class weight rates. Paying Priority rates for ANY package under 13oz whether it's 1st Class or Reggy is a windfall for the postal circus. Priority & 1st Class parcels travel together based on space available. They are rarely handled differently and when it does it usually happens during times of heavy traffic such as around the holidays.
4. You can use envelopes for Registered mail but not PADDED envelopes. Strangely, padded envelopes are acceptable for international registered mail.
AND...
One additional reason that Reggies have inconsistent transit times is that many common carriers will not touch them because of the additional BS involved.
Anytime a person is worried about the progress of a registered mail package I tell them they have to take the number to the PO and have them look it up on the internal system (or I do it for them). This system has always had detailed info on it.
"Its amazing to me how many here use the service yet they all have different knowledge/opinions of the rules/regs." Yes, amazing. I think registered mail is the most confused set of rules out there.
--Jerry
<< <i>Bajjerfan,
Anytime a person is worried about the progress of a registered mail package I tell them they have to take the number to the PO and have them look it up on the internal system (or I do it for them). This system has always had detailed info on it.
"Its amazing to me how many here use the service yet they all have different knowledge/opinions of the rules/regs." Yes, amazing. I think registered mail is the most confused set of rules out there.
--Jerry >>
I was told here that a week after a package was sent registered was WAY too early to begin tracking it. I asked my local PO to track a package sent from PCGS using the tracking number supplied by PCGS and they came up empty and this was AFTER it was delivered; I was hoping to find out where it sat and for how long at each stop. So I can go by the info I'm given here at my PO and my personal experiences with it, so you must use a different postal service then. If a package goes from Des Moines to LA it probably has a standard fixed route and they just call each PO in the chain if the need to know is dire. Insurance tracking numbers are different and can be tracked internally.
<< <i>This thread is now frought with confusion and misinformation caused by a form change, terminology inconsistencies, and misinterpretations. I wouldn't believe anything I read here except that we did seem to figure out that the regulations allow envelopes. Here is my understanding of the rest of it:
1. Insurance is included in the registration fee and is no longer optional. There is no extra charge for it.
2. Registered mail is easily and accurately tracable on the USPS internal computer system, not on the web.
3. You can send first class up to 13 oz, then you have to go priority (just like unregistered mail).
4. Taped envelopes are indeed allowed.
5. Many mail clerks don't understand the rules and give out misinformation. We all can be victim of that. I believe the statements above have been confirmed my multiple clerks at various ost offices.
Good luck guys,
Jerry >>
Your understanding matches my understanding. To clarify point #1, the registration fee, which includes insurance, is now based on declared value. Formerly, these were separate, and the pre-2007 forms, which may still be present at some post offices, imply this. To clarify point #3, Priority Mail™ means either "heavier first class mail" or "stupid customer thinks an expensive sticker will result in a light package/envelope moving faster."
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+1
It's sorta like a postal rate increase, but cheaper.
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<< <i>I was told here that a week after a package was sent registered was WAY too early to begin tracking it. I asked my local PO to track a package sent from PCGS using the tracking number supplied by PCGS and they came up empty and this was AFTER it was delivered; I was hoping to find out where it sat and for how long at each stop. So I can go by the info I'm given here at my PO and my personal experiences with it, so you must use a different postal service then. If a package goes from Des Moines to LA it probably has a standard fixed route and they just call each PO in the chain if the need to know is dire. Insurance tracking numbers are different and can be tracked internally. >>
1. a week is way too early to be filing an inquiry for a reggie but they probably could find it if you knew who to ask and that person is not at your local p.o.
2. Insurance tracking numbers? Sorry, but the fact is that if you use internet postage and drop it in a pickup box, the chances are that the package may never be scanned until it is delivered. Happened to me a few weeks ago. Insured Priority package went astray, was a week late, and was never scanned. I made the appropriate phone call. They found the package at the delivering p.o. and they delivered it within 1 hour of the inquiry. I even had a person at my local p.o. assigned to the inquiry and they called me 3 times about it.
Yes, anyone can make that call. Nothing special. It's all in knowing where to call.
<< <i>Well i wonder how far this piece of mail got with 2 slabs. With the whole side slit open as soon as i turned it over the other slab fell out >>
Back to the OP.
I'm a little confused. Did the seller package "loose" slabs in a Standard #10 business envelope or was this a 6x9 Manila envelope?
When you say "as soon as i turned it over the other slab fell out" does this mean that you handled the envelope and the slab fell out on the counter? If the package was registered, I find it surprising that the mail carrier did not make note of the opened envelope, replace the property or at least gather it up and then seal it in one package such as what happens with damaged mail. Also, if the envelope flap was not sealed with the standard postal paper tape, I strongly suspect that this was not registered mail.
1. Was the envelope in a plastic bag with notification from the PO that the package had opened or been damaged during transit?
2. Was this really "registered" or was it "signature confirmation of delivery"? Both require pick up at the post office.
Clarification is needed.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>I thought you could only send registered mail in boxes, no envelopes? >>
in the past i have received two separate packages send registered.....both were envelopes with the flap sealed with reinforced brown gummed tape only.
both were from very reputable folks as well (and on this board)
<< <i>First, 99% of sellers are honest and would certainly refund your money from the insurance claim. It seems funny that the assumption is that the seller will just tell you to get lost.
Second, I think the rules do require boxes but sometimes envelopes are inadvertantly allowed by clerks who don't know the rules. Hope this doesn't impact the sellers attempt to make an insurance claim. The buyer doen't file the claim.
Third, The new form doesn't seem to have a box to check for insurance so I think registered always goes with insurance. They no longer ask me if I want insurance.
--Jerry >>
The declared value is the insure value now.
San Diego, CA
<< <i>I may be wrong. I thought someone (Russ?) once posted the actual USPS regulation saying no envelopes but I may be wrong. >>
Nope, I've never posted that. In fact, on international registered mail you don't even need paper tape on the envelope.
Russ, NCNE
San Diego, CA
He!!, I don't even think you can get the same answers out of any two random postal clerks.
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If you ship a PayPal-paid item via Registered Mail, do not forget to to also get Signature Confirmation (if the item is valued above $250)!
It seems redundant, and the postal clerks will look at you as if you are nuts, but remember: Registered Mail in and of itself does NOT satisfy the terms of PayPal's Seller Protection Policy, because the signature is not viewable online. You must get signature confirmation even if you ship via Registered Mail...
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