How to Send a Package Via United States Postal Service Registered Mail
United States Postal Service Registered Mail is a very secure method for transporting items of value such as coins. Registered Mail is suitable for mailing up to $25,000.00 per package. The following is a step by step procedure for properly packaging and sending a piece of Registered Mail:
- Wrap the contents securely. Particularly with quantities of coins, put packing materials in and around coins. If coins are bagged, wrap the outer bag tightly. The point of emphasis here is to make sure that nothing inside the box is rattling during shipment.
- Prepare a description of contents. Prepare a packing list of the contents you are sending. Be as specific as possible. Provide quantities of items; dates and mintmarks on coins if applicable. List the certification number on any certified coins. Also be sure to include your contact information such as Name, Address, Phone Number and E-Mail Address.
- Double box the package. Put the secured contents and packing list in an inner box and fill with packing materials (such as packing peanuts) until contents cannot move inside the box. Close the inner box and use filament tape to seal it. Once you have sealed the inner box put it inside the outer box. The outer box is dependent on what you are shipping. If possible, use one of the U.S. Postal Service’s Flat Rate Shipping boxes. The advantages to the Flat Rate Boxes are that they are free and ship at a reasonable rate of postage.
- Prepare the outer box. Securely wrap the outer box. You can use filament tape to reinforce the box, but it cannot be used on the outer surface. You must use brown paper tape on the outer surface of the package. At a minimum, you must cover all seams on the box. If you are using a U.S.P.S. Flat Rate Box, be sure not to cover the Flat Rate logo.
- Address the box. Print or neatly write your return address. Do the same for the addressee. If you are sending to Liberty Coin Service, just address the package to Liberty Co. Eliminate any reference that could identify value such as ‘coin’ or ‘jewelry’ or ‘bullion’ from the address.
- Mail the Box. Take it to your local Post Office. The Post Office will provide you with a uniquely numbered Registry sticker. You will fill out a form that will act as your receipt for the package. It will have the registry number, address information, and declared value of the package. The declared value of the package is how much it will be insured for, so be sure to declare it for the full value of the contents. You can also purchase other options such as return receipt that requires the Post Office to return evidence of delivery to you. If you want to ensure that only the exact addressee can receive the package, you can get the Restricted Delivery option. Once you have finished selecting your options, the Post Office will take your package and cancel all the seams on it to safeguard against tampering.
- Confirm Delivery. Once the Post Office has taken your package it is secured at every location. It is tracked by its registry number as it makes its way to the destination. Keep in mind that because of this detailed process, Registered Mail takes much longer to reach its destination than regular mail. While your package is in transit, you can track it by the registry number at USPS.com. You can get basic information about the package this way. When the package is delivered, an adult at the designated address must sign for it. If nobody is present, the package is returned to the local Post Office and a green tag is left. The recipient must then go to the Post Office to pick up the package. Once the Package is delivered, you can find out when it was delivered and who signed for it.