How to Ship Precious Metals: Carriers, Packaging, Insurance and Documentation

Shipping precious metals; like gold coins, silver bars, and platinum jewelry; feels risky. And honestly, it should feel that way. One wrong move with packaging, insurance, or carrier choice can mean thousands of dollars lost in transit.

Whether you sell bullion online, trade collectible coins, or need to send a gold piece to a buyer across the country (or overseas), the stakes are high. Precious metals attract theft, and carriers have strict rules about how they move through the mail system. Miss a rule and your package could be refused, uninsured, or worse; gone.

This guide walks you through exactly how to ship precious metals safely, affordably, and legally. You'll learn which carriers accept gold and silver shipments, how to package your items so they survive transit, why USPS Registered Mail is the go-to for high-value shipments, and what insurance and documentation you actually need. By the end, you'll have a clear, repeatable process for every shipment.

How to Ship Precious Metals in 7 Steps

You ship precious metals by choosing a secure carrier, packaging items discreetly in tamper-proof double boxing, purchasing full-value insurance, using USPS Registered Mail or an equivalent high-security service, completing customs documentation for international orders, and tracking your shipment from pickup to delivery.

Here's the process at a glance:

1. Know what you're shipping and its value. Identify the metal type, weight, and current market value before anything else.
2. Choose the right carrier and service level. USPS Registered Mail is the gold standard for domestic shipments. Private carriers work too, but with restrictions.
3. Package securely with double boxing. The inner box holds the metal snugly. The outer box hides what's inside.
4. Seal with tamper-evident materials. Use reinforced tape and avoid any external labeling that hints at value.
5. Purchase insurance for the full declared value. Don't rely on default carrier liability — it's almost never enough.
6. Complete all required documentation. Domestic shipments need less paperwork, but international gold shipments require customs forms and possibly export licenses.
7. Ship, track, and confirm delivery. Use tracking capabilities and require a signature at delivery.

Each step matters. Skip one and you're gambling with your shipment.

Which Carriers Let You Ship Gold and Other Precious Metals?

Not every carrier accepts precious metals, and those that do impose specific rules. USPS, UPS, and FedEx all allow precious metals shipments under certain conditions, but USPS Registered Mail stands out as the preferred method for most bullion dealers and individual shippers.

USPS allows you to mail precious metals domestically via Registered Mail. Registered Mail packages travel under lock and key, with every handoff documented — creating a full chain of custody from sender to recipient. USPS also requires that precious metals shipped domestically use this service for insurance coverage above certain thresholds. For international shipping, USPS does allow precious metals to some countries, but restrictions vary by destination. Always check the USPS International Mail Manual for country-specific prohibitions before shipping internationally.

UPS and FedEx both accept precious metals, but typically require you to use their premium or declared-value services. UPS may require a high-value shipment contract for items above certain dollar amounts; FedEx has similar policies. Neither offers the same locked chain-of-custody system as USPS Registered Mail, but they do provide robust tracking capabilities and faster delivery times for domestic and international gold shipments.

How Should You Package Precious Metals for Shipping?

Start with the assumption that your package will be dropped, tossed, and stacked under heavier boxes — because it will be. Proper packaging protects your metals from damage and conceals what's inside from potential thieves.

• Wrap each item individually in soft, non-abrasive material. For coins, use coin flips or small plastic capsules. For bars, bubble wrap works. The goal is zero metal-on-metal contact and zero movement inside the inner box.
• Use double boxing. Place wrapped items into a small, sturdy inner box filled with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam so nothing shifts. Then place that inner box inside a slightly larger outer box with additional cushioning between the two layers. Double boxing absorbs impact and adds a layer of concealment.
• Seal with tamper-evident tape. Use reinforced packing tape — ideally paper tape that shows signs of tampering if removed. For USPS Registered Mail, the postal service requires that packages be sealed so any tampering is immediately visible. Some shippers use tamper-evident security tape with "VOID" patterns that appear if the tape is peeled off.
• Be discreet with labeling. Do not write "GOLD," "SILVER," "COINS," or anything that hints at value on the outside of the box. Use a plain box with no branding from a metals dealer. Your return address should be a name and address — not "ABC Gold & Silver Co."

Treat packaging as your first line of defense. If it looks boring on the outside and is rock-solid on the inside, you're doing it right.

Why Is USPS Registered Mail the Best Option for Shipping Precious Metals?

USPS Registered Mail provides the highest level of security the U.S. Postal Service offers. Every registered mail package is logged at each point in transit, stored in locked containers or cages, and requires a signature at every handoff between postal workers. Here's why dealers and experienced shippers rely on it:

• Chain of custody: Every person who handles your package signs for it. If something goes wrong, USPS can pinpoint exactly where the package was last documented.
• Locked storage: Registered mail packages travel separately from regular mail, stored under lock throughout transit.
• Insurance up to $50,000: You can insure USPS Registered Mail for up to $50,000 in declared value domestically. For shipments worth more, third-party insurance providers offer additional coverage.
• Tamper-proof requirements: USPS requires that registered mail packages be sealed so any opening attempt is visible.
• Delivery signature required: The recipient (or authorized agent) must sign upon delivery. No packages left on doorsteps.

The tradeoff? Speed. USPS Registered Mail is slow — often 10 to 14 business days for domestic delivery. It moves methodically because of all the security checkpoints. For most precious metals shippers, that tradeoff is worth it.

How Much Insurance Do You Need When Shipping Precious Metals?

You need insurance that covers the full current market value of the precious metals you're shipping. Standard carrier liability is almost always too low — USPS offers only $50 in default coverage for most mail classes.

With USPS Registered Mail, you can purchase insurance coverage up to $50,000 per package domestically. Here's a rough cost guide:

Confirm current USPS rates before shipping, as these figures vary.

If your shipment is worth more than $50,000, you'll need third-party insurance from companies specializing in high-value shipments — such as those covering jewelry, bullion, and collectibles. Easyship provides access to shipping insurance options through its platform, letting you compare coverage levels and costs alongside carrier rates. Through Easyship, you can get coverage of up to $10,000 per shipment, with an extremely quick claims processing time.

Never ship precious metals without insurance matched to their full value. The cost of coverage is tiny compared to the cost of an uninsured loss.

What Documents Do You Need to Ship Precious Metals?

Domestic Shipments

• Completed USPS Registered Mail form (PS Form 3806)
• Proof of insurance purchase
• A detailed personal inventory (strongly recommended for your records)

International Shipments

• Customs declaration forms (CN 22 or CN 23, depending on value and destination)
• Commercial invoice listing item descriptions, quantities, weights, and declared values
• Country-specific import permits or licenses
• Export documentation — U.S. regulations may require filing Electronic Export Information (EEI) through ACE for shipments valued above $2,500
• Proof of metal purity or authenticity (certificates, assay cards)

Before shipping precious metals internationally, check the destination country's import regulations. Some nations ban or heavily restrict imports of gold bullion. Easyship helps simplify international shipping documentation by auto-generating customs forms and providing duty and tax estimates at checkout.

What Are the Biggest Mistakes People Make When Shipping Precious Metals?

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when shipping valuable items:

• Not insuring for full value. Declaring a lower value to save on fees means you only recover the declared amount if the package is lost.
• Using flimsy packaging. A single layer of bubble wrap in a thin cardboard box is not enough. Precious metals are heavy and dense; they punch through weak packaging easily.
• Labeling the package with its contents. Writing "gold coins" on the outside or using a metals dealer's branded box is an invitation for theft.
• Choosing the wrong shipping service. Sending $5,000 in gold via standard Priority Mail with no signature requirement and $50 in default coverage is a recipe for disaster.
• Ignoring international restrictions. Shipping gold to a country that prohibits precious metals imports leads to seizure at customs.
• Not requiring a delivery signature. Without signature confirmation, you have no proof the recipient received the package.
• Shipping on predictable schedules. If you always ship on Monday mornings from the same post office, you create a pattern. Vary your routine.

Most of these mistakes are avoidable with a simple checklist.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Precious Metals?

Shipping costs depend on weight, distance, declared value, carrier, and service level. Here's a rough cost breakdown for a 1-pound domestic shipment:

International shipments cost significantly more — often 2–4x the domestic rate depending on destination and service speed. Easyship's rate comparison tool lets you view shipping costs across multiple carriers side by side to find the best combination of speed, security, and insurance.

Keep in mind: the cheapest option is rarely the safest. Prioritize security and insurance coverage over saving a few dollars on postage.

How Do You Track and Confirm Delivery of Precious Metals Shipments?

Every precious metals shipment should include tracking and require a signature at delivery. USPS Registered Mail automatically provides both. For private carriers, add signature confirmation as an extra service.

Here's a tracking workflow that works:

1. Save your tracking number immediately after shipping. Screenshot it or log it in your shipping management system.
2. Monitor the shipment daily. Registered mail moves slowly, but watch for stalled scans lasting more than 3–4 days.
3. Notify your recipient of the shipment. Give them the tracking number and a delivery window so they're prepared to sign.
4. Confirm delivery. Once tracking shows that it was delivered, follow up with your buyer to verify they received the package and its contents are intact.
5. Keep records for at least 90 days. Hold onto tracking confirmations, insurance receipts, and any communication with the buyer. This protects you if a claim arises.

If you ship regularly, Easyship consolidates tracking across multiple carriers into one dashboard, so you don't need to juggle separate tracking pages for USPS, UPS, and FedEx.

Ship Your Valuables Without Stress

Shipping precious metals safely comes down to three things: choosing the right carrier (USPS Registered Mail for domestic), packaging securely with discretion, and insuring for full value. These aren't optional steps — they're the foundation of every successful high-value shipment.

If you ship precious metals regularly, tools like Easyship can streamline the process by consolidating carrier options, insurance management, and tracking into one platform. Start with a checklist. Use it for every shipment. Over time, the process becomes second nature — and your customers will notice the reliability and professionalism.

FAQs

Can I ship gold and silver through regular mail?

No — precious metals should always be shipped via USPS Registered Mail or a declared-value service from a private carrier like UPS or FedEx. Regular mail offers no chain of custody, minimal default insurance, and no signature requirement. Using the wrong service puts your entire shipment at risk.

Do I need to declare what's inside my package?

You must declare the value of your shipment for insurance and customs purposes, but you should never describe the contents on the outside of the package. Use neutral language on customs forms where required, and keep all external labeling generic. Discretion is one of your strongest security tools.

What happens if my shipment is lost or stolen?

If you've insured the shipment for its full declared value, you can file a claim with USPS or your private carrier to recover that amount. Always keep your tracking number, proof of insurance, and a personal inventory until well after delivery is confirmed. Without these records, a claim is nearly impossible to process.

How do I ship precious metals internationally?

International shipments require customs declaration forms, a commercial invoice, and sometimes import permits depending on the destination country. Some countries ban or heavily restrict gold imports, so always check the USPS International Mail Manual before shipping. Tools like Easyship can auto-generate the required customs forms to reduce errors.

Is it safe to ship large amounts of gold or silver at once?

It's generally safer to break up very high-value shipments into smaller packages sent at different times rather than shipping everything at once. If you must send a large amount in one shipment, use USPS Registered Mail or a contracted high-value service, and purchase third-party insurance if the value exceeds $50,000. Varying your shipping schedule also reduces the risk of predictable patterns being exploited.

How long does USPS Registered Mail take to deliver?

USPS Registered Mail typically takes 10 to 14 business days for domestic delivery due to its rigorous chain-of-custody security checkpoints. While this is slower than standard Priority Mail, the added security and insurance coverage make it the preferred choice for high-value shipments. If speed is critical, private carriers like FedEx or UPS offer faster options with declared-value coverage.