How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

[art]

I'm moving from Boston to Milwaukee and need to transport substantial (dollar-wise, not physical size) amount of gold in the form of coins. FedEx specifically prohibits shipping gold or money (and I'm assuming other carriers do also) and I'd prefer not to take it with me in the car (theft risk on a multi-day trip). What are my options?

[cbr]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

I'd keep it on me. weld or bolt a small safe into the floorboard or trunk. they make them for handguns/larger ones for laptops. most are electronic, which i think is completely moronic. try to find one with a mechanical lock. i have one in my truck. then whenever you park pull the starter of fuel injector fuse. safer than any other method. and carry a gun. the only way it will get stolen is by towtruck, if you are really not paying attention.

[art]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

Definitely the way to go for the long-term, but I'll be selling the car once I get there. Gun carry not feasible as I'll be traveling through (and to :-/) non-reciprocating states. Was hoping there was an insurable shipping method.

[pescamaaan]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

I've sold to APMEX once and they recommend shipping to them via USPS Registered Mail (which includes insurance) your protection. insurance covers full market value of precious metals:

http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usp...eType:embedded

[art]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

Thanks! I'm so unimpressed with the USPS I didn't even consider it...

[Andreuccio]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

If it were me, I'd use my Bullion Direct account. They have an "Incoming Shipment" service. You prepay, and they send you packing materials via UPS. You send your coins to them and have it credited to your account. Then when you're ready, have them ship it back to you. All insured.

This only works if you don't need the exact coins back. If you send them eagles, you'll get eagles back, but they wont be the same eagles.

You also need to have someone on hand for both shipping and receiving. BD doesn't like you to just drop it off at the ups office, as there's a period where there's no one person responsible. On the receiving end, you don't want themjust leaving it on your porch unattended.

[Andreuccio]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

You could also just ship it to yourself via ups. They don't prohibit sending bullion. You'd save probably $50 or $100 over sending it back and forth from BD, but you'd have less control over the timing and the packing materials BD uses are much better than you could come up with easily on your own.

Btw, I've also used USPS, registered insured. Haven't had any problems, though it is slooooow.

[art]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

Thanks!

[doom&gloom]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

everything I have bought metals-wise has been delivered by USPS. never an issue.

[jiimbergin]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

everything I have bought metals-wise has been delivered by USPS. never an issue.

same here

[mesyn191]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

I've sold to APMEX once and they recommend shipping to them via USPS Registered Mail (which includes insurance) your protection. insurance covers full market value of precious metals:

http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&view()=c[c_usps04233]&varset(source)=sourceType:embedded

USPS is what I used when I sold a fairly decent amount of silver (nearly 40lbs IIRC) a ways back. They work just fine. Best to break up the packages into smaller sizes instead of all one lump though. Easier to handle and package.

Your PMs won't break but box can if you have lots of heavy PMs in it when they drop it. And they will drop it BTW. Pretty much all the mail carriers do.

[raja]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

Buy a small-sized, cheap-looking backpack, and put the gold in there wrapped in clothing.
Keep it on or next to you during your entire trip. Put the backpack in your bed at night.
During your trip, avoid places where you are likely to be robbed.

It's only a two-day drive.

[davidstvz]

Re: How does one safely get physical gold transported across US?

USPS registered insurance rates are about half UPS rates I think. It's superior if you can find a post office and have time to wait in line. I wasn't shipping that much so I just ate the cost and shipped UPS. They apparently did not have any rules preventing shipment late last year.