This was discussed sometime ago but I wanted to ask a few more quetions to see if others could help me get some better answers. I am getting ready to ship a gun to a gunsmith for some work.
I have priced UPS and was blown away by what they charge for insurance. They charge $2.20 for every $100 dollars in value. So for a $6000.00 insurance "policy" UPS would charge me $129.80 just in insurance. I checked as I read here that some guys use the US postal service and use Registered Mail. They will insure in the range of $6000-$7000 for $18.95 if I am looking at the cost chart correctly. That sure is a huge difference if you ask me. The problem is that Registered Mail is a pain in that you must have a box with no writing on it, no clear tape (only paper tape). My shipping container is a Cabela's Heavy Duty Double Rifle case which weighs around 25 lbs, as it has .080 aluminum construction. I have the box it came in and will ship it in that box. I would have to wrap this box in brown construction paper and then use paper tape to seal it all up. Lot of extra work but it may well be worth it. I have never shipped a gun with the USPS, but this might be the time I do.
I have always used UPS, but that is when a Dealer or an indiviudual paid for the shipping and insurance, it has never been me, per say.
I normally always ship next day air too, as I figure (might be wrong) that the quicker it gets there, the less chance it has to get damaged, i.e. sitting in a warehouse, with more hands handling it, etc. This thought maybe flawed. To do that with this gun and insurance it will cost me around $290.00 ONE way, which of course means $580.00 just in shipping and insurance. I think this is crazy and thus I won't be going this route.
The Registered Mail route will for sure take longer, perhaps around a week to get to the Gun Smith. Was just curious if anyone had thoughts on these shipping methods, pros...cons...?
Have to make up my mind soon...Leaning very strongly with the US Postal Service and their Registered Mail.
