Shipping gold is not something most people do every day. Whether you are sending gold jewelry to a buyer, shipping gold coins to a collector, or transporting physical gold for storage, the stakes are high. Gold has real, tangible value, and mistakes in packaging, insurance, or carrier selection can lead to loss, damage, or costly disputes.

This guide is designed to be a complete, go-to resource for anyone who needs to ship gold safely within the United States. It explains how gold shipping works, what risks to watch for, how to package gold properly, which shipping methods are safest, and why the right insurance matters more than many people realize.

Why Shipping Gold Requires Special Care

Gold is not like everyday cargo; even small amounts can be worth thousands of dollars. This precious metal is compact, valuable, and easily resold, making it a prime target for theft during transit. In Q3 of 2025, cargo theft trends shifted to higher-value freight, as CargoNet reported. This means your shipping strategy needs to be airtight from start to finish.

Unlike other shipments, gold shipping demands stronger security measures, discreet handling, and carefully chosen shipping practices. When shipping high-value items such as gold or other precious metals, common risks include:

• Theft during transit or sorting
• Damage caused by poor packaging
• Lost packages with limited insurance coverage
• Claims denied due to improper documentation or declared value

Standard carriers often limit insurance coverage for precious metals, which many people only discover after a loss occurs. This is why working with experienced logistics providers like UNIVAL Logistics, who understand high-value shipments and offer full-value insurance solutions, is critical.

Types of Gold Commonly Shipped

Before choosing a shipping method, it helps to understand what type of gold you are shipping. Each category has different risk factors.

Gold Jewelry: Gold jewelry can be damaged by impact, scratching, or bending. Stones, clasps, and settings require extra protection.

Gold Coins: Gold coins often carry both metal value and collectible value. Scratches or dents can significantly reduce their worth.

Gold Bullion and Gold Bars: Gold bullion and gold bars are dense and heavy. If they shift inside a package, they can break through weak packaging materials.

Scrap or Physical Gold:  Even raw or scrap physical gold requires secure handling due to its resale value.

Regardless of type, all gold shipments should be treated as high-value shipments and packaged accordingly.

Regulations & Legal Requirements

Shipping precious metals in the U.S. is legal, but carriers enforce specific requirements and limitations. Depending on the amount and form of gold being shipped (coins, bullion, jewelry), for you may need domestic shipping documentation such as:

• Proof of Ownership: Invoices, receipts, appraisal certificates.
• Certificates of Authenticity: Especially for collectible or rare pieces.
• Commercial Invoices: For business-to-business transactions or sales.

Retain copies of all documentation, as carriers may require them for claims, especially in high-value shipments. While this guide focuses on domestic shipments, international shipping of gold introduces additional challenges such as customs declarations, export restrictions, and higher insurance requirements.

UNIVAL Logistics offers specialized shipping solutions with insurance coverage up to $100,000 and compliance support. This topic is covered in more detail in a dedicated guide on shipping gold internationally.

Is It Safe to Send Gold in the Mail?

Yes, it can be safe to send gold in the mail if you follow strict packaging, insurance, and carrier guidelines. However, not all mail services offer equal protection.

The United States Post Office allows mailing gold under certain conditions; however, standard mail services do not insure or accept declared value for gold and other precious metals, which makes this a poor choice for high-value gold shipment.

USPS Registered Mail is often considered the safest USPS option for precious metals because it includes chain-of-custody handling and added security. That said, USPS insurance coverage of up to $50,000 may not always match the full value of high-value gold shipments.

Many people assume USPS automatically covers losses, only to find that insurance policies exclude or limit coverage for precious metals. This is where private shipment service providers like UNIVAL Logistics provide a safer alternative, offering tailored insurance coverage and controlled handling for gold shipping.

Is It Safe to Send Gold through FedEx?

FedEx and other private courier services may accept gold shipments, but they often exclude precious metals from standard insurance policies. Even when shipping is permitted, insurance coverage may be capped or voided entirely if gold is involved. Each carrier has specific thresholds for declared value limits and insurance requirements. Before booking any shipment, check the carrier’s terms and conditions regarding precious metals.

FedEx shipments may provide speed and tracking numbers, but speed does not equal security. Without all-risk insurance coverage and documented compliance with carrier rules, claims can be denied. For this reason, many individuals and businesses choose logistics partners like UNIVAL Logistics for third-party insurance when shipping with FedEx.

Working with Private Carriers

Many experienced shippers rely on private courier services for high-value shipments, rather than general carriers, as they usually offer:

• Specialized handling
• Controlled routing
• High-value shipment experience
• Custom insurance solutions

Private shipment service providers such as UNIVAL Logistics ensure tailored, secure gold shipping from pickup to delivery.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

Selecting the right shipping method is one of the most important decisions when shipping gold. The cheapest option is rarely the safest. Key factors to consider include:

• Insurance coverage limits
• Chain-of-custody controls
• Signature required delivery as a security measure
• Real-time tracking number availability
• Risk exposure during transit

A secure shipping method should always include signature upon delivery, preferably with adult verification. UNIVAL Logistics specializes in secure shipping solutions and package delivery designed for high-value items and your peace of mind.

Packaging Gold Properly: Step-by-Step Best Practices

Poor packaging is one of the most common reasons gold shipments are lost or damaged. Gold is dense and can dent or scratch easily if not protected properly. Proper packaging protects the contents and reduces attention.

1. Inner Packaging

Start with the gold item itself:

• Wrap each item individually in soft material
• Use bubble wrap or foam padding to absorb shock
• Avoid loose movement inside the inner package
• Place items inside a small box or padded container

When shipping coins and bars, rigid holders or coin capsules add another layer of protection.

2. Double Boxing for Security

Double boxing is a critical step in gold shipping. Place the inner package inside a second, larger box.

• Use a sturdy corrugated cardboard box
• Fill the empty space with cushioning material (packing peanuts, foam inserts, or air pillows) to prevent movement
• The outer box should not reveal the contents

3. Sealing the Package

Sealing matters more than most people realize:

• Use reinforced filament tape for strength
• Apply brown paper tape for added tamper resistance
• Consider tamper-evident packaging to discourage interference. This shows if the package has been opened or interfered with.

Avoid using branded boxes, exterior labels, or markings that hint at valuable contents inside your package.

Discreet Labeling and Documentation

Gold shipments should never advertise what is inside.

• Use discreet labeling
• Avoid words like “gold jewelry,” “bullion,” or “precious metals” on the shipping label; use generic descriptions such as “Metal Parts” or “Small Tools.”
• Include a neutral return address
• Place the packing slip inside the package, not on the exterior

The shipping label should list only the necessary sender and recipient information.

Tracking and Delivery Security

A tracking number is essential, but it is only part of the security equation. High-value shipments should always include:

• Signature required delivery
• Delivery confirmation
• Restricted release to named recipients

UNIVAL Logistics integrates 24/ tracking, verification, and delivery confirmation to reduce the risk of loss or disputes. Our entire fleet is equipped with on-board recorders, so you can track your shipment at every leg of the journey.

Insurance Coverage for Complete Protection: Why Standard Policies Are Not Enough

If something goes wrong — theft, loss, or damage — insurance is your financial safety net. Given the high value of gold, you cannot afford to skip this step. Yet, one of the biggest mistakes people make when shipping gold is assuming carrier insurance is sufficient.

Most carriers have exclusions or low limits for high-value items such as precious metals. UNIVAL Logistics offers full-value, all-risk insurance coverage designed for high-value shipments, including:

• Up to $150,000 insurance coverage for domestic shipping
• Coverage for gold jewelry, gold coins, gold bars, and gold bullion
• Transparent insurance policy terms and quick claim resolution

This full-value insurance protects against loss, theft, and damage, giving you peace of mind when shipping gold items. Always keep all records in case you need to file a claim.

Shipping Costs vs. Risk: What to Expect

Shipping gold costs more than shipping ordinary items, but cutting corners increases risk. Factors that affect shipping costs include:

• Declared value
• Insurance coverage level
• Shipping method and speed
• Signature required delivery
• Additional security measures

However, higher upfront shipping costs often prevent far greater losses later. Investing a little more upfront in secure shipping is always worth it, because the price of a mistake with a high-value shipment like gold can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. The peace of mind and protection you gain far outweigh the initial expense, making careful preparation a small cost compared to the potential losses on the line.

Risk Management Checklist: Plan for Every Scenario

Even with good preparation and insurance, it’s wise to plan for every possibility.

Before Shipment

• Double-check packaging.
• Verify carrier restrictions and requirements.
• Confirm declared value and insurance.
• Keep copies of all documentation.

During Transit

• Track frequently.
• Set alerts for delays or detours.
• Stay ready to contact the carrier if the package stops moving unexpectedly.

After Delivery

• Confirm recipient identity.
• Obtain a signature (preferably adult or authorized signer).
• Inspect the packaging for signs of tampering.
• Document the package condition immediately upon receipt.

Timing and Delivery Windows

Planning when to ship gold can also impact security:

• Avoid Fridays or Holidays: Delays can extend the time the package is in transit.
• Midweek Shipments: Wednesday or Tuesday are often best for reducing transit time.
• Avoid High-Traffic Seasons: Holidays can increase mishandling or lost packages.

Choosing delivery windows where someone is available to sign and receive the shipment also reduces risk.

UNIVAL Logistics: Your Trusted Partner in Secure & Reliable Gold Shipping

At UNIVAL Logistics, we understand that high-value shipments like gold require more than standard transport. You need expertise, secure processes, and a logistics partner you can rely on. We specialize in secure shipping solutions for high-value items, including gold and other precious metals. Our services are designed to address the real risks of gold shipping, not just move boxes from point A to point B.

Key advantages include:

• Specialized services for jewelry shipping
• Dedicated precious metal collectibles and coin shipping solutions
• Cost-effective shipping rates

Supported by full-value insurance options (whether you're shipping with us or another carrier), secure shipping practices, and packages handled by experienced and trained teams, you get end-to-end shipping solutions designed to guarantee peace of mind, timely delivery, and complete protection of your high-value goods.

Ship Gold With Confidence, Every Time

Shipping gold safely is not complicated, but it does require careful planning. Proper packaging, discreet labeling, secure shipping methods, and adequate insurance coverage are non-negotiable. Whether you are sending gold coins or jewelry, transporting gold bullion, or shipping physical gold for business purposes, following best shipping practices reduces risk and stress.

Choosing a logistics partner that understands value, risk, and responsibility makes all the difference. With the right approach and a trusted shipping service, gold shipping becomes secure and predictable. Use this guide as your roadmap on how to ship gold properly and rely on UNIVAL Logistics to bring your shipment home safely.

If you have questions or are ready to schedule a shipment, get in touch for professional, specialized, and secure logistics solutions tailored to your needs for complete peace of mind.