Why Precious Metals Need More Than Standard Carrier Coverage
Precious metals are among the items that carriers treat as being of extraordinary value. Carriers publish their own caps for such goods, their basic liability is usually a small fraction of market value, and they often add restrictions on top. Declared value on a carrier label is a limit of liability, not insurance.
With full-value insurance, the declared value of the shipment is covered, up to $150,000 with Unival. Metal prices move daily, so declare the current market value on the day you ship. Read more on our precious metals and bullion industry page, or see our overview of insured high-value shipping.
Because metals reach high values quickly, a single shipment can approach the coverage limit sooner than it would with other goods. If your shipment is worth more than $150,000, contact us before you ship.
What to Prepare for Each Form of Metal
Each form of metal carries its own considerations. This table shows what to focus on before you seal the package.
| Form | Main consideration | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Bars and coins | High value in a small, heavy package | Serial numbers, assay certificates, sealed original packaging |
| Graded and numismatic coins | Damage to holders, high value per coin | Original holders, padding, certificate numbers |
| Casting grain, sheet and wire | Moving between suppliers and manufacturers | Itemized invoice, weight per item |
| Scrap, sweeps and residues | Value depends on assay, so records matter | Weight before shipping, description of contents, custody paperwork |
| Refined metal returned to a customer | Weight and purity must match the paperwork | Settlement statement, weights, sealed packaging |
Record the weight and count before sealing, and compare both on delivery. Report any difference at once.
Precious Metals Shipping by City
Each part of the metals trade ships differently. These pages have local detail on how insured metals shipping works:
- Insured precious metals shipping in Los Angeles
- Insured bullion shipping in Dallas
- Insured precious metals shipping in Newark and Northern New Jersey
If you also ship finished pieces, see our guide to insured jewelry shipping.
Scrap, Assay and Declared Value
Scrap and mixed metal are different from bars and coins, because their value is only fixed once the metal has been assayed. Before you ship, weigh the metal, describe the contents accurately and photograph it. Declare a reasonable value based on the recorded weight, the expected purity and the day's price.
Keep a copy of the weight and the description, and compare them with the receiving party's figures. A value that is too low can reduce what is paid out in a claim.
Weight, Value and Cost of Insured Metals Shipping
Precious metals are heavy for their size, and silver is heavier still relative to its value. A small parcel can weigh many pounds, so weight affects handling and the shipping price, while the insurance follows the declared value.
The destination, delivery speed and handling requirements also change the total. See our guide to shipping insurance cost for how each factor works, and get a quote with the metal, its form, the weight, the declared value and the destination.
Secure Transport for High-Value Metal
The most valuable metal shipments need more than insurance. Armored transport, controlled handoffs and security personnel can be arranged for shipments that call for them, and the right level depends on the value, the route and the timing.
Read more about our secure transport services and secure transportation.
Shipping Precious Metals Internationally
International shipments of precious metals need accurate customs paperwork, including a commercial invoice with the correct value and description. An export filing is generally required when goods classified under a single Schedule B number are worth more than $2,500, or when a license is required.
Rules differ by country and by type of metal, and some destinations are restricted under US export and sanctions rules. Contact us before you ship, and confirm the requirements with your customs broker.
How to Pack and Document Precious Metals for Shipping
Good records prevent most claim disputes. Before you ship, check the following:
- Record the weight and purity of each item before sealing.
- Keep assay certificates, serial numbers and mint packaging with the shipment record.
- Photograph the items and the sealed package.
- Declare the current market value, not the price you paid.
- Use sturdy, plain, sealed packaging with no mention of the contents on the outside.
- Include an itemized list, keep a copy, and check the weight and count on receipt.
