Shipping Your Tucson Gem Show Purchases Home

How to ship rocks, minerals and jewelry home from the Tucson gem shows: on-site shipping stations, USPS Flat Rate rules, packing tips and carry-on considerations.

Rocks are heavy, and airline bag fees add up fast. Most buyers ship at least part of what they buy. Here are your options.

1. Ship from the show

TucsonGemShow101 says major carriers such as UPS and DHL run stations at several high-volume venues, with domestic and international shipping and packing materials. If you're buying in bulk, ask the vendor first, because they may have cheaper bulk freight.

2. Use a post office or pack-and-ship store

Our Ship & Store listings include post offices, pack-and-ship shops and self-storage near the show clusters. Expect lines during the shows.

USPS Flat Rate rules

USPS says the only way to get Priority Mail Flat Rate pricing is to use a USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate box or envelope, and the label has to match the packaging. Flat Rate boxes still have weight limits, and dense specimens can reach them quickly. You can price a box ahead of time with the USPS Postage Calculator, or prepay online with Click-N-Ship.

3. Packing

Wrap each piece on its own, and pad the corners and the bottom of the box.
Photograph receipts and labels before you hand anything over.
Ask vendors about export or customs paperwork for international shipments.

4. Flying with specimens

Check TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool before you pack tools, such as rock hammers or knives, in your carry-on. Some items allowed in checked bags aren't allowed in the cabin.

5. Storage for dealers

Several self-storage facilities are in or near the show clusters. See Ship & Store. Visit Tucson notes that shows find their own venues and storage through many channels, so book early.