Like all of you, this is my worst nightmare as well, and yes I worry alot about shipping books to the big auctions houses -- or my biggest recipient of books - CCS/CGC.
I have a regular driver that picks up here, a buddy if you will, so I don't worry about him. But what about at receiving end? The regular driver down in Sarasota MUST know he's dealing with alot of high-end stuff, even though I only label it "CCS/CGC". Being from Canada, I have to declare what is inside , and I always put "vintage books" and declare a value of $2 per book. I do not purchase any insurance. I just put my trust in the whole logistics process.
I've never had an issue, but I feel it is a matter of not if, but when......