i think you would be mental to try and ship it
if its a really nice frame ask them to ship it in a crate but remove the glass
it will only cost a few dollars to get new glass once you get it

Not a chance I'd have the print shipped in its frame (particularly with glass), unless they are using a particularly bullet-proof container. Mose once pointed me in the direction of a company that makes hard plastic cases with specialty foam liners that can be cut to fit framed pieces, but they are expensive, and you still have the possibility of damage. Were it my print and frame, I'd not even bother shipping the glass as for the hassle and expense you'd be better off having a new piece cut locally.

I've never paid tax on items shipped to me from overseas, but perhaps that was a fluke. You, as a buyer, never have to buy insurance. In ALL cases the seller is the owner of the goods until you have received and accepted them in "as described" condition (legally that is), so it is ultimately in the seller's best interests to make sure the goods are insured. (I hope you've paid via credit card &/or paypal to assist should any problems arise). I know people are going to dispute this, but it is not my opinion--it is a fact. There is a very good reason why buyers are not able to file insurance claims on items damaged in shipping; because the law is very clear about who the owner is (hint: it's not the buyer!), and only the owner can file a claim. If the goods arrived damaged, you are entitled to a full, complete and prompt refund regardless of whatever the seller says. Unless you and the seller have a written contract stating terms otherwise, then its up to them entirely.

Hope this helps some! Congrats on your new purchase, btw.

So should I request shipping the print in a tube insured, and shipping the frame separately? Or should I get the print shipped flat in the frame without the glass? Which is safer?

I am not sure if the frame is nice or not, but that would be one less thing to purchase when I receive the print. Simple brushed aluminum type frame, with no matte or anything fancy (I don't think the matte looks good with the Laugh Now prints anyways).