Shipping a firearm via UPS or fed ex

[Iknownot]

What do I need to know about doing so?

I checked out the UPS website and it seems pretty straight forward.

Can I just bring the firearm boxed up to the collection center and ship it with out saying what is in the box?

Anyone with any advice that has done this before? Thanks.

[Bobula]

i would def like to know too, my ffl charge me $50 to ship a pistol
No idea how it works with long guns.

[johnny_22]

I have shpped back to the manufacturer

Unmarked box (no SIG/GLOCK/RUGER on the outside); I got one of the FEDEX small boxes and packed the handgun disassembled in bubble wrap at home.

Cost in 2006 was $46 overnight (required for firearms with UPS or fedex). With the new gas surcharges, $50 is easily possible.

You must tell the guy that you are shipping a firearm. I told him it was a broken firearm. Since it was going back to the factory overnight, I hoped this reduced its probability for being stolen.

Note: You need to take it to the FEDEX/UPS distribution center; not MAILBOX USA/UPS or FEDEX/KINKOS.

[Bobula]

do longguns need to be overnighted too?

[Iknownot]

do longguns need to be overnighted too?

According to the UPS FAQ, all firearms have to be overnighted and require an adult signature for delivery sticker.

Well, thanks for the info. One more thing to get around to doing.

[caduckgunner]

I just shipped a long gun through the UPS Store. They said they would take it as long as it was broken down. I shipped it ground with insurance and signature.

[hitman13]

i just shipped a rifle through fedex ground.

i had called fedex and they said that

1) i do not have to declare a rifle,
2) would be smart to insure it
3) longarms can be shipped from any fedex location

went to kinkos, had no problems

YMMV of course

[Shane916]

You can ship firearms through USPS without a problem.

[hybridatsun350]

You can ship firearms through USPS without a problem.

Depends. Quite a few members on this forum have had problems with USPS. I certainly wouldn't go through them.

[hitman13]

if using USPS just remember that the best way to get the right sized box is to put on army fatigues and carry the longarm into the post office.




IIRc, you can not ship pistols through USPS though

[-hanko]

You can ship firearms through USPS without a problem.

Yes indeed, if you're an -01 ffl.

Otherwise, long guns can go via post office, no hand guns

-hanko

[ocabj]

I've shipped many long guns (and a couple pistols) and I've always used UPS.

Everytime I ship a long gun, I follow the same procedure:

1. Pack securely in a good box (I typically use CMP boxes because I have a bunch - If you don't have one, buy a rifle from the CMP to get a box.).
2. Include a packing 'invoice' with the buyer's name/address (if applicable) and the receiving FFL's (dealer or gunsmith) name and address in case the box gets opened for some reason.
3. Bring copy of receiver's FFL with boxed long gun to UPS Staffed Location.
4. Use computer workstation at UPS Staffed Location to create 'shipment' using appropriate estimated value of long gun. On the computer form, it has an entry for description and I always indicate that it is a firearm and I usually indicate type (i.e. long gun - rifle). This information does not show up on the final UPS shipping label which is put on the box.
5. Take box, FFL, and UPS sticker to desk personnel. Declare that it is a firearm (long gun) and that I have the FFL copy. Person at desk usually declines to see the FFL copy and simply asks if it's not loaded.
6. I indicate method of shipping (typically ground since it's the cheapest) and specify for "signature required" option (so it doesn't get left on a doorstep).
7. Pay and leave with tracking number (which is also emailed to me and the receiver/buyer if I have their email - since I enter it while creating the shipment instance using the computer terminal at the UPS Staffed Location).