Don't use Fed-Ex to ship your handgun out for service!!!

[Tunis]

I decided to have Brad at CCR refinish my SA XD-9 and I went to ship it to him today. So on my lunch, I choose to go to FedEx only because it's 2 minutes from my work. What a mistake that was...I get there, fill out the packing slip, package the handgun in a box and wait in line. I get to the counter and I immediately tell the girl that I'm shipping a handgun out for service. Right away, she begins to get nervous and begins stuttering, she didn't even want to touch the package! She asks me if I have a license to deal firearms! I tell her again that I'm sending it out to get serviced as written on the slip "Cummings Custom Refinishing"! Then she breaks out her manual and looks up "firearms" and says I cannot ship it unless I have a license. I read it back to her and tried to explain, but she just didn't understand! At this point, I'm fed up and wasting my time, so I say "I'm going to UPS" and walk out! Freakin idiot!

So after work, I head over to UPS and the lady working there sees my handgun bag and right away says, "you're shipping a handgun?". I was relieved that someone knew what she was doing! She pretty much did all the work, I just filled out the packing slip on their computer, unlike Fed-Ex which you have to fill it out by hand. She even got me a box that was a perfect fit for shipping handguns (she's done this before)! She said don't worry, we monitor handgun shipments so your gun will be safe. She asked if she could take it out to check to be sure it was unloaded. Very cool lady who wasn't afraid of a handgun!

So if you ever have to ship out a handgun for service, don't use Fed-Ex! Ship with confidence and use UPS! I've heard lots of horror stories with Fed-Ex, but I only went there because of convenience...never again!

I know it may differ from location to location, carrier to carrier, clerk to ckerk...but I just wanted to vent about my experience.

[Shane916]

FedEx also charges a lot more as I recall. They require "FedEx Priority Overnight" where UPS requires "Next Day Air".

[leelaw]

I had the exact same experience at the UPS hub in Oakland.

Some can't-be-wrong lady "with 22 years experience!" argued with me about it for 20 minutes, eventually leaving me in the central room while she was off making phone calls. While she was gone, I began looking in their brown book of tarriffs and whatnot, and it clearly explains that non-licensees may ship handguns direct to licensees, then I read the section where it stated to leave the room immediately and call a supervisor if anyone trying to ship a firearm becomes aggrivated. Funny, I didn't become pissed until after she began raising her voice at me.

Anyways, she came back, we argued some more, and she finally accepted the damned package. This was back around June 2001.

Both UPS and FedEx require overnight service for shipping handguns or handgun frames. I was just hit with a $70 bill for shipping a frame to Vermont last week. <cringe>

[wceviper]

What city was the Fedex located?

[saki302]

I use FedEx with my shipping account- pack at home, self-label, and ship. As long as it goes Prioriy overnight, it's insured. And it's the counter guy's faultt if he didn't hear me mutter 'it's a pistol' under my breath

It's a LOT cheaper with an account too. They mis-delivered one (supposed to arrive by 10:30) and I got the shipping refunded

-Dave

[Tunis]

What city was the Fedex located?

Santa Clara off of Coleman Ave.

[SDJim]

I've used FEDEX numerous times for shipping both handguns and rifles.
The woman I usually deal with at the main FEDEX hub here in San Diego (47th & Federal) is a SSGT in the USAR and knows the rules. I met her the first time I went in to ship an M1 to AZ for work when she had to explain what the rules were to the less than helpful counter worker. Since than no problems.

Also, if your a member of USAA, FEDEX is a USAA partner so now I have my own acct and do all my packing & labeling from home.

I've only dealt with the main UPS (down in Eastlake) hub twice and didn't have problems with them either time.

YMMV

[FinweElensar]

Before you go to FedEx, print their policy regarding shipping handguns and school them.

[Pugster]

Sorry to hear crappy service from Fed Ex, but I haven't had any problems with the Fed Ex Hub in Fremont/Union City.

[kurac]

I avoid FedEx like the plague

[hitman13]

Also, if your a member of USAA, FEDEX is a USAA partner so now I have my own acct and do all my packing & labeling from home.

WHERE CAN I GET SOME MORE INFO ON THIS?? THANKS

[SnWnMe]

I use FEDEX if I can help it.

[Toolbox X]

I'm still waiting for FedEx to NOT screw up a shipment for me. So far they have screwed up 14 in a row (no exaggerating). UPS is my favorite by far.

FedEx is great for mailing letters. For shipping boxes they suck.

[Gryff]

Right away, she begins to get nervous and begins stuttering, she didn't even want to touch the package! She asks me if I have a license to deal firearms! I tell her again that I'm sending it out to get serviced as written on the slip "Cummings Custom Refinishing"! Then she breaks out her manual and looks up "firearms" and says I cannot ship it unless I have a license. I read it back to her and tried to explain, but she just didn't understand! At this point, I'm fed up and wasting my time, so I say "I'm going to UPS" and walk out! Freakin idiot!

If you deal with any shipping company, airline, whatever, go prepared. Know their rules and how to prove that you are playing by them.

When I shipped a pistol out of FedEx Oakland, the gal behind the counter asked me if I was a firearm dealer. I politely explained that either the sender or the recipient can be the FFL holder, then showed her a copy of the gunsmith's FFL verification printout from the ATF web page. Cut all the problems off before they started.

I take a similar bent when I fly with firearms. I know in advance what the airline's policy is for the guns AND the ammunition. That way, there are no surprises, and I can speak reasonably and knowledgeably with the ticketing agent or ask for their supervisor.

-Jim

[D1911]

I've used Fed Ex in Sacramento a number of times to ship handguns, never had a problem.