Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
First off stop using priority fedex or ups use the Saver options. that will save you about $15.
How much does it cost to ship a handgun via FedEx?
- Thread starter triage1998
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Ringer
Member
Kahr PM9. Gun weighs 14 oz, plus 2 mags at about 2 oz each. Packed in a small box with foam packing. I can't imagine any handgun weighing 5 lbs, you must be using some serious packing materials.
I'm not sure how you are mailing handguns via USPS but as far as I know that is not allowed,at least according to the USPS. Long guns sure, handguns no.
Fedex requires Express Priority Overnight. What do you mean by Saver options? Please elaborate.
Thanks
Well, you figure a full size Sig or Colt weights in at over 2 pounds, then add another mag, the factory box, papers, lock, and other stuff that comes with the gun, then a shipping container and a little packing and you're over 4 pounds easy.
FFL's can ship handguns via USPS.
Dan
FFL's can ship handguns via USPS.
Dan
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
Fedex does not require proirity overnight just overnite, it could be priority but it can also be standard overnight, just as long as it is overnight.
Ringer
Member
SIOP
Understand now. If you are shipping guns "sold" with all the goodies can see the heavier weight. And 10-4 on the FFL, you never did recommend others using USPS just stated you did.... so, got it
Understand now. If you are shipping guns "sold" with all the goodies can see the heavier weight. And 10-4 on the FFL, you never did recommend others using USPS just stated you did.... so, got it
Ringer
Member
Don't mean to argue over this, but each can interpret as they wish. I just shipped a handgun and verified beforehand, but I guess I could be overpaying. I was going by the Terms and Conditions listed on the Fedex website, which I always print out and take with me. YMMV but this is what I read: Firearms must be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight service.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
I sit corrected per Fedex terms and conditions
UPS states
So try next day saver ups
OR take it to a nice Gunsmith to ship it USPS
UPS states
So try next day saver ups
OR take it to a nice Gunsmith to ship it USPS
Sir Aardvark
Member
WOW!
Prices have shot up this year. Just last November, I would get handguns shipped to me via UPS for about $27.00 Next Day Air, Adult Signature, Insurance, etc. Fed-Ex would be roughly the same, about $28.00. USPS was the best, costing about $14.00.
I certainly miss the days when UPS would ship handguns for $7.00 Ground.
Capitalism can sometimes suck when you're the one being fleeced by Corporate America.
Prices have shot up this year. Just last November, I would get handguns shipped to me via UPS for about $27.00 Next Day Air, Adult Signature, Insurance, etc. Fed-Ex would be roughly the same, about $28.00. USPS was the best, costing about $14.00.
I certainly miss the days when UPS would ship handguns for $7.00 Ground.
Capitalism can sometimes suck when you're the one being fleeced by Corporate America.
drone23
Member
First of all, if FedEx thinks I am going to write "FIREARM ENCLOSED" (aka please steal me) on the outside of shipments, they are nuts and they can keep on dreaming.
I have shipped several guns through my FFL. He ships via UPS 3 day air saver and specifically tells UPS they they can not just leave it, they must have a signature. Its is typically about $20 from the West coast to the East. He says that UPS told him that as long as he uses an air service they will honor freight claims for firearms.
-D
I have shipped several guns through my FFL. He ships via UPS 3 day air saver and specifically tells UPS they they can not just leave it, they must have a signature. Its is typically about $20 from the West coast to the East. He says that UPS told him that as long as he uses an air service they will honor freight claims for firearms.
-D
Master Blaster
Member
Last year I shipped a CZ 85 back to CZ in Kansas City Kansas.. I went into the FED ex here in Delaware. I told the counter person I wanted to ship a handgun. He asked if it was unloaded, I said yes. I asked what the least expensive way to ship it was. He said 2nd day air was fine, since it required a signature and had tracking of the package, which are what is required by Fedex. I insured it for $500 and it cost me $19, it was shipped in a case inside the Fedex box.
That was on Wednessday. The following monday my wife informed me that there was a box on the porch!!!! CZ had shipped it back to me UPS overnight priority, but there was no signature required sticker on the box so the UPS guy left it on the porch.
That was on Wednessday. The following monday my wife informed me that there was a box on the porch!!!! CZ had shipped it back to me UPS overnight priority, but there was no signature required sticker on the box so the UPS guy left it on the porch.
Gunsnrovers
Member
UPS and Fed Ex had some hefty overnight fee increases go into effect 01/03/05.
A pistol shipped from Los Angeles, CA to Arizona used to cost me about $35. Now costs $48.
A pistol shipped from Los Angeles, CA to Arizona used to cost me about $35. Now costs $48.
sturmruger
Member
I have shipped several guns via UPS ground. From everything I have read it isn't that big of deal since you dont have to notify them of what you are shipping. The cheapest way to ship a handgun is via the USPS, but only FFL's can do this. If you are an FFL you can ship pistols via priority mail for around $7.50.
Mr. Mysterious
Member
How is DHL's prices? I like those yellow vans as of late...their packages seem to arrive faster, the people friendlier, and the costs seems lower.
Me too..!! When I ship, take it apart....send it USPS in two different shipments...insured...and "technically" you are not shipping a "firearm" but machined parts....#1: It's insured, #2: You were truthful, #3: It's cheaper and always arrives...
MaceWindu
drone23
Member
Not true. In the eyes of the BATF the reciever of any firearm is considerd a firearm and is therefore regulated. If you go to the USPS site and do a seach for firearms it says that only FFLs are allowed to ship via USPS.
Check this link: http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub52.htm
And ignoring the USPS is not the same as ignoring the UPS or FedEx rules. The UPS and FedEx rules as I understand it are simply rules imposed by each respective company and a violation of those rules is not necessarily a violation of the law. The USPS however, being a federal agency appears to be different. I am not a lawyer but I suspect that a knowing violation of the USPS rules could be considered mail fraud.
-D
Guy B. Meredith
Member
I didn't know USPS would ship firearms and was not able to find anything on the web site about it. What are the regulations?
Having worked in USPS I can tell you they are tight on employee shady activities. In the centers there are enclosed walks along the ceiling with mirrored windows for the inspectors. One time a quarter dropped out of an envelope and no one would even walk near it. They went for a manager to retrieve the quarter.
I just sent my MK512 to Ruger for repairs via UPS and got overcharged--$40 and change vs $52. Had to spend a couple hours sending email to corporate UPS and talking to local to get a refund.
No one knows how the charge came about: I think the counter clerk might have had an attitude. Her demeanor was distant and she grabbed the paperwork and noted a weight twice the actual weight on the scale.
Having worked in USPS I can tell you they are tight on employee shady activities. In the centers there are enclosed walks along the ceiling with mirrored windows for the inspectors. One time a quarter dropped out of an envelope and no one would even walk near it. They went for a manager to retrieve the quarter.
I just sent my MK512 to Ruger for repairs via UPS and got overcharged--$40 and change vs $52. Had to spend a couple hours sending email to corporate UPS and talking to local to get a refund.
No one knows how the charge came about: I think the counter clerk might have had an attitude. Her demeanor was distant and she grabbed the paperwork and noted a weight twice the actual weight on the scale.
Mr. Mysterious
Member
I agree, I would trust the USPS to UPS or FEDEX...remember, if someone tampers with the mail system, it's a federal problem and from what my friends in the postal service say, the postal inspectors are some SOB's you don't want to mess with.
Lately many of my rebates have been coming on postcards that are basically a check without an envelope...they have never had a problem arriving. I know some people that have worked shipping centers at FEDEX and UPS...I wouldn't trust them with that rebate.
Oh, and I'll add another story to be wary of. In November or so I needed to send my SW99 back to S&W for some repair. I was really busy and could not get to the FEDEX office, so I want to Kinkos. Well...I paid shipping and everything was fine. The package got to S&W all right, and two weeks later I picked up the gun at the FEDEX office since I wasn't home to sign for it. Well, about 3 weeks later I get a bill from FEDEX for the shipping AND a service charge fee, it totaled like $69 in all. I called the number on there ready to chew some butt, the lady that I talked to asked where I shipped from, I told her Kinkos and she said that she was removing the charges and sending them to Kinkos since they didn't process the payment properly. I didn't even get a chance to even be mean, I was in awe...it was some good service, too bad more people in call centers are not like that.
Lately many of my rebates have been coming on postcards that are basically a check without an envelope...they have never had a problem arriving. I know some people that have worked shipping centers at FEDEX and UPS...I wouldn't trust them with that rebate.
Oh, and I'll add another story to be wary of. In November or so I needed to send my SW99 back to S&W for some repair. I was really busy and could not get to the FEDEX office, so I want to Kinkos. Well...I paid shipping and everything was fine. The package got to S&W all right, and two weeks later I picked up the gun at the FEDEX office since I wasn't home to sign for it. Well, about 3 weeks later I get a bill from FEDEX for the shipping AND a service charge fee, it totaled like $69 in all. I called the number on there ready to chew some butt, the lady that I talked to asked where I shipped from, I told her Kinkos and she said that she was removing the charges and sending them to Kinkos since they didn't process the payment properly. I didn't even get a chance to even be mean, I was in awe...it was some good service, too bad more people in call centers are not like that.
sturmruger
Member
Just for some clarification, us regular folk cannot ship firearms via the USPS. Only Federaly licensed dealers are allowed to ship via the post office.
SnakeEater
Member
Hmm, just the other day I shipped a handgun, or as claimed "machine parts", via UPS ground for roughly $12. I got a sly grin from the clerk and she said "this isn't a handgun is it?" I reply "Nope, it's a caliper". Package arrived yesterday at it's destination. I'm still alive, not in jail, and have some extra ammo money.
I've done this numerous times, it is completely safe.
I've done this numerous times, it is completely safe.
Can'thavenuthingood
Member
This from DHL's website. Had to go to the sitemap and fish around.
DHL decides it cannot transport an item safely or legally (such items include but are not
limited to: animals, bullion, currency, bearer form negotiable instruments, precious
metals and stones, firearms, parts thereof and ammunition, human remains,
pornography and illegal narcotics/drugs).
http://www.dhl-usa.com/resources/Terms_and_Conditions_of_Carriage.pdf
I shipped my shotgun to myself via USPS from Minnesota to California. I sent it out the day before I left and it arrived the day after I got home to Ka. No problems.
Next best bet is a road trip and a picnic.
Vick
DHL decides it cannot transport an item safely or legally (such items include but are not
limited to: animals, bullion, currency, bearer form negotiable instruments, precious
metals and stones, firearms, parts thereof and ammunition, human remains,
pornography and illegal narcotics/drugs).
http://www.dhl-usa.com/resources/Terms_and_Conditions_of_Carriage.pdf
I shipped my shotgun to myself via USPS from Minnesota to California. I sent it out the day before I left and it arrived the day after I got home to Ka. No problems.
Next best bet is a road trip and a picnic.
Vick
SnakeEater,
Yeah the UPS folks are like "Oh look another High Roader here to ship machine parts yet again!"
I get some small boxes from work that actual industrial "machine parts" were ship in. The boxes have various markings and labels that give it that whole machine part look. Not to mention the fact that I am wearing an industrial utility uniform.
I also abbreviate the name of the gun company. You could write Smith & Wesson Firearms but I would write SWF Industries.
Yeah the UPS folks are like "Oh look another High Roader here to ship machine parts yet again!"
I get some small boxes from work that actual industrial "machine parts" were ship in. The boxes have various markings and labels that give it that whole machine part look. Not to mention the fact that I am wearing an industrial utility uniform.
I also abbreviate the name of the gun company. You could write Smith & Wesson Firearms but I would write SWF Industries.
waterhouse
Member
just to throw my .02 in, I'm an FFL and usually ship USPS, so I can't comment on Fedex overnight prices.
What I can't get over is the number of packages that are left on the back step by Fedex and UPS with all of the stickers on them saying that they can't be left without a signature. I got one the other day with no less than THREE stickers all saying something like "adult must receive and sign for." I'm tempted to one day call Fedex and tell them I never got the package, but that whole honesty thing my parents decided to instill in me gets the better of me every time.
waterhouse
What I can't get over is the number of packages that are left on the back step by Fedex and UPS with all of the stickers on them saying that they can't be left without a signature. I got one the other day with no less than THREE stickers all saying something like "adult must receive and sign for." I'm tempted to one day call Fedex and tell them I never got the package, but that whole honesty thing my parents decided to instill in me gets the better of me every time.
waterhouse
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