Moving and want to ship handguns to myself

[[email protected]]

Aloha, I am moving from Honolulu, HI to Oregon next month. I have 2 handguns - how do I ship them to Oregon?
Joseph

 

[brboyer]

If you can convince a FedEx or UPS agent, or they are simply ignorant of their company policy, put them in a box and address it to yourself at your new address.

Or go to a local FFL and have him send them to a FFL near your new home. You'll have to fill out 4473's and be able to convince the OR FFL that you are indeed a resident (can be a painfully difficult process sometimes for new residents.)

Perhaps the easiest is just to put them in your checked luggage, declare them to the airline at check in. -Make sure you check the TSA and your airline's regulations for details.

P.S. No need to cross post in different sections.

 

[Mman]

Definitely in checked luggage. Every other option is too complicated.

 

[sauer1911]

+1 on the checked baggage! Just declare them in your luggage when you fly over.

btw, I would get added insurance on your luggage. The luggage gets a special tag and extra scrutiny in transit.

be safe

 

[herrwalther]

Checked baggage. When I moved to the south, I drove. And just avoided all the places that really like to throw FOPA out the window. Flying will be easier than shipping them, less hands involved so potentially less loss/theft issue.

 

[oneounceload]

You could also put them in your household goods and have the moving company do it for you

 

[dogtown tom]

[email protected] Aloha, I am moving from Honolulu, HI to Oregon next month. I have 2 handguns - how do I ship them to Oregon?

Neither UPS or FedEx will ship "nonlicensee to nonlicensee". If you fail to notify them in writing that you are shipping interstate to a nonlicensee (even yourself) you violate Federal law.

Your only choices are:
1. Ship to a dealer on Oregon. You'll fill out a 4473 and undergo a background check.
2. Take them with you as checked luggage. (I highly recommend this)

brboyer If you can convince a FedEx or UPS agent, or they are simply ignorant of their company policy, put them in a box and address it to yourself at your new address.

"Convincing" doesn't change company policy, and that company policy clearly states the terms of service.......UPS/FedEx do not ship firearms between nonlicensees. If the package is lost/stolen/damaged they will not honor any claim as the tariff was violated.

Further, its a Federal crime to ship interstate to a nonlicensee without written notification to the carrier.

oneounceload You could also put them in your household goods and have the moving company do it for you

As moving companies are also "common carriers", written notice would be required.

 

[Sam1911]

Your only choices are:
1. Ship to a dealer on Oregon. You'll fill out a 4473 and undergo a background check.

I'd absolutely want to work this out way ahead of time with the specific shop in Oregon that you will ship to.

He cannot transfer those guns (even though they belong to you) to you until you are a resident of his state. Now residency is defined by the BATFE as being present in a state with the intent of making a home there, so you WILL BE, but you need to convince the dealer to his satisfaction that you are indeed legit. Working it out way ahead of time is a good start, but he may insist on seeing a new Oregon driver's license with your name on it (or a handful of other documentation) before he's comfortable to release them to you. That may mean you've got a few weeks of lag time while you get yourself established before you can go get your guns. AGAIN, let him know what's up and what you are planning.

2. Take them with you as checked luggage. (I highly recommend this)

This, BY FAR, is the best plan. It's simple, easy, and quite safe.

 

[Willie Sutton]

Further, its a Federal crime to ship interstate to a nonlicensee without written notification to the carrier.



Legal Citation please?

From yourself to yourself if you would be so kind.


Willie

.

 

[Sam1911]

27 cfr 478.31

§ 478.31 Delivery by common or contract carrier.
(a) No person shall knowingly deliver or cause to be delivered to any common or contract carrier for transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign commerce to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, any package or other container in which there is any firearm or ammunition without written notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is being transported or shipped:

 

[oneounceload]

Quote:
oneounceload You could also put them in your household goods and have the moving company do it for you
As moving companies are also "common carriers", written notice would be required.

Never said it wouldn't. I have moved many times over the years, with over half being done by a moving company. Last move I boxed up (securely) ALL of my long guns, listed them, including serial numbers, on the manifest. Box was taped so as to show if tampered, paid for the insurance, and they all came through without a hiccup - all $25K+.

Just offering it as another legal option to carrying them in checked baggage

 

[Willie Sutton]

Shipping with household goods is a very secure way to do it. Put them on the manifest.



Willie

.

 

[X-Rap]

For 2 handguns I would absolutely take them with me in checked baggage. If it were to many more than that i would just leave them with the shipper and the rest of the long guns.

 

[swinokur]

The above is accurate

Both Fed Ex and UPS now require an FFL be either the sender or recipient of a shipped firearm, and the same for return. By policy, you can longer ship to yourself if you aren't a licensed FFL. BATF FAQ still allows it, but the carriers no longer do. That's one reason I got an 03 FFL, because both UPS and FED Ex allow shipments to and from licensed collectors. 30 bucks is a cheap way to allow yourself to ship to yourself IMO.

 

[larry_minn]

+1 on the checked baggage! Just declare them in your luggage when you fly over.

btw, I would get added insurance on your luggage. The luggage gets a special tag and extra scrutiny in transit.
be safe

Actually no. There is a tag that goes INSIDE the bag with guns. There is to be NO outside markings on bag, tracking. (other then other bags)
When I have traveled with firearm. I get a real human to check bag. (they always try to move you to computer/self service) I even had one guy grab my bag and TRY to go out to curb to check it there.

You tell person "I have a UNLOADED firearm in DOT approved case I wish to declare" They hand you a orange/red card. You put info on it/place inside suitcase/gun case. (they agent MAY ask you to show clear) try to be descrete. Then they often ask you to carry bag to TSA, or wait till they haul it to TSA (depending on airport/logistics) Then come back and say its GTG.

I would suggest getting there early, put your cell phone on case, inside on locked pistol case... and keep cell phone on till you get on plane. Act like you have done this dozens of times.

IF you get agent who does not have clue. POLITELY ask for supervisor. (not bad idea to print up that airlines policy as they may not know) I had one make up rules (ok he said laws) on the site. IIRC I could only have on gun in each checked bag, no more then 100 rds of ammo in total.... The TSA guy was right there(small airport) and couldn't believe it either. Thing is this was supervisor...

He didn't care I had printout he KNEW law. I got rid of most ammo, the TSA guy said he didn't care I had more then one guy, I could have left ammo if I wanted. No issue comming back either.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

The above is accurate

Both Fed Ex and UPS now require an FFL be either the sender or recipient of a shipped firearm, and the same for return. By policy, you can longer ship to yourself if you aren't a licensed FFL. BATF FAQ still allows it, but the carriers no longer do. That's one reason I got an 03 FFL, because both UPS and FED Ex allow shipments to and from licensed collectors. 30 bucks is a cheap way to allow yourself to ship to yourself IMO.

I've shipped to myself several times in the past (even to myself in care of another person as the BATF handbook explains).

Does this rule also apply to rifles or just handguns???
Are there any other carriers who have not adopted this policy?
I'm a Type 03 as well, just wondering . . .

Just went to FedEx and UPS web sites. It is all firearms now. The language which goes well beyond the law is also similar . . . too similar . . .

Mike

 

[swinokur]

There is no such thing as a DOT approved gun case. only a hard sided lockable case that can't be pried open per TSA.

The FFL policy is from UPS and Fed Ex. , Not BATFE or anyone else. Either shipping or receiving either the sender or recipient must be an FFL, and can be a licensed collector.

This is on both the UPS and Fed Ex web sites.

Ammo limits are based on weight not round count. That guy was plain wrong. Many domestic airlines limit ammo to 11 lbs. Alaska Air allows 50 (due to huneters I guess)

 

[CWL]

Agree with everyone about checking it on the plane with you. Just takes a little bit more time with the TSA inspection, but you'll have them with you when you get to OR.

Welcome to the mainland!

 

[DaBruins]

Regarding shipping guns to yourself, this is a FAQ from the BATFE web site:

[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(4) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.28 and 478.31]
May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?
Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.

 

[GEM]

If I had all my handguns in my checked luggage for a real move, I probably would have Homeland Security all a twitter.

 

[swinokur]

BATFE FAQ says it's OK

Both UPS and FED EX say it's not ok unless either sender or recipient is an FFL.

Both FED EX and UPS require that the shipment be declared to the counter person if the package contains a firearm.

What are you going to do now?

 

[GoWolfpack]

BATFE FAQ says it's OK

Both UPS and FED EX say it's not ok unless either sender or recipient is an FFL.

Both FED EX and UPS require that the shipment be declared to the counter person if the package contains a firearm.

What are you going to do now?

Is DHL still a thing?

 

[swinokur]

I see their trucks around my neighborhood occasionally. I have not looked to see what their policy is.

ETA-from their web page prohibited

Complete original and imitation firearms and firearm parts, (includes rifle butts, trigger mechanisms, screws / bolts etc which are manufactured for the sole purpose of creating a functional firearm), ammunition, explosives

 

[bearcreek]

What kind of handguns are they? If I was in your position and had the guns that I have I would simply sell them and buy new ones when I got to OR. Of course, if they're rare, unusually valuable or have sentimental value that might not be an option.

 

[medalguy]

DHL is wholly owned by UPS now. Same carrier regs as UPS and unfortunately there aren't any other carriers out there either.