Question: Shipping a Handgun via UPS

Status
Not open for further replies.
F

Fiero

Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2004
Messages
70
Location
Southern CA
When shipping a handgun by UPS, I have been advised by the manufacturer I am shipping to, to not reveal to UPS minion that a hangun is being shipped. This is done for only one reason... To stave off the potential emotional idiot employee from improper denial of service due to ignorance of UPS procedures and policies.

The question then becomes, what do I use for a descriptive term of the merchandise to be adequately covered for insurance purposes?

"HandGun" and "firearm" are both nonstarters, obviously. Bubba the UPS guy is gonna say "no guns!, I dun wanna lose ma job".

Does anyone know?
 
Last edited:
It is a violation of Federal Law not to notify a coomon carrier that you are shipping a firearm...
 
Among the bullseye crowd I've heard a couple use "precision paper-punching equipment". :cool: FedEx seems to be uniformly more professional in shipping firearms, you might consider them if they're in the area.
 
Handheld, mobile, sustenance, acquiring unit. :D

Actually like has been mentioned you have to declare it and if you don't at the very least they will not cover your insurance. FedEx is the way to go on this one.

Mmmm what if you put.
Gewehr or Geschutz. Technically you are informing them of a firearm.

Chris
 
I don't think ups allows handguns anymore.

FEDEX does and you must, by their rules, inform them its a handgun. Then you get to pay their highest overnight am delivery rate.

USPS only allows dealer to dealer on hand guns, mere citizens need not apply, however, if you take a semi automatic pistol for example and ship the slide in one package and the frame in another you are ok as long as the frame is sent to a registered ffl and you must inform the usps on the frame. The slide is no issue. A mere citizen may ship a rifle to an ffl. Or a mere citizen may ship his rifle to himself.

UPS stopped with handguns simply because too many of them were being stolen by their employees.

Every time I have shipped a pistol or a rifle via usps I have had to teach the idiot behind the counter the rules so it helps if you get their rules from their website and bring them with you. You may also want to bring the BATFE rules too because there are some references in the usps rules to the BATFE rules. Simple to comply with, but you should know them so you can teach the idiot at usps his or her job.

That has been my experience with dozens of transactions anyway.
 
UPS stopped with handguns simply because too many of them were being stolen by their employees.
Click to expand...
-> Incorrect. Both UPS and FedEx will ship long guns and handguns, but require that firearms be shipped overnight. It does not have to be AM delivery and chosing regular overnight can save a few bucks.

A) it makes them more money. B) the packages are easier to control their theft problem as they are in the hands of the carrier for a much shorter period of time and are monitored more closely to ensure on time delivery. It's cheaper to bill the customer then to stop hiring theives.

I am not certain about FedEx, but UPS centers typically put firearms to be shipping into their safe until ready for shipment.

I have not checked out DHL and their policies.

All this being said, the above only applies to direct UPS and FedEx centers. Independent shippers who USE these carriers may or may not choose to allow you to ship a firearm.

Not telling the carrier you are shipping a firearm will get you in trouble if caught. At the very least, you will be out any insurance. In some cases, you are also in violation of Federal law.

$35 freight versus the cost of my losing my gun and possible violating a law just doesn't seem like good math.

But hey, there are also folks on this forum who will save a few bucks to stuff cigarette butts in their ears instead of getting proper hearing protection.
 
I just shipped my Taurus

UPS ground back to the factory for repair monday. I specified ground and they did not seem to have a problem with it. This was at a UPS Store.
 
I have shipped many a gun. My comments:

1. You may, as a non-licensee, send a firearm directly to a FFL if for a sale OR a gunsmith or factory if for repair, OR (in most cases, check your individual state law for exceptions) directly to a non-licensee if he/she is a resident of your state and not prohibited from possessing a firearm.

2. You MUST declare that the package contains a firearm. This is required by federal law.

3. You must NOT label the package as containing a firearm, NOR can UPS/FedEx label the package as containing a firearm. This is required by federal law.

4. UPS will almost always require handguns be shipped by Overnight. FedEx will, IF specifically requested, ship handguns by two-day. This represents about a $25 savings.

5. If sending a barrel, an upper, or any other part of a gun that is NOT a receiver, you can label it as anything you want. I usually write in "telescope parts".
 
This is right off of the UPS web Site:

Use These UPS Services for Your Firearm Shipment
Firearms will be transported only between licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers, and licensed collectors, as defined in the United States Gun Control Act of 1968.


I knew there was a reason I quit using them. They won't ship a regular persons gun. Dealer to dealer only.

Your mileage may vary, but if you lose your pistol have fun collecting when they find out you broke their rules!
 
This will grab ya.

I called UPS today, after looking at their website, and reading completely opposite information than ColtDriver. UPS's website states categorically that they WILL ship hanguns, no problem. It must go next day air though and require an adult signature label. LOL-reely? The reason I called was to get clarification of the "UPS Customer Centers" meaning. The website said that I could only ship from this type of facility, and I wanted to know if the UPS Stores qualify. They don't.

This is the funny part. The UPS representative at 1800-pickUPS told me that I MUST bring the handgun into the branch, unpackaged (not concealed), for their inspection. Then I will package the gun, in full public view.

I think this babe wants me to make the news for scaring the bejesus out of everyone as I enter the facility!

I hate this crap. I think I am just going to use my gun dealer to ship this thing.

Fiero
 
If you take it in a box, unsealed, they'll tape it up for you prior to shipping. Actually, they have the right to inspect any package prior to shipment. They'll probably be so scared sh**less, they'll tape it up without even looking at the darned thing. Happened to me once with a paranoid clerk.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

triage1998
  • Locked
How much does it cost to ship a handgun via FedEx?
2 3
Replies
55
Views
11K
30 cal slob
3
N
  • Locked
Handgun Stolen While Shipped Via UPS!
2
Replies
35
Views
2K
Zak Smith
Zak Smith
T
  • Locked
Yes, another thread about shipping handguns via UPS.
Replies
5
Views
632
WonderNine
W
W
  • Locked
RE: UPS and shipping firearms (question)
Replies
5
Views
654
outdoorman63
outdoorman63
S
  • Locked
Has anyone had to sue UPS for firearms damage?
2 3
Replies
58
Views
4K
ChaoSS
C
Back
Top