Shipping Firearms via UPS

[rick137]

This country is going down the tubes. First had to have an FFL to ship a firearm you legally own to another FFL via FedEx.

Today went to ship a firearm at UPS Customer Don't Care Center and was told no can do. Given the UPS phone number and could not connect to an operator so got nowhere. The Customer Don't Care Center mumbled something about needing to have a shipping label with RS in upper right corner. RS standing for Return Service. What bullshit since I am not returning anything just trying to ship a firearm I legally own for some gunsmithing. I will play the game if need to but do not want to rile the BATF.

Clever government ploy. At end of the tunnel will be just to own a firearm need an FFL.

 

[Jrb572]

Is it a UPS hub? If it’s not the hub they will more than likely tell you no way. I hate shipping a firearm anymor. My UPS here can be really stupid about it. But there is one guy that use to hassle me but now he knows me he’s not to bad.

And you have to have the FFL of the place it’s shipping to with UPS also

 

[littlepod]

If it's a rifle, you can go through USPS.

 

[candyx]

Buy the larger box for shipping golf clubs.....

 

[acourvil]

I don’t have it in front of me, but I saw something this morning or yesterday that said that UPS is changing it’s rules to only allow FFLs to ship. I didn’t have time to look at the details, but it is definitely getting harder to ship firearms.

 

[acourvil]

Here it is, see section 3.7 https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/webcontent/en_US/terms_service_us.pdf#page=7

 

[DownhillFromHere]

There are many threads here on SH about shipping. Some people say use USPS (sure, go right ahead, and enter the lottery while you're at it). Some say lie about what you're shipping (and have a grand ol' time trying to collect insurance if something goes wrong). And it's common knowledge that UPS stores are franchises that won't touch firearms as their own policy, not UPS policy (those places are robbers anyway - ridiculously expensive for the "service" they provide).

Bottom line is, use the UPS web site to create a "shipment" (put whatever you want in the required description field), stick the shipping label on the box, and drop the package at a UPS DROP location - NOT A UPS STORE. Done. As long as YOUR unloaded and properly packaged firearm is going to an FFL holder, the shipment is legal. (Full disclosure: This is offered in good faith, but I am not a lawyer - you can read BATF regs for yourself to be sure.)

Edit: I just read section 3.7 of the UPS regs @acourvil cited above. Looks like what I said above is no longer an option.

Edit 2: UPS made the change, not BATFE.

 

[Jgault]

It is amazing how quickly this all occurred, I realize that the socialist have been gaining inches for a century but now they are gaining miles, I always wondered what it was like to be a Roman and one day realize Rome fell, and it’s a shitastic feeling.

 

[prebancolt]

When I ship a rifle, my local UPS requires a copy of the receiving FFL, has to physically see the rifle before taping up, and has to inspect the box to ensure no ammo is present with the firearm. Return address has to be present, and no identifying marking on the outside of the box.

 

[1588]

When I ship a rifle, my local UPS requires a copy of the receiving FFL, has to physically see the rifle before taping up, and has to inspect the box to ensure no ammo is present with the firearm. Return address has to be present, and no identifying marking on the outside of the box.

I haven't run into this in Illinois. The counter person needs to see the copy of the receiving FFL and goes with what I documented when I entered the information on the computer to print the shipping label.

Things may change though, the Democrats are on the prowl.

 

[RTH1800]

I was refused to ship a scope this week. And the clerk was a smart ass to boot.

 

[prebancolt]

And this was easy compared to the ammo I shipped the prior week......

I got to the UPS hub and was informed that I needed a hazardous item label to put on the box. So I asked for one. She laughed and said it wasn't her responsibility to prepare the boxes for shipment. Huh.... So where COULD I get one? Try calling different shipping centers or go to the local library to print one off.

I called a UPS 800 number. After spending a few minutes on the phone, I was told to draw one the approximate size directly on the box. When the teller heard that, I thought she was going to lose it, but she didn't argue with the person on the phone. Then she cut the box open to inspect...

Now, I wrapped multiple boxes of ammo in plastic, followed by tape, then cardboard cushioning, then more tape surrounded by paper, cardboard, and styrofoam. I was not going to have an accidental spillage.

She asked what the big brick was and told me she wanted to see the ammo.

I told her how it was wrapped and to go for it. After 10 seconds of deep thought, she replied that I guess we're ok since she DID look in the box. Pure craziness.

 

[littlesister]

And this was easy compared to the ammo I shipped the prior week......

I got to the UPS hub and was informed that I needed a hazardous item label to put on the box. So I asked for one. She laughed and said it wasn't her responsibility to prepare the boxes for shipment. Huh.... So where COULD I get one? Try calling different shipping centers or go to the local library to print one off.

I called a UPS 800 number. After spending a few minutes on the phone, I was told to draw one the approximate size directly on the box. When the teller heard that, I thought she was going to lose it, but she didn't argue with the person on the phone. Then she cut the box open to inspect...

Now, I wrapped multiple boxes of ammo in plastic, followed by tape, then cardboard cushioning, then more tape surrounded by paper, cardboard, and styrofoam. I was not going to have an accidental spillage.

She asked what the big brick was and told me she wanted to see the ammo.

I told her how it was wrapped and to go for it. After 10 seconds of deep thought, she replied that I guess we're ok since she DID look in the box. Pure craziness.

These shipping problems are interesting and also very concerning considering The idiots we have running this country and their attempts to eliminate our 2nd amendment rights. I have shipped several guns this year by Fed X and Ups no questions asked . Boxed them up, paid shipping and off they went. Came back to me the same way. I'm sure this could all change over night. Thats why we still say. "Save your Confederate money. The South will rise again"

 

[rick137]

Is it a UPS hub? If it’s not the hub they will more than likely tell you no way. I hate shipping a firearm anymor. My UPS here can be really stupid about it. But there is one guy that use to hassle me but now he knows me he’s not to bad.

And you have to have the FFL of the place it’s shipping to with UPS also

It was a UPS hub and not only were there copies of the sendee's FFL in the box I also had one in my hand.

 

[rick137]

There are many threads here on SH about shipping. Some people say use USPS (sure, go right ahead, and enter the lottery while you're at it). Some say lie about what you're shipping (and have a grand ol' time trying to collect insurance if something goes wrong). And it's common knowledge that UPS stores are franchises that won't touch firearms as their own policy, not UPS policy (those places are robbers anyway - ridiculously expensive for the "service" they provide).

Bottom line is, use the UPS web site to create a "shipment" (put whatever you want in the required description field), stick the shipping label on the box, and drop the package at a UPS DROP location - NOT A UPS STORE. Done. As long as YOUR unloaded and properly packaged firearm is going to an FFL holder, the shipment is legal. (Full disclosure: This is offered in good faith, but I am not a lawyer - you can read BATF regs for yourself to be sure.)

Edit: I just read section 3.7 of the UPS regs @acourvil cited above. Looks like what I said above is no longer an option.

Edit 2: UPS made the change, not BATFE.
View attachment 7947187

I was told at UPS that although this UPS change of protocol had been on the books since January the implementation started last Monday.

 

[rick137]

Another point. I was told by UPS their new policy applies not only to firearms but to firearm parts. Perhaps a scope is considered a firearm part.

 

[TCreedmoor]

Were you using ShipMyGun.com? That is the only way UPS will allow you to ship a firearm with them.

SMG is affiliated with Bud’s Guns. You fill out the shipping order at the SMG website and are basically shipping it under their contract with UPS. The package can only go to an FFL in SMG’s database.

I used SMG to ship handguns a couple times last year and it was way cheaper than other options.

You have to drop of the package at an actual UPS facility. Not a UPS store or 3rd party store front.

 

[prebancolt]

Were you using ShipMyGun.com? That is the only way UPS will allow you to ship a firearm with them.

SMG is affiliated with Bud’s Guns. You fill out the shipping order at the SMG website and are basically shipping it under their contract with UPS. The package can only go to an FFL in SMG’s database.

I used SMG to ship handguns a couple times last year and it was way cheaper than other options.

You have to drop of the package at an actual UPS facility. Not a UPS store or 3rd party store front.

Great information. I've never heard of this site. I'll check it out on my next shipment.

 

[rick137]

Were you using ShipMyGun.com? That is the only way UPS will allow you to ship a firearm with them.

SMG is affiliated with Bud’s Guns. You fill out the shipping order at the SMG website and are basically shipping it under their contract with UPS. The package can only go to an FFL in SMG’s database.

I used SMG to ship handguns a couple times last year and it was way cheaper than other options.

You have to drop of the package at an actual UPS facility. Not a UPS store o r 3rd party store front.

@TCreedmoor

Hopefully great intel. Started the process. Requested my gunsmith send copy of their FFL to ShipMyGun. Will update as events occur.

Many thanks, Rick

 

[parshal]

I've shipped for years via the local FedEx and went to ship the other day and was told I had to go to the main hub even though I have an FFL and was shipping to an FFL. They recently changed their policy. I've never been able to ship via the UPS Store. I was always told to go to the hub which is across town. I shipped via USPS without any questions at the counter. They didn't even check if I or the recipient had an FFL. I asked if I could've used my online USPS account, printed the label and simply dropped it off without talking to someone and was told yes, I could do that.

 

[1588]

I use a UPS shipping hub to ship rifles. The UPS Box Stores are contractors and won't ship anything firearm related in our area.

I have no doubt that UPS and FedEx are succumbing to political pressure.

 

[rick137]

The attached is the note I was given at UPS Customer Center yesterday. The phone number is the general UPS number, totally automated and totally
worthless.

 

[acourvil]

Anyone know what the required agreement is for FFLs to ship guns? Sounds like FFL03 is included, but I’m not sure what requires they have to enter into the agreement that allows you to ship firearms.

 

[TurboTrout]

Just shipped a trigger with no prob

But I have had issues shipping uppers with them, USPS will do it, fedex also seems to have no problem, brown is the new commie red

 

[TCreedmoor]

Just shipped a trigger with no prob

But I have had issues shipping uppers with them, USPS will do it, fedex also seems to have no problem, brown is the new commie red

An upper is not an FFL item since it does not have a serial number and is not classified as a firearm by the ATF. When they ask what the contents of the box are, just say, "machined parts" or "mechanical assembly". Telling them it's an AR-15 upper is just inviting problems.

 

[AZ Dan]

I work for a gunsmithing company...we receive firearms every day directly from customers, via FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Zero issues with any of them. We ship out daily via UPS and FedEx...zero issues with either regarding anything to do with firearms.

The new UPS policy only applies to parts associated with 80% firearms. DO NOT use any of THE UPS STORE locations or any 3rd party shipper to package up or ship out your firearm(s) or parts...then you are forced into the policies of THE UPS STORE and not UPS policies....THE USP STORE will not touch anything related to firearms. Also, don't tell them it's a gun...it's "machine parts". Print a label at home direct from the UPS website, then drop it off at your local UPS hub or pick up location. There is no reason to talk to anyone other than to say "I have a package for drop off."

 

[valsport]

Sounds like everyone is having completely different experiences. The UPS CCC in Dallas that I use ships handguns, long guns and ammo for me without an FFL copy for sender or receiver. Now, that could have changed this week and the only way I'll know is on the next shipment because you'll sure as shit get bs answers trying to call UPS to verify before you go.

 

[rick137]

ShipMyGun.com is easy to use but if my understanding is correct after receiving the shipping label you still have to take the boxed firearm with shipping label to an FFL holder, either a store or a person. If a store then most likely there will be a handling charge.

In short, you are using UPS to ship from your FFL to the recipients FFL. In my case the recipient FFL is a gunsmith.

Little extra cost, little extra hassle but at least can ship.

 

[AngryKoala]

FFLs are about to get an increase in transfer fees.

 

[Rob01]

ShipMyGun.com is easy to use but if my understanding is correct after receiving the shipping label you still have to take the boxed firearm with shipping label to an FFL holder, either a store or a person. If a store then most likely there will be a handling charge.

In short, you are using UPS to ship from your FFL to the recipients FFL. In my case the recipient FFL is a gunsmith.

Little extra cost, little extra hassle but at least can ship.

And you think that's fine? LOL

 

[rick137]

And you think that's fine? LOL

Compared to not having an optimally accurate fireman, of course. This is the USA and corporations control the show. This shipping hassle is entirely due to UPS and FedEx not the BATF.

 

[phlegethon]

ShipMyGun.com is easy to use but if my understanding is correct after receiving the shipping label you still have to take the boxed firearm with shipping label to an FFL holder, either a store or a person. If a store then most likely there will be a handling charge.

In short, you are using UPS to ship from your FFL to the recipients FFL. In my case the recipient FFL is a gunsmith.

Little extra cost, little extra hassle but at least can ship.

No, you could just take it to a UPS hub (not a UPS Store). But I don’t know if that’s still the process with the new policy, or even if that service will survive.

 

[TurboTrout]

I work for a gunsmithing company...we receive firearms every day directly from customers, via FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Zero issues with any of them. We ship out daily via UPS and FedEx...zero issues with either regarding anything to do with firearms.

The new UPS policy only applies to parts associated with 80% firearms. DO NOT use any of THE UPS STORE locations or any 3rd party shipper to package up or ship out your firearm(s) or parts...then you are forced into the policies of THE UPS STORE and not UPS policies....THE USP STORE will not touch anything related to firearms. Also, don't tell them it's a gun...it's "machine parts". Print a label at home direct from the UPS website, then drop it off at your local UPS hub or pick up location. There is no reason to talk to anyone other than to say "I have a package for drop off."

But a 80% isn’t a firearm, it’s a chunk of polymer or Ai, if it’s not being shipped from a company they are trying to cancel culture, I’d just say it’s personal effects, no law says I need to declare a chunk of polymer

Honestly that policy makes me not want to use UPS

 

[GIXXER2000]

I only ship machined parts

 

[AngryKoala]

But a 80% isn’t a firearm, it’s a chunk of polymer or Ai, if it’s not being shipped from a company they are trying to cancel culture, I’d just say it’s personal effects, no law says I need to declare a chunk of polymer

Honestly that policy makes me not want to use UPS

Ai????

 

[Rob01]

Probably aluminum.

 

[AngryKoala]

Probably aluminum.

Needs to be Al (L).

 

[Rob01]

Probably a mistake in typing. It happens.

 

[TurboTrout]

Ai????

*Al

 

[AngryKoala]

*Al

Thank you,

My faggotry is done now.

 

[rick137]

To reiterate I went where UPS said to go, which was called a UPS Customer Center. It was not a UPS Store! Perhaps UPS changed name of Hubs to Customer Centers as a joke.

I was told at said UPS Customer Center they would not ship "machine parts" if they were machine parts from a firearm. Finally I was told it is a Federal Offence to misrepresent a firearm or firearm parts being shipped.

 

[TCreedmoor]

To reiterate I went where UPS said to go, which was called a UPS Customer Center. It was not a UPS Store! Perhaps UPS changed name of Hubs to Customer Centers as a joke.

I was told at said UPS Customer Center they would not ship "machine parts" if they were machine parts from a firearm. Finally I was told it is a Federal Offence to lie misrepresent a firearm or firearm parts being shipped.

You're missing the point of ShipMyGun.com. By completing the SMG online form and purchasing the shipping label, you are now essentially acting as an agent of Buds Gun Shop, a licensed FFL who is in full compliance with federal laws. You drop the package off at a UPS Customer Center. When SMG emails you the shipping label link, you also receive two letters:

1. Instructions on what you need to do. (I've redacted the letter and listed it at the bottom of this post)
2. A letter from the UPS Senior Account Executive that should be handed to the UPS Customer Center staff IF they have an issue accepting the package. It includes the account executive's mobile number with instructions for you to call them (if there is an issue) while you are still at the Customer Center. My recommendation is to print the letter and keep it in your pocket until there is a problem.

SMG is for shipping something that the ATF defines as a firearm. While a 'firearm' is clearly defined in the law, the ATF seems to have different opinions that change with the tide. Many of their opinions (interpretations) are in the process of legal challenges through the court system.

As for firearm parts, there was anti-2A pressure put on UPS/FedEx about shipping 80% kits. As a result, the big shipping companies stopped doing business with some of the big online gun stores. If you have something to ship that is not defined by the ATF as a firearm, then box it up and drop it off at any UPS store, post office or FedEx facility. There is no need to have any discussion with the clerk about the contents of the box. Should someone ask about the contents, and you are incapable of saying 'tools', 'machined parts' or some other generic response, the I recommend you never play poker.

For the record, I am not a lawyer and nothing I ever post on this site should be construed as legal advice.



Text from the SMG instructions that came along with the label I purchased:

Thank you for choosing ShipMyGun for your firearm shipping needs. Attached you will find a copy of the label you requested. Please also​

make sure to include a photocopy of your Drivers License and please make sure you include the information of who the firearm is for in the box as well. Additionally, please make sure that the box you use for shipping is a clean box, free from any stickers or old labels. It is my goal to​

ensure that this process is as easy as possible for you, so do not hesitate to let me know if I can assist you with anything else.​

​

Again, thank you so much for choosing ShipMyGun. We greatly appreciate it and look forward to assisting you with your future firearm shipping needs.​

​

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE ARE NOW SHIPPING VIA UPS. YOU WILL NEED TO DROP YOUR PACKAGE OFF AT A STAFFED UPS HUB CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER. TO FIND THE CLOSEST LOCATION PLEASE VISIT UPS.COM.​

​

DO NOT TAKE SHIPMENTS TO UPS STORES OR OTHER THIRD PARTY SHIPPERS, THEY ARE LOCALLY OWNED AND ARE NOT PERMITTED TO SHIP FIREARMS.​

​

SHOULD THERE BE ANY ISSUE REGARDING THE SHIPPING OF A HANDGUN VIA 2 DAY DELIVERY PLEASE PRESENT TO THE UPS REP THE ATTACHED LETTER EXPLAINING OUR EXEMPT STATUS.​

​

If UPS refuses to ship your firearm using our label, please call xxxxxxx (UPS Senior Account Executive) at: 502-xxx-xxxx, while you are​

still at UPS.​

​

Thank you,​

ShipMyGun Support​

 

[Son of Dorn]

Will a Curio & Relic license count if you're shipping your AR?

 

[Jefe's Dope]

I was told at said UPS Customer Center they would not ship "machine parts" if they were machine parts from a firearm. Finally I was told it is a Federal Offence to lie misrepresent a firearm or firearm parts being shipped.

Firearm, yes. Firearm parts, no.

And they're on to "machined parts". Stop using that term. I'm sure we can be a bit more creative when describing the contents of a box to be shipped. i.e. use telescope instead of rifle scope or scope. "metal tubing" instead of "rifle barrel". Less is more in this situation.

 

[acourvil]

Will a Curio & Relic license count if you're shipping your AR?

The UPS terms include licensed collectors, so it should. But it also says you must have an agreement in place with UPS, and at this point I do not know how to get that agreement or what the requirements are.

 

[Son of Dorn]

The UPS terms include licensed collectors, so it should. But it also says you must have an agreement in place with UPS, and at this point I do not know how to get that agreement or what the requirements are.

https://armedamericannews.org/copy-of-ups-shipping-agreement-for-gun-dealers/ found the agreement.

 

[Rascalin78]

Hello ... Newbie Here,

I have sold a few guns on a online auction site and used ShipMyGun as has already been discussed here to ship the firearms to the new owners chosen FFL Dealer.

When I sell a firearm I always put in the online ad that the buyer pays actual shipping and insurance and that I use ShipMyGun if they want to save a bundle on shipping charges. You can insure the firearm with ShipMyGun also.

Here's what I do if it helps:
1) I go into ShipMyGun.com and start a label to the area of where the gun is going. You will choose rifle or handgun and how much insurance you want.
2) As you proceed through the process you will choose a FFL Dealer in the area of your choice. Some of the choices will be "Preferred Dealers" and some will not be. All any FFL Dealer has to do to become "preferred" is email them a signed copy of their FFL just once and they are in from thereafter.
3) I get through to the end and see how much it is going to cost and I copy it and send it as a quote to the buyer and then update the totals. I then back out of the ShipMyGun process without actually buying the label at that time and wait on payment from the buyer. Once payment is received I go back in and purchase the label. ShipMyGun will soon email you the label, you can print it and attach it to the secured firearm and drop it off at an actual UPS Hub ... not a store.

*Tip: When you walk into the UPS Hub with a package bearing a label from ShipMyGun I don't say anything unless they ask I just hand them the package. You are legit and lawful in the transaction. At the most they will usually just scan the label and look in their system to see that it's paid for and tell you it's good to go. When ShipMyGun emails you the label there will be other papers in with it that I print off also and take in case you would have a new UPS agent that is not aware that they have a contract with ShipMyGun. The additional paperwork will help the agent quickly clear it up with a phone call.

Anyone sending a rifle by regular UPS knows the outrageous costs and ShipMyGun will save you a pile of money. I'm estimating it costs you about a 1/4th of what it would normally cost you with just a few more steps.

 

[Glassaholic]

Absolutely political pressure on businesses. They want to make it as difficult as possible, forcing shipping agencies to no longer allow private shipment of firearms is just another way they can make it difficult.

Received this from guntab.com this morning:

Now only FFLs are allowed to ship handguns​

UPS will no longer accept firearms for shipment except from FFLs. This matches FedEx, which already introduced the same policy. Now ordinary people can only ship long guns through USPS, and can't ship handguns at all.

This change puts handguns – the most common type of gun in the United States – on the same footing as machine guns. Now both types can only be shipped by an FFL.

Apparently this UPS policy change was motivated by a threatening letter from some Senators. But their letter was based on a false premise. They said only FFLs are allowed to ship guns over state lines. That’s completely wrong, but it seems UPS went along with it anyway.

If you’re an FFL, expect more people coming to you for shipping handguns. If you’re not an FFL, be prepared to pay an outbound transfer fee to a local FFL if you want to ship a handgun.

P.S. GunTab’s shipping guidance has already been updated. As always, GunTab will help guide you and the people you’re doing business with.

 

[Rob01]

Selling a pistol now and going to give shipmygun.com a try. I called them a couple hours ago and seems like a pretty simple process. We shall see.

 

[Glassaholic]

Hello ... Newbie Here,

I have sold a few guns on a online auction site and used ShipMyGun as has already been discussed here to ship the firearms to the new owners chosen FFL Dealer.

When I sell a firearm I always put in the online ad that the buyer pays actual shipping and insurance and that I use ShipMyGun if they want to save a bundle on shipping charges. You can insure the firearm with ShipMyGun also.

Here's what I do if it helps:
1) I go into ShipMyGun.com and start a label to the area of where the gun is going. You will choose rifle or handgun and how much insurance you want.
2) As you proceed through the process you will choose a FFL Dealer in the area of your choice. Some of the choices will be "Preferred Dealers" and some will not be. All any FFL Dealer has to do to become "preferred" is email them a signed copy of their FFL just once and they are in from thereafter.
3) I get through to the end and see how much it is going to cost and I copy it and send it as a quote to the buyer and then update the totals. I then back out of the ShipMyGun process without actually buying the label at that time and wait on payment from the buyer. Once payment is received I go back in and purchase the label. ShipMyGun will soon email you the label, you can print it and attach it to the secured firearm and drop it off at an actual UPS Hub ... not a store.

*Tip: When you walk into the UPS Hub with a package bearing a label from ShipMyGun I don't say anything unless they ask I just hand them the package. You are legit and lawful in the transaction. At the most they will usually just scan the label and look in their system to see that it's paid for and tell you it's good to go. When ShipMyGun emails you the label there will be other papers in with it that I print off also and take in case you would have a new UPS agent that is not aware that they have a contract with ShipMyGun. The additional paperwork will help the agent quickly clear it up with a phone call.

Anyone sending a rifle by regular UPS knows the outrageous costs and ShipMyGun will save you a pile of money. I'm estimating it costs you about a 1/4th of what it would normally cost you with just a few more steps.

Before this new rule from UPS, I would simply go into my account at ups.com and fill out to have a package delivered with insurance to the recipient FFL. I would then request for a pickup at my house and the next day my UPS driver would stop by and knock on the door, I would hand him the package along with the insurance paperwork (anything insured over $1000 required a Hub or Driver signature) and off it would go.

I am curious, with shipmygun.com do you have the same option, can you hand the package to a UPS driver with paperwork or do you have to go to the hub. I ask because my hub is not nearby and quite a hassle to get to so would prefer to avoid that.