Shipping Info

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DO NOT RELY ON THIS ARTICLE AS YOUR SOLE AUTHORITY TO SHIP FIREARMS OR SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION. CHECK WITH ALL PARTIES CONCERNED PRIOR TO SHIPMENT.


This is not all inclusive, I did not try to make it all inclusive. What I did try to do is to help people understand the shipping of firearms and generally what can and can't be done. If you want to copy and print this feel free to do so, it might make it a bit easier to read and refer to.

If you see something that you feel is not right, or has changed due to a change in the laws (and you can cite the change), PM me and I'll make the changes.

People sometimes ask about shipping guns and ammo. Here is some information that may help in the future. This is geared to Non-FFLs, I would hope that FFLs know the laws. I purposely did not say anything about shipping firearms due to bequests and inheritances, these are a whole other matter.

SHIPPING GUNS

Intrastate Long Arms (Rifles, Shotguns): By federal law, a non FFL can ship a long arm to an eligible person (an eligible person is one who is not prohibited from owning/possessing firearms) or a FFL within the state via common carrier (UPS, etc.) or USPS.

Intrastate Handguns: By federal law, a non-FFL can ship a handgun to an eligible person within the state using a common carrier. If your state does not allow this then the handgun must be shipped to the eligible persons FFL via common carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.). If the receiving FFL WILL NOT accept a gun from a non-FFL, then the shipper will need to have a FFL ship it for them. A non-FFL CANNOT use USPS to ship a handgun. A FFL CAN use the USPS to ship a handgun.

NOTE: Check your states firearms laws to insure that you can legally ship any firearm(s) to another resident of your state. Some states have laws that will not allow this. However, a non FFL cannot use the USPS to ship handguns intrastate no matter what state they live in.

Interstate Long Arms: A non-FFL CANNOT ship a long arm directly to an eligible person in a different state. A non-FFL CAN ship a long arm to an eligible persons FFL in any state via common carrier (UPS, etc.) or USPS. If the receiving FFL WILL NOT accept a gun from a non-FFL, then the shipper will need to have a FFL in their state ship it for them.

Interstate Handguns: A non-FFL CANNOT ship a handgun directly to an eligible person in a different state. A non-FFL CAN ship a handgun to an eligible persons FFL in any state via common carrier (UPS, etc.). If the receiving FFL WILL NOT accept a handgun from a non-FFL, then the shipper will need to have a FFL from their state ship it for them. A non-FFL CANNOT use USPS to ship a handgun. A FFL CAN use the USPS to ship handguns.

NOTE: Some states have prohibitions on certain types of firearms, Although there is no law currently that says the shipper is required to make certain/determine that the firearm being shipping is legal in the receiving state, it may make transactions easier in the long run if the shipper knows this information. Do not take the word of the person in that state that the firearm is legal, they may not actually know. Typically the DOJ or State Police of the state that the firearm is being shipped to will have the most up to date information.

Ship to self: A non-FFL CAN ship a firearm to themselves (in care of another person) to a different state as long as it is for hunting or other legal activity and is legal in that state. The package can only be opened by the sender.

SHIPPING GUNS FOR REPAIRS/CUSTOMIZATION, ETC.

Intrastate/Interstate: A customer wanting their firearms to be repaired, customized, etc. can ship them the following ways.
Long Arms; USPS, UPS or any commercial carrier who will accept the item.
Handguns; UPS or any commercial carrier who will accept the item.

A firearm owner can also utilize a FFL to do their shipment. In this case, the firearm will probably be returned to the FFL who sent it, not to the owner. No background check is required when the repaired/customized firearm is given back to the original owner, unless your state requires it.

After the repair/customization, etc., the FFL (gunsmith/manufacturer, etc.) can return the gun directly to the owner as no change of ownership occurred. Be aware that some gunsmiths may want everything done through a FFL (shipping and return). That is their prerogative.

ABOUT SHIPPING WITH USPS: As long as it is a long arm USPS will send it. You do NOT need to fill out a USPS Form 1508. This form is only be used by manufacturers or dealers of firearms. If a USPS employee tells you that you can't (ship a long arm) they are wrong. They need to read their own regulations. If they argue, ask for the Postmaster. If the Postmaster tells you that you can't, go on line and print out the appropriate section and show them. If they still won't then write to the Postmaster General.
http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

Here is some info from the BATFE pertaining to shipping firearms:

May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier?

A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]

May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service?

A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another State. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. The Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]

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 "in the care of" the out–of–State resident. Upon reaching its destination, persons other than the owner may not open the package or take possession of the firearm.


SHIPPING LOADED AMMUNITION in the United States:

The first rule is that loaded ammunition can't be shipped through the US MAIL. The United States Postal Service will not allow shipment of loaded ammunition. Inert ammunition and components may be sent through the mail, but should be clearly marked as inert on a small note included inside the package to prevent a misunderstanding.

USPS Reg about explosives (which ammunition is considered by USPS definition)
http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_018.htm

341.21 Nonmailable Explosives
Nonmailable explosives found in the mailstream must be immediately reported in accordance with POM 139.117.
Nonmailable explosives include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Common Fireworks. Fireworks are classified as Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4 explosives depending on the degree of hazard. Fireworks include roman candles, skyrockets, helicopter–type rockets, cylindrical and cone fountains, pyrotechnic wheels, illuminating torches, firecrackers, salutes, and combinations of items that are designed to produce any of the aforementioned types of effects. All types of fireworks are prohibited from mailing.
b. Fuses. Fuses are classified as Division 1.3 or 1.4 explosives depending on the degree of hazard. All types of fuses (except safety fuses as permitted under 341.22) are prohibited from mailing.
c. Small Arms Ammunition. Ammunition is classified as a Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4 explosive, depending on the degree of hazard. Ammunition that is regulated as a Class 1 explosive and designed to be fired from a pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun, as well as associated primers and blank cartridges (including those designed for tools) and propellant powder for use in any firearm, is prohibited from mailing.

Both the United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (FedEx) will provide ground shipment of loaded small arms ammunition up through .50 caliber. For packages up to 20 pounds, the ammunition must be packed in boxes with at least a 200 pound bursting strength and be marked on the outside:

ORM-D
Small Arms Ammunition


Material marked ORM-D and shipped by surface transportation do not require hazardous shipping papers, simply an ORM-D Consumer Commodity marking on the box. This marking can either be in the form of a ORM-D sticker, or written by hand. If written by hand the letters "ORM-D" must be enclosed by a rectangle.

SEE FEB 2, 2021 UPDATE BELOW!

Both UPS and FedEx Ground do not require a hazardous shipping contract to ship ORM-D packages.
However, you should always check with the companies' hazardous materials information hotlines before you ship.

The transportation of small arms ammunition is regulated by the Federal government in 49CFR173.63. This regulation also defines packaging requirements. To determine the specific hazardous material code for ammunition (UN code) other than that which 49CFR173.63 authorized to be shipped as ORM-D, contact the Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Hotline (800) 467-4922.


The ATF also regulates the interstate transportation of small arms ammunition. A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is not required to either ship or receive small arms ammunition shipped interstate in the US. Basically the ATF, in 27CFR178, prohibits the shipment of armor piercing ammunition and prohibits the shipment of any ammunition to a person known to:
• Be under 21 years of age
• Live in a state where the shipment is prohibited
• Be under indictment for, or, has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year
• Be a fugitive from justice
• Be an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
• Have been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution
• Be an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States

If you do not know the person you are shipping the ammunition to, you may want to have the person sign a statement certifying that they meet the requirements listed above.


DO NOT RELY ON THIS ARTICLE AS YOUR SOLE AUTHORITY TO SHIP FIREARMS OR SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION. CHECK WITH ALL PARTIES CONCERNED PRIOR TO SHIPMENT.


SEE SEP 9, 2021 UPDATE BELOW REGARDING FEDEX
 
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
4,415
Location
Lemont, PA, USA 16851
I look it over periodically to see if I need to make any changes. So far, none are required - BUT in need to do some looking because I have heard that UPS and FedEX might be changing how people can ship small arms ammo (packaging, labeling, etc.)

Once I do my research I'll post any needed updates/changes
 
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
4,415
Location
Lemont, PA, USA 16851
To ship loaded ammo, the signage has changed. You don't use the ORM-D stickers anymore, you use these:

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The most used are either 4" or 2"

You place them on any opposite sides of the package in a diamond fashion with the black parts at the top and bottom.
 
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
4,415
Location
Lemont, PA, USA 16851
MAJOR CHANGE TO SHIPPING:

Down and dirty version: You now must be an FFL to ship firearms via FedEx.

https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/Service_Guide_2021.pdf

Page 126 of above document:

Firearms
Only customers holding a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and federal, state, or local
government agencies may ship firearms with FedEx. Customers holding an FFL must enter
into an approved FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Agreement before shipping any
firearms with FedEx. For more information, contact your FedEx account executive.
On behalf of customers holding an FFL who enter into an approved FedEx Firearms
Shipping Compliance Agreement and federal, state, or local government agencies, FedEx
Express will transport and deliver firearms, antique firearms, and replica firearms, all as
defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, as well as muzzleloaders and black
powder firearms (collectively *firearms*). Shipments containing firearms must be sent with
the Adult Signature Required Delivery Signature Option.

FedEx Express will transport ammunition when packed and labeled in compliance
with local, state and federal law, and the Dangerous Goods section of this Service Guide.
Ammunition is an explosive and must be shipped separately as dangerous goods. You
agree not to ship loaded firearms or firearms with ammunition in the same package.

Same for FedEx Ground
 
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