shipping costs
- Thread starter stmry
- Start date
mindustrial
Single-Sixer
Fed-Ex... 60 miles down the road was $35, 300 miles down the road $43, from Wash St. to Ohio $90....(that was a few years ago)
UPS will only ship for FFL license holders (that was the rule for handguns), FedEx will ship for anybody to an FFL. Just hope for a knowledgeable counter person to be there.
UPS will only ship for FFL license holders (that was the rule for handguns), FedEx will ship for anybody to an FFL. Just hope for a knowledgeable counter person to be there.
A
Anonymous
If you have a FFL, you can ship handguns interstate through the USPS.
It costs about $25 to ship a $500 handgun 800 miles.
It costs about $25 to ship a $500 handgun 800 miles.
mindustrial":2ge1s4vf said:
From my recent experience, this is currently not the "rule".
I am NOT an FFL holder, I have used UPS for 7+ shipment of handguns in the past two years. I declare it as a handgun, I present it for inspection, then package it, then i pay an arm and leg to ship it next day, signature required and insurance.
Now, as stated, USPS will NOT accept handguns from a non-FFL holder.
~c.r.
Blackmore
Blackhawk
Depending on the transfer cost, you are often money ahead to send a handgun FFL -> FFL; particularly if after the transfer fee he just charges you the actual postage and insurance. Most cased handguns fit in a medium Flat Rate box ($10.70 to anywhere) with insurance at $4.70/$300 + $1.00/$100 after that.
The last gun I shipped through UPS was about two years ago, and it cost me $52. I've now found a dealer who has shipped several guns for me, through the USPS, and has never cost more that $25, and that included packing, and insurance. If you can find a local dealer who will ship for you, you're money ahead.
EarlFH
EarlFH
CraigC
Hawkeye
Expect between $40 and $50.
Interestingly and proven with a letter from the ATF, when a non-licensee is shipping to a licensee you are not actually required by law to declare the package to contain a firearm. So if you ship a handgun UPS Ground to an FFL, you are only in violation of UPS policy, not federal law as once believed. The FFL is required to declare the contents when return shipping though, oddly enough.
Interestingly and proven with a letter from the ATF, when a non-licensee is shipping to a licensee you are not actually required by law to declare the package to contain a firearm. So if you ship a handgun UPS Ground to an FFL, you are only in violation of UPS policy, not federal law as once believed. The FFL is required to declare the contents when return shipping though, oddly enough.
I have a good, long time friend who happens to be a fine S&W gunsmith. I haven't been sending him as much stuff since the express companies started this priority/overnight business but I reached critical mass a few weeks ago. I have three N-frames that need his attention so I checked with him and FedEx about shipping multiple guns in one box. When everyone said it was a good idea I packed them up and sent them on their way. They got to him yesterday.
If sent individually at $60 each (Priority Over Night) it would have cost $180. By bundling them together it cost $105. Still too expensive in my mind but I saved $75 and I'm going to get my guns fixed.
Dave
If sent individually at $60 each (Priority Over Night) it would have cost $180. By bundling them together it cost $105. Still too expensive in my mind but I saved $75 and I'm going to get my guns fixed.
Dave
stmry":221tkvpt said:
My FFL uses the US Postal Service. He charges me their actual rate plus a $15.00 for for this trouble. He sent a revolver to MA. for me and IIRC, it was in the $15.00 range plus his fee.
$15.00 for the FFL is a bargain considering he had to log the transfer, physically drive to the post office with the package, etc.
mattsbox99
Hunter
My local FFL charges $20 for the transfer, then actual shipping - USPS is about $20-$25 depending on how much insurance I need.
I live way out in the sticks, heck, its 900 miles across the state! And UPS/FedEx know it too, overnight priority is a minimum of $75 out here.
CraigC is right though, its not a crime not to tell UPS/Fedex its a firearm, but you risk them banning you from future shipments, they can't lawfully confiscate it.
I live way out in the sticks, heck, its 900 miles across the state! And UPS/FedEx know it too, overnight priority is a minimum of $75 out here.
CraigC is right though, its not a crime not to tell UPS/Fedex its a firearm, but you risk them banning you from future shipments, they can't lawfully confiscate it.
Flash
Buckeye
My dealer charges $20 for handguns and $30 for long guns via USPS. This includes insurance.
I USPS Click and Ship,
Medium Flat Rate Box $10.20 works most of the time.
Insurance $4.70/300, 5.70/400, 6.70/500 more than $500 you cannot click and ship and have to purchase the insurance at the counter.
I show up at my pusher, w/ gun, ffl, box, lable, tape and packing. He logs it in/out, I pack the gun up, close the box, stick on the lable and he drops it at the PO on his way to work the next day. slick and easy.
I give him a $20 handshake, he's happy, I'm happy.
Note; When I use Click & Ship I use his address in the return address line, so the lable is 100% correct no questions asked.
I use the figure ~ $35 in my head give or take a buck or two.
Medium Flat Rate Box $10.20 works most of the time.
Insurance $4.70/300, 5.70/400, 6.70/500 more than $500 you cannot click and ship and have to purchase the insurance at the counter.
I show up at my pusher, w/ gun, ffl, box, lable, tape and packing. He logs it in/out, I pack the gun up, close the box, stick on the lable and he drops it at the PO on his way to work the next day. slick and easy.
I give him a $20 handshake, he's happy, I'm happy.
Note; When I use Click & Ship I use his address in the return address line, so the lable is 100% correct no questions asked.
I use the figure ~ $35 in my head give or take a buck or two.
A
Anonymous
When a FFL ships via USPS to another FFL or to a manufacturer, he also must ship it registered mail. The value of the gun determines the amount of insurance cost.
There is also a form called form 1508 that he has to provide to the clerk at the post office that certifies that the recipient of the package is also a FFL holder or someone in the firearms business.
The first time I did it this way, I took both my license and the copy of the other guys license with me but the clerk said that that was not necessary. That was MY PO clerk....yours might be different.
If you don't dot the "I"s and cross the "T"s and the package gets lost and you need to collect on the insurance, you will have to tell them what was in the package. At that point those "I"s and "T"s get important.
There is also a form called form 1508 that he has to provide to the clerk at the post office that certifies that the recipient of the package is also a FFL holder or someone in the firearms business.
The first time I did it this way, I took both my license and the copy of the other guys license with me but the clerk said that that was not necessary. That was MY PO clerk....yours might be different.
If you don't dot the "I"s and cross the "T"s and the package gets lost and you need to collect on the insurance, you will have to tell them what was in the package. At that point those "I"s and "T"s get important.
Sgt Garcia
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2004
- Messages
- 404
RedHawk44":q18kb9yy said:
Not true, as is much of what one reads about shipping guns. Although registered mail is the most secure way to ship and is usually recommended by the USPS for firearms, it’s not required. Most dealers I’ve had shipping experience with use insured priority mail for handguns, many times the flat rate boxes work.
Dennis.
A
Anonymous
It is not quite that simple either.
Now in the case of handguns, they are as a rule unmailable, but there are exceptions that include FFL to FFL or FFL to manufacturer and a form 1508 is required to do so.
If you do not comply with these regulations, then not only will you be in violation of the law, but whatever insurance you paid for will be worthless too.
Go to the web site of the USPS and search for form 1508.
Now in the case of handguns, they are as a rule unmailable, but there are exceptions that include FFL to FFL or FFL to manufacturer and a form 1508 is required to do so.
If you do not comply with these regulations, then not only will you be in violation of the law, but whatever insurance you paid for will be worthless too.
Go to the web site of the USPS and search for form 1508.
Form 1508 is a tough one for a FFL Dealer to fill out :roll: , and only once a year, not per shipment.
http://www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps1508.pdf
Also note that when Click & Ship is used it includes Delivery Confirmation, No extra charge.
http://www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps1508.pdf
Also note that when Click & Ship is used it includes Delivery Confirmation, No extra charge.
A
Anonymous
G2":3ndj7nfs said:
I do not see where it says that the 1508 is an annual requirement. As I read the regulation, it appears to be for each shipment.
Form 1508 is a "Statement", Statement of Shipper of Firearms
On the form just under the "Statement of Shipper of Firearms" Domestic Mail Manual C024, retain form for 1 year.
Therefor the understanding is that a Shipper of Firearms must file with the PO a "Statement" (form 1508) and that this form/statement is to be retained for 1 year.
Now would the FFL need to file one again next year?
I have personally talked w/ a couple of Post Masters about the form 1508 and they do file it, some in the cabinet and some in the round.
IMO; If one reads what the ffl/dealer is making a Statement about on form 1508, one would know if they are presenting parcels that are customary trade shipments addressed to bona fide recipients, ie; ffl to ffl.
**Info from the USPS below, fyi**
1.5Manufacturers and Dealers
Handguns may also be mailed between licensed manufacturers of firearms and licensed dealers of firearms in customary trade shipments, or for repairing or replacing parts.
1.6Certificate of Manufacturers and Dealers
A licensed manufacturer or dealer need not file the affidavit under 1.4, but must file with the postmaster a statement on Form 1508 signed by the mailer that he or she is a licensed manufacturer or dealer of firearms, that the parcels containing handguns (or major component parts thereof) are customary trade shipments or contain such articles for repairing or replacing parts, and that to the best of his or her knowledge or belief the addressees are licensed manufacturers or dealers of firearms.
On the form just under the "Statement of Shipper of Firearms" Domestic Mail Manual C024, retain form for 1 year.
Therefor the understanding is that a Shipper of Firearms must file with the PO a "Statement" (form 1508) and that this form/statement is to be retained for 1 year.
Now would the FFL need to file one again next year?
I have personally talked w/ a couple of Post Masters about the form 1508 and they do file it, some in the cabinet and some in the round.
IMO; If one reads what the ffl/dealer is making a Statement about on form 1508, one would know if they are presenting parcels that are customary trade shipments addressed to bona fide recipients, ie; ffl to ffl.
**Info from the USPS below, fyi**
1.5Manufacturers and Dealers
Handguns may also be mailed between licensed manufacturers of firearms and licensed dealers of firearms in customary trade shipments, or for repairing or replacing parts.
1.6Certificate of Manufacturers and Dealers
A licensed manufacturer or dealer need not file the affidavit under 1.4, but must file with the postmaster a statement on Form 1508 signed by the mailer that he or she is a licensed manufacturer or dealer of firearms, that the parcels containing handguns (or major component parts thereof) are customary trade shipments or contain such articles for repairing or replacing parts, and that to the best of his or her knowledge or belief the addressees are licensed manufacturers or dealers of firearms.
USPS Insurance and a form 1508 will have nothing to do with one another.
Should a package become lost/damaged the claim will be paid.
Thousands of guns are shipped ffl/ffl daily using the USPS/Priority flatrate boxes and one never/rarely hears of a problem/s.
imo :wink:
Should a package become lost/damaged the claim will be paid.
Thousands of guns are shipped ffl/ffl daily using the USPS/Priority flatrate boxes and one never/rarely hears of a problem/s.
imo :wink:
A
Anonymous
G2":2cth25tq said:
If you are inferring that the filing of form 1508 is an annual thing, it is unclear how an FFL could fillout the form in such a way as to cover all future shipments, given that the addressee must be listed on the form and the form to be dated.
How would he know when and to whom his shipments would be to for the comming year?
The form is supposed to be filed with each shipment.
Yep, Form 1508 is required for each shipment. You have to put the name and address of the FFL you are shipping to on each form and date it. The PO is supposed to maintain the copy on file for one year. When shipping I also carry a duplicate copy for them to stamp and sign for my records just in case a question should ever arise.....not really sure my PO maintains a file.
FT44
FT44
FT44 that makes perfect sense, and I guess that's crossing T's and dottin I's. The way it should be done.
Interesting how the PO personal don't really have a clue about 1508.
I'm not a ffl.
My records; I show the transfer to my ffl, all on the up-n-up, and the reason I allways make sure he gets the $20 handshake.
What ever his arrangement is w/ the PO is his business not mine.
Bottom line; ~$35 +/- to ship a hand gun, for a non ffl to use a ffl & USPS for the transfer.
Good discussion here, thanks guys. over-and-out
Interesting how the PO personal don't really have a clue about 1508.
I'm not a ffl.
My records; I show the transfer to my ffl, all on the up-n-up, and the reason I allways make sure he gets the $20 handshake.
What ever his arrangement is w/ the PO is his business not mine.
Bottom line; ~$35 +/- to ship a hand gun, for a non ffl to use a ffl & USPS for the transfer.
Good discussion here, thanks guys. over-and-out
ndcowboy
Blackhawk
WMB30":bgil9eio said:
Depends who was on the receiving end. If he sent it to a FFL, then there is no problem whatsoever.
louiethelump
Buckeye
The UPS parts that were really the firearm were the illegal shipment. ATF says you MUST declare the firearm (the ser numbered part at the common carrier) when shipping it. To fail to tell UPS that it is a firearm puts you in violation of ATF rule to declare it. When you delare it to UPS they make you use overnight, by their policy. SO, you violated UPS AND ATF rules when you ship your ser numbered frame as a part. A lot of it goes on, but a lot of them are shipped by individuals by mail too. It is neat to save a few bucks to ship it illegally, but getting caught is the gamble you are taking by being cute, and you gambling your shooting and future gun owning rights as you will be a felon if and when a shipment goes bad, or a box is torn open by mistake and you get caught. Not worth it to me. But you all do as you please.............. Telling people how to get around the shipping rules here is not a good idea liability wise. Remember all ATF violations are felonies, so when ATF says you "must" declare the firearm to the shipper, and you don't do that, you just became a felon. Maybe an undetected one; but a felon all the same, and then on the next gun you buy after doing that, and you fill out the 4473 saying you are not a felon, you just did another one. Don't think they will not run those down, and charge you for every gun you bought after the illegal shipment you made when you failed to delare that gun, because they will do exactly that. They may not stick, but those charges will have to be defended, and with our current administration, do not look for leniency.
Best to stay legal and pay the fees in my book. But that is just me. I spend 28 years as a police officer trying my best to go by the rules to run into problems at this late date over saving 25 dollars on a hobby.
Best to stay legal and pay the fees in my book. But that is just me. I spend 28 years as a police officer trying my best to go by the rules to run into problems at this late date over saving 25 dollars on a hobby.
