- Choose your box. Consider visiting gun stores to find used boxes. ...
- Pack the box well. Use bubble wrap or other high-quality padding. Contact the carrier you plan to use.
- Ditch the ammo. Ship it separately. Federal law prohibits the shipping of ammunition with firearms. ...
- Don’t label the package. Avoid writing "Firearm" or other references to the specific contents of the package.
- Include your details. Insert a photocopy of your state-issued photo ID into the package if you are shipping to an FFL holder.
- Bring your package to the carrier. Take your box directly to a staffed post office or commercial carrier.
- Register your shipment. Ask for delivery confirmation. This will ensure that your package reached its destination.
- Disclose the contents verbally. Tell the carrier that the package you’re asking them to deliver contains a firearm.
Full Answer
What are the rules for shipping firearms?
Other rules:
- You must inform the carrier the package contains a firearm.
- The firearm cannot be shipped loaded.
- Ammunition may not be shipped in the same box as the firearm.
How to properly pack firearms for shipment?
Steps for how to ship firearms
- Remove all ammunition. Firearms cannot be shipped with ammunition, remove all ammo before packing the firearm. ...
- Secure firearm in a case. Pack the firearm in a sturdy outer box or hard case with adequate cushioning, there should not be any movement heard inside when the ...
- Pack and ship at a FedEx Office location. ...
Can I ship ammo with a firearm?
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock ...
How do you ship a firearm?
- Remove all ammunition. ...
- Disassemble all long guns. ...
- Package the firearm in a secure, solid box so there’s no shifting of any kind when the package is moved. ...
- Only prepackaged, labeled firearms can be shipped. ...
- When properly packaged and labeled, firearms can be shipped by an FFL holder at the FedEx office or by scheduling a pickup.
Can gun parts be mailed USPS?
Parts of handguns are mailable, except for handgun frames, receivers or other parts or components regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U.S.C. Mailers are also subject to applicable restrictions by governments of a state, territory, or district.
How does ship my gun work?
Shipping your gun through ShipMyGun.com is quick and easy! We send you a prepaid label and even a shipping box in some cases, and provide you all the information on where to drop off your package—all for one low price. We ship thousands of guns a year, so we can offer the best possible rates on firearm shipments!
How do I figure out shipping costs?
Just weigh the package and use a shipping cost calculator to get a shipping price. If the parcel is small but heavy, get a shipping cost based on dimensional volume which might be cheaper. Remember that when calculating postage by weight, use the total weight of the package and not the weight of the product itself.
How to package a firearm?
The best way to package your firearm is to wrap it completely in bubble wrap or some other suitable packaging material and fit it snuggly in an appropriate-sized cardboard box.
Do you need a license to ship a firearm?
Most people get a little confused when it comes to the legalities of shipping firearms. It is really not that complicated when explained properly. You do not have to have a license to ship firearms, but the person or business to whom you are shipping the firearm must have an FFL license (Federal Firearms License).
Can you ship a gun in a plastic case?
Shipping in a hard plastic gun case is preferred, if you choose, and will be returned when your firearm is sent back to you. If you use a hard plastic gun case, be sure to wrap the gun case with cardboard before shipping. This makes it less likely someone will recognize it as containing a gun.
Can you ship a shotgun through UPS?
You can ship long guns (rifles and shotguns) through USPS, UPS or FedEx. You CANNOT, however, ship handguns through the USPS without a license. If you are shipping a handgun, you must go through UPS or FedEx. Both UPS’ and FedEx’s policy on handguns is that they must be shipped Overnight Priority. They claim it cuts down on the chance of theft or lost items. I advise you to insure your firearm through whatever carrier you choose, and I will insure it upon returning it to you.
What is the FedEx number for firearms?
For more information and comprehensive guidelines, contact customer service at 1.800.Go.FedEx 1.800.463.3339 for questions on firearm shipments.
How to contact FedEx about ammunition?
Questions on shipments containing ammunition can be directed to the FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339; press "81" or say "dangerous goods," then press "4" for the next available dangerous goods agent (Outside the U.S., request to speak to a dangerous goods representative.
What is a FFL license?
A Federal Firearm License (FFL) is required for all dealers and/or individuals who sell, manufacture, import, repair, or handle firearms in any form as a business . Shippers with a valid FFL may ship to other dealers or individuals in compliance with the rules and regulations of The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
How to ship a package in a box?
Obtain a box for your shipment. Fill the bottom of the box with packing material such as loosefill peanuts or air-cellular cushion. Center the shipment inside the box and fill any empty spaces on all sides.
Why is responsible packaging important?
Responsible packaging can save you time and improve the safety and handling of your firearm. Follow these guidelines for your shipment.
Can you pack a firearm at FedEx?
Our team members cannot pack firearm shipments. Packing materials and supplies are available at FedEx Office locations. After your firearm is packed, create a shipment at your local FedEx Office with your shipping information and a payment method. We’ll take it from there.
Can you ship ammunition from FedEx?
Ammunition is a dangerous good and may never be shipped from a FedEx Office or other FedEx associated retail location. 2. Secure firearm in a case. Pack the firearm in a sturdy outer box or hard case with adequate cushioning, there should not be any movement heard inside when the box is shifted.
What do you need to get a firearm?
Present appropriate personal identification and paperwork. This includes documentation proving your age as well as your recipient’s suitability or license to receive the firearm.
What is the best way to pack a firearm?
Choose a large, strong box with plenty of room for packing material to cushion the firearm. UPS, for example, mandates new, corrugated packaging that meet its single-wall strength guidelines.
Why do you need an FFL license?
In other words, an FFL is necessary to run a gun shop. An FFL not only allows the licensee to operate their firearms-related business but also to ship and receive firearms in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
What license do you need to export a shotgun?
In most cases, exporting a firearm requires a license issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Exporting sporting shotguns also requires licensing through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
Why pack a rifle in a box?
Pack the firearm so that it will be secure. The box should feel solid, with no rattling or shifting. Shoddily packed rifles have been known to arrive at their destination with the barrel or bolt protruding, with damaged buttstocks or worse, or torn open and at the mercy of strangers and the elements.
Can you mail a gun to another person?
You can ship a firearm to another nonlicensed person in your state. While the post office will allow nonlicensees to mail long guns to other nonlicensees in the same state, it restricts its services for handguns and pistols to FFL holders.
Is an FFL required to run a gun shop?
In other words, an FFL is necessary to run a gun shop.
How to ship a gun?
DO package the gun for shipment in a clean, sturdy cardboard box or a hard case. Be certain to include adequate padding. When you’re done, you should be able to shake the box without any movement inside the box. (You are financially responsible if items are damaged in transit, so proper packaging is a way to protect yourself.)
How much does it cost to ship a gun to an FFL?
Be aware that an FFL will generally charge a transfer fee of somewhere between $25 and $50 to ship your gun. But, on the upside, FFLs are usually entitled to cheaper shipping so you might save some money on that side of the equation.
Do I need a copy of the receiving FFL license?
Federal law requires that any FFL sending a gun first get a copy of the license of the receiving FFL before shipping. However, there is no such requirement for non-FFLs (ordinary people).
What to do if you don't have an FFL?
They want to be certain all the paperwork is done properly. So if you don't have an FFL, you should confirm the receiving FFL will accept your shipment. (GunTab handles this by helping the buyer find a local FFL and requiring the buyer to confirm this FFL will accept a shipment from a non-FFL.)
What is an FFL?
An FFL might be a gun store, pawn shop, gunsmith, or even just a hobbyist who got federally licensed. Any of them have the authority to receive a gun shipment and formally "transfer" a gun to a buyer.
Do FFLs have paperwork?
Again, it depends. Some receiving FFLs have special paperwork requirements. These might be unique to their specific operation, or might be required by their state. So again the solution is to ask the receiving FFL before you ship: what paperwork do they expect you to provide?
Do Americans ship guns?
Americans ship guns across the United States every day. However, a gun shipment is not like an ordinary shipment. Learn about the important details of shipping a gun, and follow our checklist to ensure you ship your gun without any mistakes.
How to ship ammo with firearm?
Ditch the ammo. Ship it separately. Federal law prohibits the shipping of ammunition with firearms. Pack it securely in separate boxes or metal clips that fit snugly within the main package. Make sure the ammo containers can’t be opened in transit. Clearly label the package as containing ammunition. Visit UPS.com, FedEx.com, or USPS.gov to print the required ORM-D label or black and white diamond to designate your package as explosive.
How to tell a carrier that a package contains a firearm?
Disclose the contents verbally. Tell the carrier that the package you’re asking them to deliver contains a firearm. Be prepared to open your package to verify that there is no ammunition packed with the firearm.
How to ship FFL license out of state?
If you’re shipping out-of-state to an FFL holder, have them fax, email, or mail you a copy of their FFL license certificate. Ship only to the person and address listed on the certificate.
How long does it take to get a license to export a firearm?
Complete the DS-2032 Statement of Registration Form. It takes an average of 45 to 60 days for forms to be reviewed. After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email and instructions on how to check the status of your request.
How to pack a gun for a gun?
Use bubble wrap or other high-quality padding. Contact the carrier you plan to use. Ask a staff member to recommend packing material appropriate for a firearm. Ask your local gun store if they wouldn’t mind parting with their used packing material. Avoid wadded up newspaper, plastic wrap, or baby diapers.
Can you mail a firearm in the US?
Mailing dangerous items like firearms can be a tricky business. If you don’t hold a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL), you’re not legally authorized to manufacture or sell firearms in the United States. Therefore, you need to know the restrictions you’ll have to work within when you mail a firearm in the U.S.
Can you ship a shotgun out of state?
Community Answer. No, you can only ship rifles and shotguns out of state to yourself. If you want to gift a firearm out of state, you must ship them to a FFL (gun store) in the receiptients home state. He can then fill out the proper paperwork and take ownership of the firearm.
What carrier do you ship guns to?
Shipping firearms can be difficult, due to detailed regulations and restrictions. Ultimately, the most accessible carrier is USPS, unless you are shipping to or from a licensed manufacturer or a form of military or law enforcement.
What is an antique rifle?
Antique firearms are defined as any muzzleloading rifle/shotgun/pistol, which is designed to use black powder or a black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition.
Can UPS ship guns?
Only the above-licensed personnel are able to use UPS to ship firearms to government agencies. In addition, these transactions are subject to federal, state, and local law.
Can a firearm be loaded in the same package?
The firearm cannot contain any ammunition either loaded or in the same package. Learn more about what FedEx prohibits.
Can you mail a firearm to yourself?
If you plan on hunting outside of your state, you may mail your certified firearm to yourself.
Can you put a firearm on a mail package?
No markings of any kind that indicate the nature of the contents may be placed on the outside wrapper or container of any mailpiece containing firearms.
Can the outside of a package have any indication of the contents?
The outside of the package cannot have any indication of the contents.
