Saved big on shipping costs using pirateship.com

[jepp2]

I knew about it, even created an account with

Free UPS and USPS shipping software | Pirate Ship

Use our free UPS and USPS-certified shipping software to get pre-negotiated discounts for the cheapest shipping rates, which can save you up to 89%.

www.pirateship.com

But hadn't used it until today. I easily saved over 40% from what it would have cost me to ship using my UPS account. And over 50% less than USPS would have cost me.

I grit my teeth at what it costs me to ship when I know how much cheaper the larger account holders get for shipping costs. I see it when I ship something I sell on ebay. Was very pleased with how easy it was to use pirateship, and will checking it first in the future for my shipping needs.

 

[LVLAaron]

I shipped a barrel with UPS using pirate ship and it was lost. They won’t do anything about it because UPS has a “no gun parts” rule when using third parties.

I still ship everything through them. Just be wise about the “machine parts” you’re shipping.. and always generate an invoice.

 

[centershot]

This place sounds scary, But I just spent $120 shipping a rifle with USPS.

 

[c3d4b2]

Here is another option that is part of Buds Gun Shop.

Gun Shipping About us

www.shipmygun.com

 

[jepp2]

Here is another option that is part of Buds Gun Shop.

I use them for long guns. Haven't used them yet for handguns.

 

[FNSafari]

I use them for long guns. Haven't used them yet for handguns.

I wonder if the insurance they provide as an option is a valued insurance...namely if the gun is lost(by theft or otherwise) do you get the stated amount you entered on the create a label page? Payment with no hassle or questions asked?

 

[dgeesaman]

I wonder if the insurance they provide as an option is a valued insurance...namely if the gun is lost(by theft or otherwise) do you get the stated amount you entered on the create a label page? Payment with no hassle or questions asked?

I can confirm that you enter a value and the insurance cost is proportional to the declared value. I sent $3000 declared value and it cost $24.

I did a tiny bit of research and their insurance had a good reputation then, but that's always worth a fresh look. Sadly, finding reasonable shipping insurance coverage might be a fools errand anymore.

I can say that 'precision machined hollow rods' and other 'mechanical components' are best described as such as a general rule.

So far I've used pirateship.com with good success. Definite savings. After I paid for a postage label at the post office and received the packaged rifle back at my door a week later because the clerk failed to attach the postage label on the box (!!!), I will only ship important items if I can fully prepare and label it myself, in advance. The last gunsmith who did work for me was also happy to have me email him a shipping label for the return trip.

The next time I ship a fully functional rifle I may look into bud's service.

The following is some of the information on pirateship.com about their added insurance option, from "ShipSurance". FWIW.

3rd Party Insurance (Shipsurance)​

To file a claim for a 3rd party-insured service, contact Pirate Ship customer support to begin the process.

For claims filed with Shipsurance, only the shipper can file a claim as they are the individual that purchased the coverage policy.

In order to file a claim, you will need to provide the following:

• The tracking number (including a screenshot of a tracking scan from USPS proving they accepted the package)
• An invoice or proof of value of the items
• Proof of a payment transaction for the item (i.e. credit card, PayPal, CashApp, Venmo receipt, etc)
• If you've refunded the customer or sent a replacement, proof of that (but we do recommend waiting to refund them until your recipient has cooperated with anything the insurance company asks for, if possible)
• Screenshots of messages or emails you’ve had with the recipient
• For damaged claims, you'll need to submit: 1) a photo of the entire damaged item; 2) photos of the external packaging (aka the outside of the box/envelope); 3) photos of the inside of the box/envelope with any packaging materials you used

Please note that this evidence is necessary in order to begin the claim filing process Shipsurance may or may not request additional evidence based on the circumstances of your claim. Please review their Terms & Conditions here. Keep in mind not complying with Shipsurance’s additional requests may result in a denial of your claim!

For missing USPS shipments, you'll need to wait 20 days from the shipment date for a domestic shipment, or 40 days from the shipment date for an international shipment before you can file an insurance claim. That said, if the package has already been scanned as Delivered and you need to file a claim, there is no minimum waiting period.

UPS packages, on the other hand, may be filed for loss prior to the 20-day mark for domestic shipments and the 40-day mark for international shipments.

In some cases, Shipsurance is asking for even longer wait times for delivery due to COVID-19. As seen in their Terms and Conditions, the deadline to file a claim and provide Shipsurance with everything they need is 120 calendar days from the date of your shipment.

If the claim is approved by the 3rd-party insurer, the credit will be applied to your Pirate Ship Account Balance. We can also issue the credit via PayPal, or mail you a check

Note: For insurance claims to be valid, Shipsurance requires proof of a USPS acceptance scan. End-of-Day SCAN Forms and scans from the self-service kiosks at Post Offices aren't considered proper proof, in this case.

 

[cmysix]

I use them for long guns. Haven't used them yet for handguns.

it works wonderfully for both!

 

[urbanrifleman]

I shipped a barrel with UPS using pirate ship and it was lost. They won’t do anything about it because UPS has a “no gun parts” rule when using third parties.

I still ship everything through them. Just be wise about the “machine parts” you’re shipping.. and always generate an invoice.

Use FedEx for parts if you don't have a firearms account with UPS. FedEx has no prohibition for parts. You can make an account online and print your own labels.

 

[LVLAaron]

I've been using USPS instead of UPS for barrels. It's nice not having to drop things off, or pay for pickup.