Shipping guns from Seattle area

[solyanik]

I've been buying guns from individuals recently (on my C&R license), and they've been shipped via UPS, USPS, etc. But back a few months ago I needed to send my Remington back to factory for some warranty fixes, and this turned out to be major hassle - USPS didn't want to touch it, and UPS only agreed to take it because it went to Remington.

If you ship or shipped firearms from Seattle area, especially to individuals (C&R), I would appreciate comments on how you've persuaded carriers to accept the shipment.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Splittine]

Havent shipped to/from Seattle but I have shipped tons of guns without any issue with UPS. Its really not any of their business what you are shipping, the less they know the better.

 

[Taildrag15X]

UPS Company Policly states that "Any declared Firearm must be shipped to an Approved Firearms Dealer" quoted from the mouth of the UPS Sort Center here in Plattsburgh, NY.

Also UPS will not allow Packand Post Centers ( like Staples or Mail Boxes etc) handle any Haz Mat or Firearms.

You must of taked to the wrong person at USPS.....unless you didn't follow thier Rule of NO IDENTIFING THERE IS A GUN IN THE BOX........Did you use the Remington Factory Box?....If so this is why, if not then read the BATFE Rules and have a copy on hand when you meet the unwillng to ship.

It's here from the BATFE website: http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/p/atf-p-5300-4.pdf

Shipping is covered under many Regs. but I think what you want starts on page 175........

 

[Larryh128]

It's a matter of personal opinion in most cases. I have been told by a Fed Ex employee that recoiled in horror that they don't ship guns. Fed Ex rep & Fed Ex disagreed. The less any shipper knows, the better. While rare now, at one time theft of guns inside UPS or Fed Ex systems was a problem.

 

[Taildrag15X]

The only problem with USPS is pistols.In some states like California they must ship overnight and not all post offices offer this service.
On long guns they ship everything so your window clerk must haver gotten mixed up thinking it was a pistol.
Lynn

Only FFL's can ship Handguns and if you read the info in the BAFTE link you'll see how it's suppose to be done.

 

[solyanik]

Mike, thanks a lot for the reference. The box was unmarked, but I did ask them whether I can ship a firearm, and at that point they refused. Since USPS allows this, and it was just the agent not knowing, I suppose I simply should not have asked. I will be smarter next time.

 

[habu]

WHOA GUYS,

which outfit are we talking about - UPS - or -- USPS

UPS or US MAIL - seem the 2 are being thrown around inchangebly.

i agree - the less they know, the better - just have your s--- in one box - have copy of ffl in box and go.

what also helps is have a fedex account - print your own label - drop carton off at fedex location - not drop shops as mentioned above.

i'm lucky in bellingham, wa airport - fedex folks are smart and don't overreact. i drop gun box off, they give me a side head nod - i return nod - they than know it's a gun and quitly pick it up and take it in back!!

habu

 

[ratguner]

Im shipping/receiving from the peninsula (Kitsap) area and have not had problems.

Like Ron, I have a FedEx account and use that pretty much exclusively. Never had a package inspected and I have to assume the pre-printed labels are a huge plus for that... with a copy of my FFL inside just in case.

When using USPS, its boxed, insured and sig required. The post man asks no questions and I tell no lies.
Received a rifle via USPS from NSWC Crane where the barrel punched through the end of the box. Didnt even phase the mail man...

I have not used UPS very often, but they still remember me when I pick up COD packages at the local distribution office. Shipping guns with them is not a problem, but they are a little hesitant when dealing with ammo.

Larry

 

[Thorbird]

I live in New York State, and my local post office has shipped rifles for me. They can't ship pistols. Just as a note to those selling long guns to New Yorkers, I have been informed by my local postmaster, that I can also receive a long gun from anybody in the USA without having to go through an FFL. Living in this state I was surprised to hear that, but I have been assured that it is true. So, don't be surprised if a New Yorker requests a long gun be sent to them directly. They have that right.

 

[habu]

TO ALL, STATE REG. DON'T TRUMP INTERSTATE COMMERACE - READ SHIPPING FIREARMS - ACROSS STATE LINES!!!

now intra state is a different matter. still and all we are dealing with a federal eninty - post office

I WOULD TREAD LIGHTLY WITH "THAT RIGHT"

i believe we need a 'well seasoned' lawyer - shooter - to do 'in depth' on fed shipping regs regarding shipping 'long guns' which is printed in layman terms. posted on all forms, for all to see.

will this ease shipping? -= maybe, but you can't deal with 'stupid' in regards shipping clerks

habu

 

[treeman]

that is true, across state lines puts it under federal law. with in individual states the feds have no say. they can only control interstate commerce. all I've ever had to do at ups for long guns is show them a signed copy of the ffl that it is addressed to. the last one I took they put another box around it they said a longun had to be double boxed. that was a first.

 

[Thorbird]

You make a good point habu. I was amazed to learn that about New York state and got a little excited. Indeed, you can send long guns without an FFL to anyone who is legal to own a gun in NY State. You just have to know the laws for the states you send to. Your are right to be cautious. I would hate to be part of getting some decent hard working American in trouble.

 

[Taildrag15X]

Thorbird,

What your Mailman told you is WRONG, I live within the bounds of the same State, what he stated is.......BOLD AND DANGEROUS AS HE IS NOT THE LAW plane and simple....it's is against FEDERAL LAW TO SHIP TO AN INDIVIDUAL FROM OUT OF STATE, read the text from the above link to the BATFE, roughly strting on page 175 and if you will read through the FAQ's you'll see that it is addressed:

B7) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm
through the U.S. Postal Service?

A nonlicensee may not transfer a
firearm to a nonlicensed 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)]

It's a BIG PROBLEM if you don't know the Rules of the Game, and with the BATFE it's not a game......

 

[habu]

THANKS A HUGE BUNCH MIKE. ;D

everone needs to know what you pulled out!!!

simple and to the point.

HABU

 

[Forum Boss]

RE HANDGUNS
Re-iterating what was mentioned before. A non-licensee (meaning someone without an FFL) is NOT allowed to use the United States postal service to mail a handgun. An FFL-holder can use the postal service with handguns, but there is a special form to fill out.

Here is a bulletin item that covers many (but not all) questions regarding shipping by US Postal service and by common carrier (UPS, DHL, Fedex).

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/03/helpful-hints-for-shipping-your-guns-and-gear-safely/

The other thing to consider is insurance and risk of loss. Every week I have to deal with some mess created by forum members because an expensive item was shipped without insurance and the parties did not agree as to who was responsible for risk of loss -- shipper or receiver.

For goodness sake, if you are shipping an expensive item, get the darned insurance, and don't come crying to me if you failed to do so.

 

[Taildrag15X]

+1 there Forum boss on the Insurance........

The only catch is, if the claim is paid it goes to the shipper who is the one that bought the insurance, not the one the item is being shipped to.

 

[habu]

but still not a problem as the SHIPPER STILL OWES THE SHIPPEE THE PRODUCT.

otherwise the HABU comes avisiting! ;D

HABU

 

[ratguner]

ALWAYS get insurance, glad it has been mentioned and advised.
Interesting situation just happened with a shipment to me.

A customer purchased a receiver on Gun Broker. Money and a copy of my FFL was mailed to the seller a month ago (today is 12 March).
The seller MAILED the receiver to me. The ship date on the postage paid tag is 15 Feb. The seller did not insure OR request signature for delivery.
After 2 weeks, the buyer began an attempt to track the package. I contacted the local post office and was told there is NO way to track a package unless its insured or has the signature required request.

The receiver finally showed up in this mornings mail. Since it didnt fit in the mail box, the delivery person just tossed it up on my front deck (WA, rain, etc). Will be having a talk with her next week.

Cheers,

Larry