Sidearms & Scatterguns Shipping pistol via UPS (private party to FFL)

[Wyzrd]

I’m looking to ship a pistol as a private party to an FFL in another state. I’ve always gone through an FFL in the past, but was wondering if I can do it through my local UPS main hub/customer center via UPS Ground? Next day air is like $160, so I’m curious if I have to use that service, or can just ship it ground method? My UPS center is cool with gun stuff as it’s WY, and I’ve shipped out a ton of ammo and scopes through them in the past, just never a firearm yet. So, any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[davsco]

ffl's can ship handguns via usps, WAY cheaper generally even with their transfer fee.

 

[Wyzrd]

Ok. Yeah, when I’ve shipped pistols through my FFL, it’s usually like $50ish, but UPS ground is around $30 (but that would be me not telling them it’s a firearm)...???

 

[Strykervet]

I've shipped rifles UPS ground and pistols FedEx 2nd day I think. They don't want pistols sitting around. For warranty, I don't pay any shipping. It's not TOO bad being just a pistol, shipping is expensive regardless.

There may be a dealer here that can ship for less fees included, I don't know, I'd have to call.

 

[Wyzrd]

I've shipped rifles UPS ground and pistols FedEx 2nd day I think. They don't want pistols sitting around. For warranty, I don't pay any shipping. It's not TOO bad being just a pistol, shipping is expensive regardless.

There may be a dealer here that can ship for less fees included, I don't know, I'd have to call.

Thanks for your input. Yeah, I’m just trying to figure out if I should save a little money by shipping UPS ground (but not telling them it’s a firearm—-just sporting goods gear), or ponying up the $50ish and ship it via my local FFL...? I know guys ship guns through UPS, and they always say to just not tell them what’s inside the box. I just haven’t done this before, so am wondering if there’s any down sides to doing this?

 

[Supersubes]

I ship guns via UPS pretty regularly, and always tell them what it is. Never had any issue, except it has to go out through a hub, as opposed to a UPS store. Haven’t had to do this in the last few months though. Did they have a policy change? Never shipped out via an ffl either, that seems costly and troublesome.

 

[MtnCreek]

What happens if you don't follow their shipping requirements and the pistol gets 'lost'.

 

[Wyzrd]

What happens if you don't follow their shipping requirements and the pistol gets 'lost'.

I have no idea!

 

[308pirate]

UPS will not ship handguns in any way but Next Day Air. It's spelled out clear as day in the UPS Terms and Conditions. It also spells out exactly which UPS facilities will accept firearms and which ones will not.

Anyone who uses UPS for shipping firearms, firearm parts, and/or ammunition must read and understand section 3.6 of the UPS Terms & Conditions of Shipment if you want to be able to win any argument that you might get from UPS employees.

https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/media/en_US/terms_service_us.pdf

UPS also requires you to disclose when you ship firearms. If you don't, you're on your own in case you ever have to claim a loss on one which I guarantee they will deny if you lied.

 

[Wyzrd]

UPS will not ship handguns in any way but Next Day Air. It's spelled out clear as day in the UPS Terms and Conditions. It also spells out exactly which UPS facilities will accept firearms and which ones will not.

Anyone who uses UPS for shipping firearms, firearm parts, and/or ammunition must read and understand section 3.6 of the UPS Terms & Conditions of Shipment if you want to be able to win any argument that you might get from UPS employees.

https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/media/en_US/terms_service_us.pdf

UPS also requires you to disclose when you ship firearms. If you don't, you're on your own in case you ever have to claim a loss on one which I guarantee they will deny if you lied.

Got it. I’ve just heard so many guys talking about shipping guns via UPS, and not telling them exactly what’s enclosed. I’ll just go the safe route and pay a little extra to ship through my FFL.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Yes, UPS and FedEx require a pistol to be shipped next day. This is not a federal law. It's so that it's more difficult for their employees to steal it.

If you lie about the pistol and it gets lost I don't think there is any criminal problem with doing this.

 

[KZP]

Always ship the right way, even if it costs an extra $60. Cheap insurance for potential problems that may affect the rest of your life.

 

[308pirate]

I’ve just heard so many guys talking about shipping guns via UPS, and not telling them exactly what’s enclosed.

And nothing will go wrong, until it does.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

I have no idea!

LOL, and you don't want to find out either!

 

[Wyzrd]

LOL, and you don't want to find out either!

Nope! No sir, I sure as hell wouldn’t want to have to deal with that mess!