How to Package A Rifle For Shipping?

[Dirtdart]

UPS company policy only allows shipments of firearms by an FFL holder as of September of 2022. I may be off a bit but it was around that time frame. Loaded ammunition can be shipped UPS. I have yet to see a UPS store or similar middle man that accepted ammunition for shipment even though they serve as a UPS pick up point.

I am not sure about FedEx but it would not surprise me if they decided a similar FFL only policy to not be outdone. FedEx does ship loaded ammunition.

Currently the US Postal Service is the only one of the three that allows a non FFL to ship a long gun. Only an FFL can ship a handgun US Postal Service. The US Postal Service does not allow the shipment of loaded ammunition under any circumstance.

Mark brings up a good point about the buyer being present when the box is opened but there should be no markings on a package that would indicate the contents are a firearm. Common sense you would think but that is not the case.

Having a good relationship with an FFL holder is going to pay off and be worth some extra expense in many instances. Some of the worst packing jobs I have ever witnessed came from an FFL so be prepared. I was a type 1 FFL and had guns come to the shop that convinced me all carriers were in a competition but not for the reasons you would think.

I worked as a loader for UPS in another life and still have a hard time believing some of what I saw.

 

[Daniel Cary]

99% of FFL will not ship for you. I cant find one anywhere in DFW that will deal with the hassle/liability even for a fee. If you have one that will you are lucky because that is something going by the wayside quickly.

Really, in DFW it's hard to ship a Long Gun from an FFL/Dealer to another FFL/Dealer?

 

[ktk120]

Yes...i probably called a dozen. Because they have to log it and then become responsible for it and the FFL have a requirement for lost or stolen that is very specific protocol and form they must follow. The hassle for a few bucks is not worth it was the answer I got from every one of them.

 

[Daniel Cary]

Yes...i probably called a dozen. Because they have to log it and then become responsible for it and the FFL have a requirement for lost or stolen that is very specific protocol and form they must follow. The hassle for a few bucks is not worth it was the answer I got from every one of them.

Meanwhile, here in MI .. the Closest FFL Dealer Closed & Up Goes a Marijuana Dispensary ..
My areas going to Pot!

 

[cajunchefray]

UPS company policy only allows shipments of firearms by an FFL holder as of September of 2022. I may be off a bit but it was around that time frame. Loaded ammunition can be shipped UPS. I have yet to see a UPS store or similar middle man that accepted ammunition for shipment even though they serve as a UPS pick up point.

I am not sure about FedEx but it would not surprise me if they decided a similar FFL only policy to not be outdone. FedEx does ship loaded ammunition.

Currently the US Postal Service is the only one of the three that allows a non FFL to ship a long gun. Only an FFL can ship a handgun US Postal Service. The US Postal Service does not allow the shipment of loaded ammunition under any circumstance.

Mark brings up a good point about the buyer being present when the box is opened but there should be no markings on a package that would indicate the contents are a firearm. Common sense you would think but that is not the case.

Having a good relationship with an FFL holder is going to pay off and be worth some extra expense in many instances. Some of the worst packing jobs I have ever witnessed came from an FFL so be prepared. I was a type 1 FFL and had guns come to the shop that convinced me all carriers were in a competition but not for the reasons you would think.

I worked as a loader for UPS in another life and still have a hard time believing some of what I saw.

Lots of good advice in this thread. I have packed and shipped a lot of electronics, as well as a few tons of pouch packaged foods, and ingredients. and many firearms.
The Styrofoam "peanuts" suck.

The key is that when you package, make sure that the long gun does not move inside. Test your packaging. If you pick up the box, and shake it, and you fell the slightest moving of the long gun, add more bubble wrap, and I have used some corrugated paper-based packaging material, but it needs to be strong.

Pack the box tightly, so that you have to slightly compress it to tape it.

Good suggestions here to reinforce the box ends with extra of pieces of cardboard, and tape the ends extensively with strong packing tape, so that the heavy small barrel end won't punch through when it is thrown on a conveyor, or a truck.
It happens.
Preferred is Kraft paper Cardboard specific tape. It's tan like cardboard with some reinforcing fibers.

I have successfully used the clear packaging tape, but I always use a high grade, thicker name brand (3M). And I use a LOT of it, like 3 layers. A $4 roll of tape is a lot cheaper, and less hassle than an insurance claim.

I have never had a damaged gun in the past 15 years, probably 12 guns.

I have packaged long rifles a few different ways:

1. Used old plastic Plano gun cases, (I had a bunch from a multistate move) Gun sock, and small bubble wrap inside a gun box (outer shipper) that I got from a LGS. A little more effort than I wanted. But it worked, even to Alaska with a Winchester Super Express. 458 Win Mag, going to a bear guide there. I overpacked it in a really hard large case, enrobed in a moving blanket, in a big cardboard gun box. Rifle arrived in great condition, buyer was happy, but I lost my a@s on shipping charges. Look at tailored gun boxes.

2. Ordered an economical plastic gun case from Natchez SS, and same interior packaging, gun sock, bubble wrap, then placed plastic case back in the cardboard box.

3. My latest option is getting Gun Boxes from Cameron Packaging in Ohio:

https://www.cameronpackaging.com/gun_boxes_foam_lined.html#RifleFoamLined

Not cheap, but they work, are easier to deal with, pack and ship. If you are shipping a $1000, or $5000 gun, very much worth it. I buy them in the 3-pack.

If the rifle action (bolt action, etc.) can be taken down from the from the stock, definitely do this, and remove and pack action, stock and the bolt separately in bubble wrap.

I have not had a failure on this, but I know that a Long (50"+ box) has more leverage for internal damage that a shorter box.

I'm buying the AR-15, shorter boxes now for bolt rifles I can remove the barreled action from stock. `

Shorter box doesn't look like a gun box, and I just label as "Machine Parts".
Which they are.

Of course, always follow current Federal Government, laws policies, edicts or whatever they think of next week.

Mainly in my small town, it is easiest to ship long guns, with all appropriate paperwork (a Bill of Sale, Invoice, copy of my Driver's License and the receiving FFL) packed inside the box.

ALWAYS a copy of FFL, my DL and Bill of Sale for the US Post Office.

Make it easy for them.

Some USPS employees don't get it, or freeze when you present your package, declare it's a firearm, legal to ship.

I'm lucky here, the most senior USPS employee is good guy, friendly, efficient, and coaches the other USPS employees.

For long guns, I always insure to the sell value, plus 20%, in case something happens, and I don't want to eat extra charges.

Fortunately, I have never had a problem, but as others here have stated, it can be hell, to recoup a claim from some carriers.

 

[krish]

Meanwhile, here in MI .. the Closest FFL Dealer Closed & Up Goes a Marijuana Dispensary ..
My areas going to Pot!

View attachment 550657

Sorry to hear that. We'll it has become a blue state. What to expect. Keep the public HIGH and steal their freedom.

 

[Dirtdart]

Straight out of the USPS publication 52 section 43.

 

[Challer]

Fulton Armory sells a shipping box that is awesome. Costs $90. Have served me for years - its what I ship my R8s and F3s in.

Fulton Armory

Our M14 gunsmith at Fulton Armory handcrafts the most exceptional rifles across the entire United States. Shop your source for service rifles, parts, tools, and more today at Fulton-Armory.com.

www.fulton-armory.com

 

[Inline6]

Fulton Armory sells a shipping box that is awesome. Costs $90. Have served me for years - its what I ship my R8s and F3s in.

Fulton Armory

Our M14 gunsmith at Fulton Armory handcrafts the most exceptional rifles across the entire United States. Shop your source for service rifles, parts, tools, and more today at Fulton-Armory.com.

www.fulton-armory.com

You can buy a Ktaxon Aluminum Locking Rifle Gun Case cheaper than that from Walmart (78.00).

I have have 3 Fulton Armory Titan, they make some nice stuff. That box seems a little much for what it is. The cheap plastic cases seem to work well. As the dollar value goes up, the quality of the case does too. Have had several rifles shipped to my in Pelican or Storm cases, both were north of 6k.

 

[Challer]

I’ve seen that case. I’ll stick with the Fulton.

The thing with Pelicans is they do break. I had one severely damaged by UPS. There was no gun in it at the time otherwise it would have been a write off. I use my pelicans for flying only.

 

[BeeMaa]

I’ve shipped several rifles in Pelican cases with no problems, however most of the time I’ve used high density cardboard and cut to fit. Lots of bubble wrap, fiberglass tape and more cardboard. Knock on wood, all have arrived in good condition.

Regardless of how well you pack it, a carrier can find a way to damage it. It’s best to have some type of insurance plan like @Nevada Mike mentioned.

I like what @Mark Biggerstaff said about the writing on the outside of the box. I’ll be doing that next time.

 

[mdwest]

99% of FFL will not ship for you. I cant find one anywhere in DFW that will deal with the hassle/liability even for a fee. If you have one that will you are lucky because that is something going by the wayside quickly.

I’m pretty sure Tom Hart in Plano will ship for you.

Tom also discounts FFL transfers for public servants, teachers, veterans, and CCL holders… I think it’s $20…

Also has a silencer shop kiosk available if that’s your thing…

 

[rookhawk]

How to ship a gun correctly:

1.) Have insurance coverage that is good, do not buy insurance from a shipper that they will not pay and costs 20x. Eastern Insurance.

2.) Pack the gun as disassembled as possible. NEVER ship a double rifle or shotgun with the barrels attached. Hinge pins are very weak, just like knees, when struck from the side.

3.) Always remove the bolt from a magazine rifle and pack properly.

4.) If possible, remove the stock from a rifle to shorten the box, reducing the flex that could occur causing damage in shipment.

5.) Use Fedex GROUND. You MUST schedule a pickup at your residence or business, you CANNOT drop it off at a Fedex/Kinkos nor a FedEx regional distribution center. You MUST send the gun signature required, adult signature over 21 required.

6.) Photograph the package before it is picked up as evidence of the original quality of the shipping container.

7.) DON'T describe the gun in the shipping system as a firearm. It draws dangerous scrutiny from politically oriented shipping agents. Describe it benignly "Heym Best" or "Rigby", never "Rifle or Shotgun"

8.) NEVER send ammo with a gun. Always ship it separately, with a pickup, marked limited quantity, sent Fedex ground, with the black diamond labels affixed to the box.

 

[cajunchefray]

How to ship a gun correctly:

1.) Have insurance coverage that is good, do not buy insurance from a shipper that they will not pay and costs 20x. Eastern Insurance.

2.) Pack the gun as disassembled as possible. NEVER ship a double rifle or shotgun with the barrels attached. Hinge pins are very weak, just like knees, when struck from the side.

3.) Always remove the bolt from a magazine rifle and pack properly.

4.) If possible, remove the stock from a rifle to shorten the box, reducing the flex that could occur causing damage in shipment.

5.) Use Fedex GROUND. You MUST schedule a pickup at your residence or business, you CANNOT drop it off at a Fedex/Kinkos nor a FedEx regional distribution center. You MUST send the gun signature required, adult signature over 21 required.

6.) Photograph the package before it is picked up as evidence of the original quality of the shipping container.

7.) DON'T describe the gun in the shipping system as a firearm. It draws dangerous scrutiny from politically oriented shipping agents. Describe it benignly "Heym Best" or "Rigby", never "Rifle or Shotgun"

8.) NEVER send ammo with a gun. Always ship it separately, with a pickup, marked limited quantity, sent Fedex ground, with the black diamond labels affixed to the box.

Good advice, and tip to use FedEx Ground with pickup at your address. Insurance as well.

Thank You Rookhawk.

 

[Marc Ret]

Good advice, and tip to use FedEx Ground with pickup at your address. Insurance as well.

Thank You Rookhawk.

According to FedEx, you must hold an FFL to ship through them.

https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/how-to-ship-firearms.html

 

[rookhawk]

According to FedEx, you must hold an FFL to ship through them.

https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/how-to-ship-firearms.html

View attachment 550871

They’ve never asked me for mine, although I do have an 003 collectors license which everyone should have if they like nice guns.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

On the FedEx shipping. As Stated.
Even if you are an FFL shipping firearms and do not have a signed agreement with FedEx for shipping firearms. They will still ship them, but insurance is useless if damaged and you file a claim. I know from first hand experience. Use UPS for firearm shipping. They do not require a signed firearms shipping agreement.