Can You Ship a Gun Through the U.S. Mail?
by EasyPost
Shipping guns is more complex than shipping other items, since you’ll need to comply with strict carrier regulations and federal and state laws. This guide will cover some key rules to follow when shipping firearms through USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
Can you ship a gun in the U.S.?
Yes, you can ship a gun in the U.S. if you’re sending it to someone who holds a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL). Each shipping carrier has requirements that must be followed, including restrictions on the types of firearms you can ship.
Fortunately, shipping a firearm isn’t hard, as long as you package it correctly and follow any applicable laws and carrier guidelines.
How to ship a gun through USPS
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the country’s most reliable carriers, with a shipping network that reaches almost 167 million residences. Keep reading to learn how they handle firearm shipments.
What can you ship?
Is it legal to ship a firearm in the U.S. mail? The short answer is yes, depending on the type of firearm. While USPS will transport rifles and shotguns, they don’t accept handgun shipments (except in special cases).
Let’s break things down:
- Rifles and shotguns are long guns designed to be fired from the shoulder. Note that USPS prohibits the shipment of short-barreled rifles or shotguns
- Handguns are firearms designed to be used with one hand, including pistols and revolvers. They’re compact and mainly used for self-defense, law enforcement, and sport shooting. USPS doesn’t allow you to ship “handguns and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person.”
Packaging and shipping requirements
When shipping guns through USPS, you need to keep a few things in mind:
- Weapons must be unloaded and securely packaged.
- Packages can’t include any outer markings that indicate the contents.
- Unless you’re shipping between dealers or manufacturers, you must use a service that provides tracking and signature at delivery.
How to ship a gun through UPS
Can you ship guns through UPS? Yes, UPS is a great option for sending firearms! We’ll go over a few things you need to know.
Who can ship?
In order to ship firearms through UPS, you must be federally licensed and have an agreement with UPS for the transportation of firearm products.
What can you ship?
Unlike USPS, UPS does allow the shipment of handguns. However, they don’t accept automatic weapons, including machine guns. Additionally, UPS specifies that all firearms must “have been identified and bear a serial number in a manner that complies with federal law and regulations.”
Finally, UPS can’t be used to ship gun parts that can be assembled to form a full firearm.
Packaging and shipping requirements
UPS provides guidelines on shipping services and product packaging for gun shipments:
- You must use Delivery Confirmation Adult Signature Required and Direct Delivery Only services for any package containing a firearm.
- Use new corrugated packaging that meets UPS strength guidelines.
- Ammunition has to be shipped separately.
- Handguns can only be shipped using UPS Next Day Air services, including Next Day Air® Early, Next Day Air®, and Next Day Air Saver®.
- Outer markings on packages shouldn’t identify their contents, and labeling (including the shipper’s and recipient’s names) should be non-descriptive.
How to ship a gun through FedEx
Wondering how to ship a firearm through FedEx? This section will review some specific requirements.
Who can ship?
Shippers with a Federal Firearms License (FFL) can ship guns after entering into a FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Agreement. To start the process, simply get in touch with your FedEx account executive.
Packaging and shipping requirements
FedEx notes that shippers need to follow these requirements when sending firearms:
- Guns must be shipped unloaded and with the safety on.
- Rifles and shotguns should be broken down.
- Firearms must be packed in a sturdy box or hard case with cushioning. Outer boxes can’t have identifying markers.
- All shipments must include signature delivery. You have two options to choose from: Adult Signature Required (ASR) or Direct Signature Required (DSR).
Important things to remember when shipping firearms
The bottom line? When shipping firearms, you need to follow strict laws and carrier rules to stay compliant and avoid delays. Carriers have their own requirements, including adult signature confirmation and specific packaging rules. State laws vary too, so always double-check regulations for the destination. Communicating clearly with your customers and carriers will help ensure a smooth, legal delivery.
Keep gun shipments safe with shipping insurance
Package damage, loss, and theft derail customer relationships and put an added financial burden on your business. When mailing guns, it helps to have a backup plan.
With EasyPost Shipping Insurance, you can insure high-risk packages against shipping disasters. Offering low premiums and a hassle-free claims process, EasyPost’s insurance is one of the easiest ways to get peace of mind when sending your shipments out into the world.