Shipping Problems
 

I have encountered problems getting FED EX and UPS to ship guns to dealers and repair shops. They won't take them! Unless, unless they have a pre-printed label already attached to them. Then it's NO PROBLEM. This work around would require the dealer (some already do this) and or the repair shop to provide a pre-printed label to the customer via email to put on the package. Of course, the customer would pay all shipping cost. I would encourage all of us to discuss
this with the folks we do business with and encourage them to have the ability to provide this service to their customers. I know, you can use USPS. But, that is not a great option. Your thoughts on this are welcome.

Just print your own label. That's what I do. Then I apply the label to the package and drop off at the UPS store. They simply scan the label and hand me a receipt. No questions asked.

-Victor

This has been the case for a few years now. Victor has a great work around. I do not have any issues with the USPS in shipping. I simply show them a copy of the FFL that I am shipping to and have never had an issue. I know some will tell me that I am not required to show an FFL, but that makes the clerk happy and it easy for me to do.

Victor,
I was not aware I could print my own label. How do I go about doing this?
Thanks,
Buddy

sometimes I get harassed by the UPS employees about what is in the box - I am guessing they are trained to look for things that could be guns. The pre-paid label method works 90% of the time no questions asked, the remaining 10% I just tell them it's an antique harvesting tool so no one can tell me I lied for insurance purposes.... should it ever come to that.

In any event, as far as I understand, UPS and FedEX can choose not to ship anything they desire. USPS should take it, if you follow the rules.

This is one of those situations where it seems like how difficult it is for you depends entirely on who is running the counter that day. With any of the three carriers...

Shipping has become a bit more problematic over the years, but then what hasn't.

Pre-printing a label does seem like the way to go for UPS because most UPS stores are privately owned & won't take gun shipments if their policy prevents it. I also try to avoid these stores due to their add-on fees for being a private business rather than an actual UPS terminal.

I've used USPS for years simply because the post office is close by and doesn't hassle me about what I'm shipping other than the normal questions about hazardous materials.

Buddy:

Order some labels, like those shown in my photograph. Then go to the UPS website (https://www.ups.com/us/en/home), click on the shipping tab (near top left), and click "Create a Shipment." You will most likely need to create a UPS account. (When checking out, try using the discount code DELIVER. It worked the other day.)

When asked about what is being shipped, you can be very specific. Or not. For example, I use "mechanical apparatus." I also like Dylan's suggestion: "harvesting tool."

-Victor

My issue with the USPS isn’t whether they’ll accept the gun, that’s never been a problem. It’s how long they take to get the package delivered. Three day priority mail turns into three weeks as the gun makes a tour all around the country and it disappears from tracking.

Right John; It took 28 days to get a money order to Houston Texas. Un acceptable.

there is a site called "Pirate Ship"

sounds goofy, but it's for real, i have been using it for a couple years -

you get the discounted rates from USPS, UPS and Fedex compared - select your option and print the label-

around here - the only way to ship UPS is a drop off location (the nearby "customer service" office is now a small drop box outside the truck garage) - like a CVS pharmacy - or a UPS store- not sure what the limits are on package size. Fedex has a real service site, I set up an business account, and they are okay to deal with, but I actually rarely use them

i have mostly used USPS Priority for shotguns and have not had any issues -