Shipping guns

[GH-16]

Originally Posted by Russ Jackson

I haven't shipped one in a while ,I suppose a C&R doesn't count ? So I guess the best alternative is to go through your local FFL Dealer if they will do it we have one that refuses to get guns from the internet because he feels you are buying around him !!!!!Even though I only remember him ever having one Parker Brothers gun in the shop for sale !

A C&R is a type of FFL License and should suffice for these types of transactions, especially on a C&R qualified gun.

I've found that insuring the package for a large amount is what triggers the questions of what's in the package at USPS.

These two items are why I got my C&R and an Eastern insurance policy on my collection that covers shipping by common carrier plus while the gun is at the gunsmith's shop. The C&R is a bit of a hassle to get at first, but it pays for itself the first time you use it. The Eastern policy gives a comforting piece of mind overall & cuts down some of the shipping hassles. There are other insurance companies out there who offer similar coverages.

IMO it's a no-brainer to get a copy of the FFL you're shipping the gun too. If someone refuses to email you a copy of their FFL to you, don't use them, you're only possibly putting yourself in violation of federal law!

[John Allen]

It is my understanding that if you ship a gun through USPS and do not declare it they will not honor any damage or loss claims. That has been told to me by several postmasters. I always tell them what I am shipping for that reason.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by John Allen

It is my understanding that if you ship a gun through USPS and do not declare it they will not honor any damage or loss claims. That has been told to me by several postmasters. I always tell them what I am shipping for that reason.

Where as UPS says FFL to FFL or they won’t make good on the insurance . What I’ve been doing for over ten years now so no biggie to me . I have no use for USPS . I understand they get plenty complaints , but that’s a two way street . A couple of the clerks at the local PO are some downright RUDE assholes and they’re WOMEN no less .

[Roundsworth]

I have shipped dozens of long guns via USPS. I print my own labels with appropriate insurance. There are no questions concerning the contents being insured. My mail carrier rings the doorbell and takes my box, no questions asked.

[B. Dudley]

Originally Posted by John Allen

It is my understanding that if you ship a gun through USPS and do not declare it they will not honor any damage or loss claims. That has been told to me by several postmasters. I always tell them what I am shipping for that reason.

If that were the case, insurance coverage would not be able to be purchased online without asking about contents. And they dont ask online. You fill out how much to insure for and thats it.

[Stan Hillis]

I need to look into this printing of my own labels, even though I've never had an issue with my local post office shipping or receiving guns. Also, I'd like to hear more about the chance of them denying claim coverage if you didn't "declare" what was in the package. This should be as simple as looking into what the regs say concerning the issue.

[GH-16]

Originally Posted by John Allen

It is my understanding that if you ship a gun through USPS and do not declare it they will not honor any damage or loss claims. That has been told to me by several postmasters. I always tell them what I am shipping for that reason.

I realize you're a dealer and in a different boat as far as insurance is concerned where an Eastern type of policy may not be applicable to you.

I haven't taken out extra insurance from a shipper in a long time now due to having private insurance that covers shipping loss. This eliminates the need for declaring what's in the package or needing to file a claim for loss with the shipper. I imagine the caveat would be that the insurance company will probably want me to exhaust all efforts with the shipper to find a lost gun/package before they will pay-up.

Personally, I would rather deal with my insurance company than any of the shippers run around purposeful designed policies to wiggle out of a claim, plus I get the benefit of having the gun insured while it's at the gunsmith's location or while I'm traveling domestically, Internationally & at gun shows.

[B. Dudley]

Originally Posted by Paul Ehlers

I realize you're a dealer and in a different boat as far as insurance is concerned where an Eastern type of policy may not be applicable to you.

I haven't taken out extra insurance from a shipper in a long time now due to having private insurance that covers shipping loss. This eliminates the need for declaring what's in the package or needing to file a claim for loss with the shipper. I imagine the caveat would be that the insurance company will probably want me to exhaust all efforts with the shipper to find a lost gun/package before they will pay-up.

Personally, I would rather deal with my insurance company than any of the shippers run around purposeful designed policies to wiggle out of a claim, plus I get the benefit of having the gun insured while it's at the gunsmith's location or while I'm traveling domestically, Internationally & at gun shows.

It has been impossible for me, personally, to find a commercial firearms business insurance policy that will cover shipping losses as part of the policy. Every company I have ever talked to has told me the same thing. Just purchase insurance through the carrier. Actually, being in NY and operating my business from my home, it was near impossible to get a company to insure my business. But I finally found one. And it is NOT cheap. It even causes issues on my personal side with my homeowners insurance too. It is a nightmare. But even when talking with the larger national firearms insurance companies, same answer on the shipping coverage. NO.
I really envy the personal collector that can get this kind of coverage on their guns for reasonable rates.

[Dean Weber]

The insurance/declared value discussion aside, all three carriers (UPS/FX/USPS) provide the ability to create an online account and pre-print labels. During the create shipment process, only UPS requires a description of the contents. I believe it is triggered when declaring value. I have never seen an agent for any of the three ask for any documentation if the shipment is pre-labeled.

[B. Dudley]

Originally Posted by Dean Weber

The insurance/declared value discussion aside, all three carriers (UPS/FX/USPS) provide the ability to create an online account and pre-print labels. During the create shipment process, only UPS requires a description of the contents. I believe it is triggered when declaring value. I have never seen an agent for any of the three ask for any documentation if the shipment is pre-labeled.

Value has nothing to do with it on the ups site. They ask contents regardless of if you insure it. Before the recent changes, I used to be able to put “shotgun” or “rifle” in that area with no issue. Then after the recent restrictions, it kicks back a “prohibited item” warning and wont let you ship. I changed it to “M70” and got around that easy enough. I used to exclusively ship Postal Service. And still prefer to. But with their recent surcharges on larger packages ($15 adder on boxes over 30”). It is hard not to use the other couriers with much lower rates.