Shipping Firearms

[Onward Allusion]

Sorry. Bad info. I was reading the FREIGHT T&C's and not FedEx Express. Sorry

So I received an email from FedEx this AM regarding their new one-rate shipping options using the FedEx packaging. Pretty good rates...below...

FedEx Envelope and FedEx Pak flat rates for three popular services:

Delivery by the third day (FedEx Express Saver)
150 miles.......................$7.50
151-600 miles...................$7.75
601 miles plus..................$9.50

Delivery by morning of the second day (FedEx 2Day® A.M.)
150 miles......................$19.00
151-600 miles..................$20.00
601 miles plus.................$29.50

Next-day delivery by 3 p.m. (FedEx Standard Overnight®)
150 miles......................$21.25
151-600 miles..................$25.50
601 miles plus.................$34.25

Pretty good pricing, eh? Here's the kicker. It appears that FedEx shipping rules for shipping Prohibited & Restricted items have been updated (6/2/14). You will note that NOWHERE does it say the firearm must be shipped overnight. Someone please correct me if I posted erroneous info or misinterpreted the verbiage.

Link - http://www.fedex.com/us/freight/rulestariff/prohibited_articles.html

Excerpt . . .


FXF 100 Rules Tariff
Prohibited or Restricted Articles

Firearms
1. Carrier will transport and deliver firearms as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, between areas served in the U.S., but only between:

i. Licensed importers; licensed manufacturers; licensed dealers; licensed collectors; law enforcement agencies of the U.S.or any department or agency thereof; and law enforcement agencies of any state or any department, agency or political subdivisions thereof; or

ii. Where not prohibited by local, state and federal law, from individuals to licensed importers, licensed manufacturers or licensed dealers (and return of same).

2. Carrier cannot ship or deliver firearms C.O.D.

3. Upon presenting the goods for shipment, the person tendering the shipment to Carrier is required to notify Carrier that the shipment contains a firearm. The outside of the package(s) must not be marked, labeled or otherwise identify that the package(s) contains a firearm.

4. The shipper and recipient must be of legal age as identified by applicable law.

5. The shipper and recipient are required to comply with all applicable government regulations and laws, including those pertaining to labeling. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives can provide assistance.

6. Carrier will transport small-arms ammunition when packed and labeled in compliance with local, state and federal law, and the Hazardous Materials section of this Service Guide. Ammunition is an explosive and must be shipped separately as hazardous materials. You agree not to ship loaded firearms or firearms with ammunition in the same package.

 

[carguychris]

You will note that NOWHERE does it say the firearm must be shipped overnight. Someone please correct me if I posted erroneous info or misinterpreted the verbiage.

According to their U.S. Terms & Conditions, handguns must still be shipped Priority Overnight.

http://www.fedex.com/us/service-guide/terms/express-ground/index.html (You must open the menus to see the text.)

A. FedEx Express will transport and deliver firearms as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, between areas served in the U.S., but only between:

1. Licensed importers; licensed manufacturers; licensed dealers; licensed collectors; law enforcement agencies of the U.S. or any department or agency thereof; and law enforcement agencies of any state or any department, agency or political subdivisions thereof; or

2. Where not prohibited by local, state and federal law, from individuals to licensed importers, licensed manufacturers or licensed dealers (and return of same).

B. If your shipment contains firearms, select the Direct Signature Required or Adult Signature Required Delivery Signature Option, depending on the requirements of your shipment. See the Delivery Signature Options section for details. Firearms shipments are not eligible for signature release or indirect delivery.

C. Firearms must be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight service. FedEx Express cannot ship or deliver firearms C.O.D. Firearms shipments cannot be placed in a FedEx Express Drop Box.

[Sections D. thru G. omitted]

A. FedEx Ground will transport and deliver firearms (excluding handguns) as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, between areas served in the U.S., but only between:

1. Licensed importers; licensed manufacturers; licensed dealers; licensed collectors; law enforcement agencies of the U.S. or any department or agency thereof; and law enforcement agencies of any state or any department, agency or political subdivisions thereof; or

2. Where not prohibited by local, state and federal law, from individuals to licensed importers, licensed manufacturers or licensed dealers (and return of same).

B. If your shipment contains firearms, select the Direct Signature Required or Adult Signature Required Delivery Signature Option, depending on the requirements of your shipment. See the Delivery Signature Options section for details. Firearms shipments are not eligible for signature release, driver release or indirect delivery.

C. FedEx Ground cannot ship or deliver firearms C.O.D.

[Sections D. thru G. omitted]

H. FedEx Ground will not accept for transport handguns, assembled or disassembled.

(Emphasis mine)

Additionally, AFAIK the "Pak" is basically just a big non-corrugated cardboard envelope, so it would not be a practical or wise option for handgun shipping regardless of the Terms & Conditions.

OTOH the "One Rate" options for boxes ($8.50-$37.25) are potentially attractive for folks shipping a long gun that can be broken down small enough to fit in the box, or particularly a compact "Other Firearm" such as an AR or FAL lower. AFAIK the FedEx tariff and/or Terms & Conditions do not appear to treat an "Other Firearm" any differently than a rifle or shotgun. However- to paraphrase Onward- someone please correct me if I posted erroneous info or misinterpreted the verbiage.

[Note to those unfamiliar with US federal firearms regulations... the term "Other Firearm" has a specific regulatory definition. Refer to the instructions for ATF Form 4473 before you make any assumptions regarding what I'm discussing.]

 

[Evan Thomas]

OK then...