Special Procedures for Shipping Ammunition (Cartridges, Small Arms)
UPS accepts for transportation such ammunition that constitutes as "cartridges, small arms," as defined in 49 C.F.R. § 173.59. All other allowable ammunition shipments are accepted only on a contractual basis, and must be prepared under the rules for a fully regulated hazardous material.
Ammunition will be transported only when packaged and labeled in compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 172 (Hazardous Materials), and must be shipped in accordance with the UPS Guide for Shipping Ground and Air Hazardous Materials. To meet the exception for Limited Quantity, ammunition can be shipped via UPS Ground only within the 48 contiguous United States, UPS Ground Intra-Oahu and Intra-Alaska.
To qualify as Cartridges, small arms "Limited Quantity", ammunition must be:
Ammunition that does not exceed 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol cartridges or 8 gauge for shotgun shells; or Ammunition with inert projectiles or blank ammunition
Important Additional Information
- Ammunition may not be packaged with firearms
- Ammunition may not be shipped to individuals under the age of 18
- Ammunition is not accepted for shipment internationally
UPS Services for Your Ammunition Shipment
To meet the exception for “Limited Quantity,” ammunition can only be shipped via UPS Ground within the 48 contiguous states, UPS Ground Intra-Oahu and UPS Ground Intra-Alaska. Ammunition is not accepted for shipment internationally. Shipping papers are not required.
Only the standard shipping charges apply when shipping ammunition. There are no "accessorial" or additional charges.
Shipments of ammunition with other UPS services must be prepared as a fully regulated hazardous material and are available only on a contractual basis.
To qualify as cartridges, small arms "Limited Quantity," ammunition must meet the following criteria:
- Ammunition cannot exceed 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol cartridges or 8-gauge for shotgun shells
- Ammunition can be inert projectiles (blank ammunition)
- The package may not exceed 66 lb. (30 kg)
The shipper must comply with and ensure that each shipment containing ammunition complies with all federal, state and local laws applicable to the shipper, recipient, and package, including, without limitation, age restrictions.
Packing Requirements for Ammunition
Ammunition will be transported only when packaged and labeled in compliance with 49 C.F.R. Part 172, et seq. regarding hazardous materials shipments, and must be shipped in accordance with the UPS Guide for Shipping Ground and Air Hazardous Materials.
All ammunition must be shipped in new corrugated packaging which meets the UPS Single Wall Box Strength Guidelines. Ammunition must be packed with internal boxes or partitioning or in metal clips. The internal boxes, partitions or clips must fit snugly into the external packaging that is securely closed so that it cannot open during transportation
Getting Your Ammunition Shipment to UPS
Cartridges, small arms may be shipped only through a UPS Scheduled Pickup Account using various UPS pickup services or through a UPS Customer Center (counters at UPS operational facilities).
Cartridges, small arms are not accepted for shipment via UPS Drop Boxes, and may not be tendered to or dropped off at locations of The UPS Store® or any third-party retailer or UPS Access Point™ location.
Domestic cartridges, small arms shipments that meet the exception for Limited Quantity packages and that comply with all UPS requirements for the shipment of ammunition (as set forth in the above guidelines and UPS Terms) may be delivered by UPS to a third-party retailer or UPS Access Point™ location in the United States.
