Shipping Firearm Products
Definitions:
“Firearm” will have the same definition as set forth in Title 18, Chapter 44, and Title 26, Chapter 53, of the United States Code.
“Firearm Part” is any part or component of a Firearm that does not by itself meet the definition of a “Firearm.” By way of example only, Firearm Parts include, but are not limited to, barrels, stocks, grips, firing pins, sights, and magazines/clips.
“Firearm Products” means Firearms and Firearm Parts. The term Firearm Product does not include scopes.
UPS accepts packages containing Firearm Products for shipment only as a contractual service and only from Shippers who are licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers, or licensed collectors (as defined in Title 18, Chapter 44 of the United States Code) to authorized recipients, as outlined in an approved UPS agreement for the transportation of Firearm Products.
The shipper must comply with and must ensure that each shipment containing Firearms or Firearm Parts complies with all UPS requirements as well as all federal, state and local laws applicable to the shipper, recipient, and package, including, without limitation, age restrictions.
Prohibited Firearm Products Shipments
UPS does not accept automatic weapons, including machine guns, for shipment.
UPS does not accept Firearms or Firearm Parts for shipment internationally. Replicas or simulated Firearms are not accepted for shipment internationally except as a contractual service.
UPS only accepts Firearms (including Firearm mufflers/Firearm silencers and a “frame” or “receiver” as defined under federal law and regulations) that have been identified and bear a serial number in a manner that complies with federal law and regulations.
UPS does not accept packages that contain such Firearm Parts that can be assembled to form a full Firearm.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements for Firearm Products
The shipper must use Delivery Confirmation Adult Signature Required and Direct Delivery Only services for each package containing a Firearm and affix a UPS label requesting an adult signature upon delivery.
All Firearm Products must be shipped in new corrugated packaging that meets the UPS Single Wall Box Strength Guidelines.
All Firearm Products must be packaged in accordance with UPS Packaging Guideline Specifications.
Ammunition must be shipped separately from packages that contain Firearms.
The labeling and outer box markings on all Firearm Products shipments must not identify the contents as containing Firearm Products. Labeling, including the shipper's and consignee's abbreviated names on the shipping label or air shipping document, must be non-descriptive.
UPS Services for Your Firearm Products Shipment
UPS Express Critical™ Service and UPS Returns® Services are not available for packages containing Firearms without an express contractual agreement to provide such service.
Handguns, as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 921, will be accepted for transportation only via UPS Next Day Air Services, specifically:
- UPS Next Day Air® Early
- UPS Next Day Air®
- UPS Next Day Air Saver®
UPS, in its sole and unlimited discretion, may require the shipper to select a UPS Next Day Air delivery service for any package containing a Firearm Product.
Getting Your Firearm Products Shipment to UPS
Firearm Products may be tendered to UPS only as follows:
- Through a UPS Scheduled Pickup service
- Through a UPS On-Call Pickup® request; or
- Shippers with an approved Firearm Products agreement may provide a shipping label to customers who need to return Firearm Products to the shipper (or to another address as agreed upon between UPS and the shipper). Customers may drop off pre-labeled and packed packages at UPS Customer Centers or The UPS Store locations or schedule a pickup with UPS. Shippers are responsible for ensuring that such packages comply with UPS’s requirements and all applicable laws.
Firearm Products are not eligible for Delivery Change Requests (including, but not limited to, requests to reroute) or UPS My Choice® requests, and should not be addressed for delivery at any third party retailer or UPS Access Point location.
For approved Firearm Products shippers, refer to your UPS agreement for the shipment of Firearm Products, the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service - United States and the UPS Rate and Service Guide in effect at the time of shipping for more information regarding Firearm Products and ammunition shipments.