USPS gun shipping regulations?

[jnyork]

Went to send a rifle USPS this morning, not wanting to drive the 26 miles one way to the UPS hub. I have shipped maybe 12-15 rifles over the years without a moments problem.

Not so this morning. The cow behind the counter first thing asked if this package contained a gun, to which I answered yes. That set her off. Next she wanted me to sign a paper stating I was a manufacturer or licensed dealer, which I declined. After going a few more rounds with her, I finally demanded to see the Postmaster, he finally came out of his hiding hole in the back , real smart alec young guy, and we went a few rounds more, he finally wound reading his own regs and directed the cow to go ahead and send it.

I used to have a copy of the USPS regs on this but have lost them and wish someone would post them, I looked on the website but couldn't come up with them. I am especially interested in the reg that prevents them from asking the contents of a package, and the reg that says a private citizen may ship long guns to a FFL .

Thanks

[Ray]

Deleted.

[vancelw]

You have to declare that it is a firearm, and you have to show a copy of the FFL to whom you are sending it.
But you don't have to be an FFL to send a long gun via USPS.

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

Read 432.3

[Griff]

You have to declare that it is a firearm, and you have to show a copy of the FFL to whom you are sending it.
But you don't have to be an FFL to send a long gun via USPS.

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

Read 432.3

Before I spout off... what's the statute of limitations?

[jkbrea]

You can also ship a rifle to "yourself" across country. I've done it a couple times to my son's address.....for a hunting trip.

[vancelw]

You have to declare that it is a firearm, and you have to show a copy of the FFL to whom you are sending it.
But you don't have to be an FFL to send a long gun via USPS.

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

Read 432.3

Before I spout off... what's the statute of limitations?

No idea on federal regs. Asking for a friend, right?

I wouldn't even ask questions for a friend on the world wide interweb full of bots and crawlers

[Pete44ru]

.

I've been successfully mailing (USPS) long guns for at least the past 25 years, w/o issue - always remembering to keep in mind that even a fish wouldn't get into difficulty, if it would only learn to keep it's big mouth shut.

When the Postal Clerk asked if you were mailing a firearm, you were under NO legal obligation to declare the parcel's contents as a firearm, or disclose whatever the contents of your parcel are beyond answering the USPS Clerk's questions about the distinct areas covering USPS "mailability" .

If a mailer does so disclose the contents, any following difficulty can be considered self-inflicted.

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c2_022.htm#ep773106

To wit:

At retail units, mailers (you) must be asked the question: “Does this parcel contain anything fragile, liquid, perishable, or potentially hazardous, including lithium batteries and perfume ? ”

FWIW, I always answer "fragile", and have already/previously so marked the parcel on all 6 sides.




Regarding "mailability, please read in it's entirety: https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

To wit (partially):

Mailers must comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968, all of the provisions of postal law in 18 U.S.C. 1715, and all other all federal and state regulations and local ordinances affecting the movement of firearms.

The following also applies:

a. The Postal Service MAY require the mailer to open parcels containing firearms or air guns OR give written certification that the weapon is unloaded and not concealable.

b. Short-barreled rifles or shotguns that can be concealed on the person are non-mailable.

c. No markings of any kind that indicate the nature of the contents may be placed on the outside wrapper or container of any mail piece containing firearms.

d. Mailable matter must be properly and securely packaged within the general packaging requirements in DMM 601.1-7.

e. Except for shipments between licensed dealers, manufacturers, or importers, all regulated firearms must be mailed using a USPS product or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery.




Only FFL holders must fill out form PS 1508:

To wit:

432.24 Certificate of Manufacturers, Dealers, and Importers

A federal firearms licensee manufacturer, dealer, or importer need not file the affidavit under 432.22, but must file with the Postmaster a statement on PS Form 1508, Statement by Shipper of Firearms, signed by the mailer that he or she is a licensed manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms




Finally, per USPS Reg 432.3(d):

d. Rifles and shotguns may be mailed by a non-FFL owner domestically to a FFL dealer, manufacturer, or importer in any state.
These items must be mailed using a class of mail, product, or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery.



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[vancelw]

You're giving out seriously bad advice and opening your mouth in the process

18 U.S.C. 1715,


2 years in federal prison

[Pete44ru]

You're giving out seriously bad advice and opening your mouth in the process

18 U.S.C. 1715,


2 years in federal prison

An old wife's tale - My response above, and the OP's question pertained to mailing a long gun (rifle, in this case).

18 U.S.C. 1715 pertains to punishment for violating the USPS restrictions of non-FFL's on mailing concealable firearms (pistols, revolvers, & certain others).


§1715. Firearms as nonmailable; regulations

Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person are non-mailable and shall not be deposited in or carried by the mails or delivered by any officer or employee of the Postal Service.

Such articles may be conveyed in the mails, under such (exemptive) regulations as the Postal Service shall prescribe.

Such articles also may be conveyed in the mails to manufacturers of firearms or bona fide dealers therein in customary trade shipments, including such articles for repairs or replacement of parts, from one to the other, under such regulations as the Postal Service shall prescribe.



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[Paladin]

Thanks all for the info. Getting tired of the FedEx and UPS charges when I send firearms and silencers to myself when I travel through Canada to pick up on the other end.

[marlinman93]

You have to declare that it is a firearm, and you have to show a copy of the FFL to whom you are sending it.
But you don't have to be an FFL to send a long gun via USPS.

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

Read 432.3

Hogwash! Not only is this bad info, it's not regulations for USPS!

I've gone round and round with USPS and have a direct line to my local USPS agent who oversees the shipping of firearms. First thing he told me was, "Our people do not have the right to ask any question about what's inside your package!"
He went on to say they can ask the standard questions we all hear when shipping anything, but said if they ask anything else to simply say, "You aren't allowed to ask what's in my package."

You do have to have a copy of your FFL or the receiving party's FFL, but you don't show that to USPS for firearms shipments of rifles after 1898 mfg. If you are shipping a handgun you can't use USPS anyway, so they fall to UPS or Fed Ex.
I went round and round with my local USPS station years ago when the clerk asked me what was inside my package. I tried to tell them it was OK because it was antique, and not considered a "firearm" by ATF rules. I got the regs from their site, and showed them it was OK, but still they refused. The agent downtown was furious, and very apologetic. But he finally asked if there was another station I could take it to? I said there was, and he told me to take it there, and don't tell them what it is, even if they ask. I did, and all went well ever since.
Now I ship USPS all the time, and keep the FFL in my files if it's ever needed, but I never show it, or tell them it's a gun, regardless of whether it's antique or modern. Anyone who tells you you're required to show the postal worker the FFL is giving bad information!@ You have to have a FFL for post 1898 rifles, but you merely keep it, you don't go waving it around at your postal station!

[kaschi]

I've asked about sending firearms at a couple of different post offices in the area and EVERY SINGLE ONE has given different info! How ridiculous is that? One of them even said it's impossible and against the law. Seriously, how the Postmaster of any given post office not know this is beyond belief???!!! Sad state of affairs…. I've sent long guns with NO PROBLEM using UPS. It's a little further to drive and costs a little more but at least it gets properly done while staying within the law. The USPS needs to have a workshop for all postal employees so that they get this straight once and for all.

[marlinman93]

I've asked about sending firearms at a couple of different post offices in the area and EVERY SINGLE ONE has given different info! How ridiculous is that? One of them even said it's impossible and against the law. Seriously, how the Postmaster of any given post office not know this is beyond belief???!!! Sad state of affairs…. I've sent long guns with NO PROBLEM using UPS. It's a little further to drive and costs a little more but at least it gets properly done while staying within the law. The USPS needs to have a workshop for all postal employees so that they get this straight once and for all.

The problem is more than poor training. It's often a case of antigun sentiments getting into the process! When I decided to win my battle (foolish on my part!) I printed out all the regulations, and had the agent at the main station call that station and tell them the rules and regulations also! At that point I felt like I'd win that one for sure!
I strolled into the station and laid the papers on the counter, and the woman looked them all over and said, "How do I know this applies to your gun?"
I knew right then that no matter what I showed them, she would never comply. I finally took the advice of the agent downtown, and just never told them what I was shipping.

[Pete44ru]

You have to declare that it is a firearm, and you have to show a copy of the FFL to whom you are sending it.
But you don't have to be an FFL to send a long gun via USPS.

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

Read 432.3

Hogwash! Not only is this bad info, it's not regulations for USPS !

I've gone round and round with USPS and have a direct line to my local USPS agent who oversees the shipping of firearms. First thing he told me was, "Our people do not have the right to ask any question about what's inside your package!"
He went on to say they can ask the standard questions we all hear when shipping anything, but said if they ask anything else to simply say, "You aren't allowed to ask what's in my package."

You do have to have a copy of your FFL or the receiving party's FFL, but you don't show that to USPS for firearms shipments of rifles after 1898 mfg. If you are shipping a handgun you can't use USPS anyway, so they fall to UPS or Fed Ex.
I went round and round with my local USPS station years ago when the clerk asked me what was inside my package. I tried to tell them it was OK because it was antique, and not considered a "firearm" by ATF rules. I got the regs from their site, and showed them it was OK, but still they refused. The agent downtown was furious, and very apologetic. But he finally asked if there was another station I could take it to? I said there was, and he told me to take it there, and don't tell them what it is, even if they ask. I did, and all went well ever since.
Now I ship USPS all the time, and keep the FFL in my files if it's ever needed, but I never show it, or tell them it's a gun, regardless of whether it's antique or modern. Anyone who tells you you're required to show the postal worker the FFL is giving bad information!@ You have to have a FFL for post 1898 rifles, but you merely keep it, you don't go waving it around at your postal station!

+2


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