Can you link to the corporate policy or the law that states the outside of the package [you know, the label] must clearly state that it's a firearm and what the caliber is?Ironically I just stood behind a guy at a UPS hub this morning and watched him go through the process of shipping a firearm back to a manufacturer. He and I were both blown away at how easy it was, and in conversation came to realize we're both members on this website.
Due to my prior ignorance of this process, I asked a bunch of questions and now feel reasonably informed on UPS's policy of shipping firearms. Comparing what I learned a few hours ago against what you've explained, I see two potential issues. They must print the shipping & address labels on-site at the hub (I asked if I could provide the labels from my business, or have it picked-up from my location, and was told no to both). Also, that shipping label must declare a description of the weapon including caliber. I shipped ammo today, it too required a caliber description.
So, oddly enough, I had an experience today that proved how incredibly simple and non-confrontational it can be to ship a firearm through UPS.
Also, that shipping label must declare a description of the weapon including caliber. I shipped ammo today, it too required a caliber description.
ATF FAQ said:A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]
Not that it will help... But have you discussed this with your normal carrier? It's often beneficial to have a positive relationship with your normal carrier that would allow discussion of such issues imo.I got some gun parts from Numrich last week. On the computer the first delivery attempt was marked "cannot deliver as addressed". I got it the second time. My regular mail carrier is not a problem, but 1 day a week, there is a different carrier- same person that one day, so they know my address. I suspect an attitude problem by the sub.
Oh, and the package consisted of 2 small bolts, a washer and 2 small screws for an obsolete shotgun....but the package was marked "Numrich Gun Parts".
I wonder who he was going to call when he said he was going to 'call security' and I wonder if said 'security' person would have been more aware of corporate policies.
Yeah, I originally started my post with, "I know you wouldn't find it a good idea, but I wonder..." and then dropped it when I slightly changed my post.Yeah I was wondering the same thing and I honestly kept my cool. As nuts as this guy sounded on the voicemails and on the brief call I had with him, I didn't want to cause a scene and have him suddenly call the cops about "a guy with a rifle who is upset" etc. and get swat teamed.
Federal law seems to state, as stated above, that you must inform the carrier that it contains a firearm either way... I suppose that could have saved you the trip back as he could have thrown a pissy fit right then and there.He clearly has an agenda and had no reason to even suspect what was in the box other than it's shape and the recipient name which as the word "rifles" in it.
Chase it up to corporate and make sure they know this. I would, personally, try not to come off as a jackwagon but I would make it clear that UPS isn't losing business due to issues such as these from you and you're certainly not the only one shipping firearms exclusively through FedEx.Oh well, I am going to file a complaint and let it go. Needless to say, neither myself or any my businesses will ever ship UPS again.
Uhhh...not according to Federal law.
According to UPS...
"The labeling and outer box markings on all firearms shipments should not identify the contents as containing a firearm. Labeling, including the shipper's and consignee's abbreviated names on the shipping label or air shipping document, must be non-descriptive."
Seems confusing.
He got it from the guy shipping a firearm in line in front of him... He obviously took what he was told at face value.That's not confusing. It says the same thing that the ATF FAQ says. "No identifying marks". The ATF even recommends abbreviating the name of the destination (e.g. "S&W" instead of "Smith and Wesson"). I don't know where Jason R. Bruce's guy got the idea that the label has to have a full description, including caliber, of any firearms shipped. That's just asking to have your stuff "lost in transit".
Not that it will help... But have you discussed this with your normal carrier? It's often beneficial to have a positive relationship with your normal carrier that would allow discussion of such issues imo.
He got it from the guy shipping a firearm in line in front of him
According to UPS...
"The labeling and outer box markings on all firearms shipments should not identify the contents as containing a firearm. Labeling, including the shipper's and consignee's abbreviated names on the shipping label or air shipping document, must be non-descriptive."
Seems confusing.