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Shipping Ammunition & Firearms + Hazmat
nononsense
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As suggested, since there is a consistent demand for this information, I'm posting this as a Sticky for rapid reference:
How to Ship Ammunition or Ammo
There have been a lot of inquiries into how to ship ammunition and questioning whether you can ship it at all with today's transportation laws. Well, we did some extensive research to get the correct answer for you and here it is:
According to UPS, shipping ammunition is allowed, but there are some stipulations. The stipulations are not put in place by UPS, but instead, by the Department of Transportation. The D.O.T. has a classification called Title 49 CFR that spells out the details. We have summarized those details for you specific to shipping ammunition. FedEx has the same requirements, but also wants you to include a "Shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods" form which is on their site if you do a search for "Dangerous Goods Forms". The USPS follows the D.O.T. requirements but in talking to some of the USPS locations, the managers stated they would not accept the packages anyway in this day and age, so we recommend only using UPS or FedEx to ship ammo.
Title 49 CFR states in Chapter 1, section 173.63 the packaging exceptions to full regulation. Under that section, (b) Cartridges, small arms, may be reclassed, and offered for transportation, and transported as ORM-D material when packaged in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section; such transportation is excepted from the requirements of subparts E (Labeling) of part 172 of this subchapter. Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices that may be shipped as ORM-D material is limited to:
Under this "limited to" section, there is item (i) Ammunition for rifle, pistol or shotgun; and (iv) Ammunition not exceeding 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol, cartridges or 8 gauge for shot shells.
This is the critical part to shipping ammunition. If it is 50 caliber or less, or 8 gauge or less, UPS will take the shipment in a sturdy box marked with a ORM-D, Cartridges, Small Arms label on the outside of the box. UPS does recommend using this label as opposed to a regular ORM-D label from our research and inquiries to UPS themselves. Part 172, subchapter E states the label should be affixed near the shipping address location on the package. By placing it here, the carrier will see it as they direct the package to the correct location during shipment.
Now, under section 173.115, part (v) it states that cartridges, and 22 caliber rim-fire cartridges may be packaged loose in strong outside packaging. The label marking is the same as above.
There have been a lot of questions about Hazardous Material training for shipping ORM-D materials. This is a true fact. UPS or any other carrier does not require training. It is required by the D.O.T. and is listed under section 172.74 were the training can be performed by yourself and all you need to have is a documented record of the following:
* Hazmat employee name
* Training date
* Copy of the training materials
* Name and address of person providing training (This can be yourself)
* A certificate showing the employee is trained. (This can be made in house)
A description of the training is found at hazmat.dot.gov on the Internet without the www and click on rules and regulations. The key part of the in house training is you don't have to pay someone to train you. Just read this section and put together the emergency contacts, and procedures in case there is a issue. Easy stuff. With that, anyone can ship ammunition with ease, and the correct way.
Key resources for this ammunition shipping guideline included UPS through their hazardous materials department at 800-554-9964, FedEx 800.463.3339 through Dangerous Goods, USPS local locations and the Department of Transportation Classification division at 800-467-4922 and the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety on line at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat were all the documentation is listed. Knowing how to ship ammunition or ammo the correct way is important. Please pass this information on.
Here is the official code:
How to ship ammunition.
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 173 173.63
Packaging exceptions (b) Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices.
(1) Cartridges, small arms and cartridges power devices (which are used to project fastening devices) which have been classed as a Division 1.4S explosive may be reclassed, offered for transportation, and transported as ORM-D material when packaged in accordance with paragraph (b)
(2) of this section; such transportation is excepted from the requirements of subparts E (Labeling) and F (Placarding) of part 172 of this subchapter.
Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices that may be shipped as ORM-D material is limited to:
(i) Ammunition for rifle, pistol, or shotgun;
(ii) Ammunition with inert projectiles or blank ammunition;
(iii) Ammunition having no tear gas, incendiary, or detonating explosive projectiles;
(iv) Ammunition not exceeding 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol, cartridges or 8 gauge for shotshells; and
(v) Cartridges power devices which are use to project fastening devices. (
2) Packaging for cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices as ORM-D material must be as follows:
(i) Ammunition must be packed in inside boxes, or in partitions which fit snugly in the outside packaging, or in metal clips;
(ii) Primers must be protected from accidental initiation;
(iii) Inside boxes, partitions or metal clips must be packed in securely-closed strong outside packagings;
(iv) Maximum gross weight is limited to 30 Kg (66 pounds) per package; and
(v) Cartridges, power devices which are used to project fastening devices and 22 caliber rim-fire cartridges may be packaged loose in strong outside packagings.
Part 172 (Marking) 172.316 Packagings containing material classed as ORM-D
(a) Each non-bulk packaging containing a material classed as ORM-D must be marked on at least one side or end with the ORM-D designation immediately following or below the proper shipping name of the material (Cartridges, Small Arms). The ORM designation must be placed within a rectangle that is approximately 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) larger on each side that the designation.
(b) The marking ORM-D is the certification by the person offering the packaging for transportation that the material is properly described, classed, packaged, marked and labeled (when appropriate) and in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations of this subchapter.
So, basically you need to label the box on the end as ORM-D inside a square box you have drawn, then print Cartridges, 'Small Arms'; UPS illustration using 'Consumer Commodity'; (change to 'Cartridges, Small Arms') UPS hazardous/restricted items section @ 1-800-554-9964.
If you do this frequently, you can buy these labels from a label printing company such as stickers.com. If you do this infrequently, you can make your own stickers and print them out on your computer/printer.
http://www.sticker.com/fragile-warning.html"
Best.
ADDED:
HAZ-MAT training
From a post by Cheechako:
There have been a lot of questions about Hazardous Material training for shipping ORM-D materials. This is a true fact. UPS or any other carrier does not require training. It is required by the D.O.T. and is listed under section 172.74 were the training can be performed by yourself and all you need to have is a documented record of the following:
* Hazmat employee name
* Training date
* Copy of the training materials
* Name and address of person providing training (This can be yourself)
* A certificate showing the employee is trained. (This can be made in house)
A description of the training is found at hazmat.dot.gov on the Internet without the www and click on rules and regulations. The key part of the in house training is you don't have to pay someone to train you. Just read this section and put together the emergency contacts, and procedures in case there is a issue. Easy stuff. With that, anyone can ship ammunition with ease, and the correct way.
Key resources for this ammunition shipping guideline included UPS through their hazardous materials department at 800-554-9964, FedEx 800.463.3339 through Dangerous Goods, USPS local locations and the Department of Transportation Classification division at 800-467-4922 and the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety on line at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat were all the documentation is listed. Knowing how to ship ammunition or ammo the correct way is important. Please pass this information on.
How to Ship Ammunition or Ammo
There have been a lot of inquiries into how to ship ammunition and questioning whether you can ship it at all with today's transportation laws. Well, we did some extensive research to get the correct answer for you and here it is:
According to UPS, shipping ammunition is allowed, but there are some stipulations. The stipulations are not put in place by UPS, but instead, by the Department of Transportation. The D.O.T. has a classification called Title 49 CFR that spells out the details. We have summarized those details for you specific to shipping ammunition. FedEx has the same requirements, but also wants you to include a "Shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods" form which is on their site if you do a search for "Dangerous Goods Forms". The USPS follows the D.O.T. requirements but in talking to some of the USPS locations, the managers stated they would not accept the packages anyway in this day and age, so we recommend only using UPS or FedEx to ship ammo.
Title 49 CFR states in Chapter 1, section 173.63 the packaging exceptions to full regulation. Under that section, (b) Cartridges, small arms, may be reclassed, and offered for transportation, and transported as ORM-D material when packaged in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section; such transportation is excepted from the requirements of subparts E (Labeling) of part 172 of this subchapter. Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices that may be shipped as ORM-D material is limited to:
Under this "limited to" section, there is item (i) Ammunition for rifle, pistol or shotgun; and (iv) Ammunition not exceeding 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol, cartridges or 8 gauge for shot shells.
This is the critical part to shipping ammunition. If it is 50 caliber or less, or 8 gauge or less, UPS will take the shipment in a sturdy box marked with a ORM-D, Cartridges, Small Arms label on the outside of the box. UPS does recommend using this label as opposed to a regular ORM-D label from our research and inquiries to UPS themselves. Part 172, subchapter E states the label should be affixed near the shipping address location on the package. By placing it here, the carrier will see it as they direct the package to the correct location during shipment.
Now, under section 173.115, part (v) it states that cartridges, and 22 caliber rim-fire cartridges may be packaged loose in strong outside packaging. The label marking is the same as above.
There have been a lot of questions about Hazardous Material training for shipping ORM-D materials. This is a true fact. UPS or any other carrier does not require training. It is required by the D.O.T. and is listed under section 172.74 were the training can be performed by yourself and all you need to have is a documented record of the following:
* Hazmat employee name
* Training date
* Copy of the training materials
* Name and address of person providing training (This can be yourself)
* A certificate showing the employee is trained. (This can be made in house)
A description of the training is found at hazmat.dot.gov on the Internet without the www and click on rules and regulations. The key part of the in house training is you don't have to pay someone to train you. Just read this section and put together the emergency contacts, and procedures in case there is a issue. Easy stuff. With that, anyone can ship ammunition with ease, and the correct way.
Key resources for this ammunition shipping guideline included UPS through their hazardous materials department at 800-554-9964, FedEx 800.463.3339 through Dangerous Goods, USPS local locations and the Department of Transportation Classification division at 800-467-4922 and the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety on line at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat were all the documentation is listed. Knowing how to ship ammunition or ammo the correct way is important. Please pass this information on.
Here is the official code:
How to ship ammunition.
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 173 173.63
Packaging exceptions (b) Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices.
(1) Cartridges, small arms and cartridges power devices (which are used to project fastening devices) which have been classed as a Division 1.4S explosive may be reclassed, offered for transportation, and transported as ORM-D material when packaged in accordance with paragraph (b)
(2) of this section; such transportation is excepted from the requirements of subparts E (Labeling) and F (Placarding) of part 172 of this subchapter.
Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices that may be shipped as ORM-D material is limited to:
(i) Ammunition for rifle, pistol, or shotgun;
(ii) Ammunition with inert projectiles or blank ammunition;
(iii) Ammunition having no tear gas, incendiary, or detonating explosive projectiles;
(iv) Ammunition not exceeding 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol, cartridges or 8 gauge for shotshells; and
(v) Cartridges power devices which are use to project fastening devices. (
2) Packaging for cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices as ORM-D material must be as follows:
(i) Ammunition must be packed in inside boxes, or in partitions which fit snugly in the outside packaging, or in metal clips;
(ii) Primers must be protected from accidental initiation;
(iii) Inside boxes, partitions or metal clips must be packed in securely-closed strong outside packagings;
(iv) Maximum gross weight is limited to 30 Kg (66 pounds) per package; and
(v) Cartridges, power devices which are used to project fastening devices and 22 caliber rim-fire cartridges may be packaged loose in strong outside packagings.
Part 172 (Marking) 172.316 Packagings containing material classed as ORM-D
(a) Each non-bulk packaging containing a material classed as ORM-D must be marked on at least one side or end with the ORM-D designation immediately following or below the proper shipping name of the material (Cartridges, Small Arms). The ORM designation must be placed within a rectangle that is approximately 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) larger on each side that the designation.
(b) The marking ORM-D is the certification by the person offering the packaging for transportation that the material is properly described, classed, packaged, marked and labeled (when appropriate) and in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations of this subchapter.
So, basically you need to label the box on the end as ORM-D inside a square box you have drawn, then print Cartridges, 'Small Arms'; UPS illustration using 'Consumer Commodity'; (change to 'Cartridges, Small Arms') UPS hazardous/restricted items section @ 1-800-554-9964.
If you do this frequently, you can buy these labels from a label printing company such as stickers.com. If you do this infrequently, you can make your own stickers and print them out on your computer/printer.
http://www.sticker.com/fragile-warning.html"
Best.
ADDED:
HAZ-MAT training
From a post by Cheechako:
There have been a lot of questions about Hazardous Material training for shipping ORM-D materials. This is a true fact. UPS or any other carrier does not require training. It is required by the D.O.T. and is listed under section 172.74 were the training can be performed by yourself and all you need to have is a documented record of the following:
* Hazmat employee name
* Training date
* Copy of the training materials
* Name and address of person providing training (This can be yourself)
* A certificate showing the employee is trained. (This can be made in house)
A description of the training is found at hazmat.dot.gov on the Internet without the www and click on rules and regulations. The key part of the in house training is you don't have to pay someone to train you. Just read this section and put together the emergency contacts, and procedures in case there is a issue. Easy stuff. With that, anyone can ship ammunition with ease, and the correct way.
Key resources for this ammunition shipping guideline included UPS through their hazardous materials department at 800-554-9964, FedEx 800.463.3339 through Dangerous Goods, USPS local locations and the Department of Transportation Classification division at 800-467-4922 and the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety on line at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat were all the documentation is listed. Knowing how to ship ammunition or ammo the correct way is important. Please pass this information on.
Comments
Here are some helpful links,
GB shipping FAQ, http://www.gunbroker.com/Support/SupportFAQView.aspx?faqid=1118
ATF FAQ, http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/
ATF State laws, http://www.atf.gov/publications/firearms/state-laws/29th-edition/index.html
This info for dealing with transfer of firearms by FEDERAL rules. I know there are exceptions for some states and local areas. I have provided a link above for state laws, make sure you know what is legal in your state.
Here is a link to the ATF dealing with UNLICENSED People, http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/unlicensed-persons.html These are the FEDERAL laws, some states have stricter laws.
Q: To whom may an unlicensed person transfer firearms under the GCA?
A person may sell a firearm to an unlicensed resident of his State, if he does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law. A person may loan or rent a firearm to a resident of any State for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes, if he does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law. A person may sell or transfer a firearm to a licensee in any State. However, a firearm other than a curio or relic may not be transferred interstate to a licensed collector.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) and (5), 922(d), 27 CFR 478.29 and 478.30]
Q: From whom may an unlicensed person acquire a firearm under the GCA?
A person may only acquire a firearm within the person's own State, except that he or she may purchase or otherwise acquire a rifle or shotgun, in person, at a licensee's premises in any State, provided the sale complies with State laws applicable in the State of sale and the State where the purchaser resides. A person may borrow or rent a firearm in any State for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) and (5), 922(b)(3), 27 CFR 478.29 and 478.30]
Q: May an unlicensed person obtain a firearm from an out-of-State source if the person arranges to obtain the firearm through a licensed dealer in the purchaser's own State?
A person not licensed under the GCA and not prohibited from acquiring firearms may purchase a firearm from an out-of-State source and obtain the firearm if an arrangement is made with a licensed dealer in the purchaser's State of residence for the purchaser to obtain the firearm from the dealer.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) and 922(b)(3)]
In short it is LEGAL to transfer any gun IN state to anyone that can legally have a gun. You can ONLY buy long guns and ONLY from an FFL out of state. Pistols can ONLY be bought in your state of residence. Any gun can be shipped to a dealer in your state.
An FFL can receive a gun from anyone in any state. There is no FEDERAL requirement that a gun be sent from an FFL. Some FFL's CHOOSE to only receive guns from an FFL. One exception to this rule is in NY state handguns must from an FFL.
Shipping firearms to yourself, return shipping of your firearm from an FFL, and inheritance are not considered transfers.
Here are some helpful links,
GB shipping FAQ, http://www.gunbroker.com/Support/SupportFAQView.aspx?faqid=1118
ATF FAQ, http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/
ATF State laws, http://www.atf.gov/publications/firearms/state-laws/29th-edition/index.html
USPS, http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm
UPS, http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/firearms.html?srch_pos=1&srch_phr=Firearms
Fedex, http://www.fedex.com/us/freight/rulestariff/prohibited_articles.html
This info is for shipping firearms by FEDERAL law.
Here is a direct link to the ATF rules for shipping, http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/unlicensed-persons.html
Q: May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service?
A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another State. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. The Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]
Q: May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier?
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]
In short you can mail or ship a long gun though any carrier including USPS. If you are an FFL holder (not including 03) you can ship handguns though USPS. If you are not an FFL you have to ship handguns by common carrier. The two most common carriers are UPS and Fedex. Both require overnight shipping by company POLICY not law and will only accept firearms at their hubs. Federal law does require that you disclose to a shipper if a package contains a firearm.
As of 1/12021 the standard blue ORM-D stickers are no longer allowed, and the consumer commodity stickers are to be used in their place.
UPS notice to their customers:
New DOT regulations:
Thanks for the current info, @toad67
Member participation is what the forum is all about. Mark C.
Can anyone verify how much of this info is still accurate and up to date? Send me a PM