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Shipping ammo

diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
edited March 2008 in Ask the Experts
Okay I read the sticky on it. From what I get from it and what I have been told over the years,
shipping live ammo via the USPS is illegal.

Then my question is; if it is illegal then how are the big sellers on the auction side
getting away with shipping ammo via USPS?
They state they ship USPS and the shipping price they are giving is for Priority Mail.
I know because I know what UPS charges and there is no way I can charge $6 - $7 less to match their shipping price
on the same ammo via UPS.

I now understand why we do not sell as much ammo even though our price for the auction is within line with the rest.
Our shipping cost kills it because we ship within the law.

Comments

  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    What carrier(s) can I ship ammo through? Do you have to declare what is in the shipment? Just need some info on shipping laws governing ammunition. Also, I am not a FFL holder. How can I ship a firearm legally?
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Can anyone ship ammo? Let me know of anything special that needs done.Thanks
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am an individual in Illinois and have some ammo I want to put on the auction site. What are the legalities of me selling and shipping? Thanks!
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Am I allowed to ship ammo with the U.S. Postal Service? Seems like people are doing it but it seems to conflict what the postal service says is non-mailable items.

    Thanks,
    Mike
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Guys, our sticky is 7+ years old and I'm wondering if there have been new restrictions placed in these years. I have a couple of boxes of old Colt .32 long that I want to put on the auction side. I don't want to go to jail for this little amount of money.

    Thanks,
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am going to use UPS ground with ORM-D lables but I need to know of any restrictions from one individual in Louisiana to another in Illinois. Is a copy of their FOID card all I need.
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm new to the site so appologies if this is the wrong place to ask this. I'm not a dealer, I just have some ammo sitting around that I no longer have guns for. When I sell it on the auction site, are there any precautions I should take with regard to who I ship to and how?
    Thanks for the help.

    Don W.
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm looking for information on shipping ammo.
    Whats involved shipping a sealed spam can of ammo using UPS ?
    Do you have to tell them whats in the box, or just ship it and shut up?
    I called the ups store today and got the run around-evil ammo lecture.
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    You can ship ammo from a UPS Customer Center (not a franchised UPS store)without any problem whatsoever. The rate will be the regular "per pound" rate as all other consumer goods. Here is a bank of ORM-D Labels you can print on an Avery blank label full sheet page:

    CopyofORM-DLabels.jpg

    Here is what a package of Avery full sheet label media looks like, from Office Depot:

    AveryFullSheetLabelImage.jpg

    Just have your carton well packed and tight with labels attached, and when you go to the computer to make a shipping label at the UPS terminal, write in "consumer" when it asks what type of material is being shipped. When you get your UPS SHIPPING LABEL FINISHED, STICK IT ON YOUR PACKAGE AND TAKE IT TO THE SCALES AND SAY "SHIP IT GROUND" No other action is necessary. They'll weigh it, scan your UPS label and ask you for the money. Pay and you're done.

    Forget about FEDEX, and DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT MAILING AMMO USPS!
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    hi went to usps today about shipping ammo lady was clueless,what are the rules?
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    What is the most cost effective way to ship approximately 100lbs of 10mm ammo from one state to another. Fedex wants to charge me around 350$ any other ideas would be great.

    WordBorn!!
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't have an FFL. Can I ship ammo to someone that does not have an FFL ? Thanks
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've been including my extra ammo in my auctions when I sell a gun that I only have one of in that caliber. This is the first time I have ever sold any of my firearms...but just too many right now.

    Shipping is a RIP-OFF!!! USPS won't take it, UPS wants it by contracted businesses only, at $40 per parcel, and Fed-Ex wants $30 per parcel.

    Any other options for shipping????....this is a joke!!!

    Thanks!!!
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I recently sold my last .380 to a fellow 4 states away-gun went expensively but completely legally to his local FFL. I have 300? rds. of older but unfired, in-the-box factory ammo. He wants to buy it on the cheap, which is cool with me-I have no further need.

    I live in a small Rocky Mtn. community. I called our single local UPS and FedEx offices-you'd think I wanted to ship a hundred lbs. of C4 on Air Force One. I check ups/fedex.coms. The hazardous materials pages are absurd and endless. I have to be a certified hazardous materials contract shipper with a pick-up account to even call them. Has it truly become easier to ship an arm than a small quantity of ammo?

    I see ammo for sale on this and other arms sites-often small quantities for prices in the teens by non-FFL's. What do these guys do? What's the average Joe Citizen to do other than 'inadvertantly mistate' the package contents?

    Thanks for any help.
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    hello I have 3 old boxes of remington kleenbore rifle ammo 45-70 that I want to list on gunbroker but I am unsure of how to ship the ammo to a buyer without costing a small fortune any help will be greatly appreciated I can best be contacted at gundoc2000@yahoo.com

    thanks for any help Dan
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I assume that USPS still does not take Ammo? Is that what ya'll see? Lots of people are still using them and seemingly not getting caught. Ive told some not to us them but still see ammo getting shipped through them.
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I know you have to ship ammo UPS or FedEx. And you need to mark the outside of the box. How?
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would like to sell .300 WSM ammo on Gunbroker.com that I don't need anymore. I have never shipped ammo before. Need advice on how to ship ammo. Anybody have any tips? Is see UPS requires special labeling, but are there HAZMAT fees? The information on shipping firearms is clear, but ammo not so.
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Friend wants me to ship some 380 ammo to Ohio how can i find out what state or legal to ship to.
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I want to ship my son-in-law some 30-06 ammo. Who will take this Postal service fed-ex or ups????
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Does anyone have any tips for me on shipping ammo out to a buyer? This will be the first time I've ever sold ammon online. REALLY appreciate the help! Thanks!
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    What are rules for shipping ammo sold on Gun Broker?
    Can ammo be shipped in same box with a pistol??
  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ship UPS Ground, mark as ORM-D, Cartridges, small arms. Unless one shipment weighs 66 lbs or more it is NOT HAZMAT (see UPS site for rules, many of their staff will not know) DO NOT MAIL LIVE AMMO. Should have adult signature required. Some storefronts do not want to accept it- see if yours will, or if you can schedule a pickup from your place.
  • flyingtorpedoflyingtorpedo Member Posts: 1,301 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Welcome to the Forum!
    This question gets asked all the time-I had the same question not to long ago. DO NOT ship it through the mail. UPS would be the best bet.
    "We go through this every time someone wants to ship ammunition. 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 #698;Cartridges, Small Arms#698; UPS illustration using #698;Consumer Commodity#698; (change to #698;Cartridges, Small Arms#698;) 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"


    I cut and pasted that from another topic,
    http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=274814
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    flyingtorpedo,

    Thanks for the help. This give me the confidence to list my item, which I did on Gunbroker.com.

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93840407

    quote:Originally posted by flyingtorpedo
    Welcome to the Forum!
    This question gets asked all the time-I had the same question not to long ago. DO NOT ship it through the mail. UPS would be the best bet.
    "We go through this every time someone wants to ship ammunition. 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 #698;Cartridges, Small Arms#698; UPS illustration using #698;Consumer Commodity#698; (change to #698;Cartridges, Small Arms#698;) 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"


    I cut and pasted that from another topic,
    http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=274814
  • flyingtorpedoflyingtorpedo Member Posts: 1,301 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You're welcome. I waited to list my ammo on GB until I saw that. I always send it with adult signature required as well. Just an extra step to cover your butt. There is no extra charge for it being ammo. Didn't take long to get a bid on the auction. Good luck!
  • diesel83diesel83 Member Posts: 26 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The adult signature was on another site. Somebody said make mention of the ATF regulations so that people understand the laws. Check my post for the language.
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