Had a new one at my Local UPS drop off

[Truman]

First of all Its great living in a small towm where you know people. I made a trade with a guy and took my gun to ship.I always take a copy of the FFL or C&R so the address is correct for shipping. The owner asked if I had checked the No. on the license. I said no, He said he would call it in to verify the number matched the name. A quick call by him and I was good to go. I never really thought about doing this but it does seem like a prudent thing to do. I was also glad that he thought enough me to offer. He said he used to be an FFL and always worried about a bogus copy. Plus he keeps a copy of the FFl in his records. Is this required or just good business? Thanks Truman

[broknaxl]

Probably just good business, but UPS may require it also.

[Malysh]

UPS has always asked me to provide an FFL copy if I bring in a handgun to ship to an out of state FFL.
But when I recently sold a 1961 S&W Mod 40 Centennial to a C&R they told me they will not ship a handgun to a residence. I called FedEx to check they said no problem. When I went in they didn't want the C&R license copy as they have access to ATF and other federal records. While I was filling out a short info form the clerk just looked up the C&R holder's name and address and that was enough. He wasn't looking at the C&R license copy. He just asked for that info.
This is because they've had the current contract as a shipping carrier with the federal govt. for about 10 years. I remember reading about it in the papers at the time. I imagine UPS and FedEx have both had these contracts at one time or another.

This was the first time I've sold a gun to a C&R. It was a learning experience.
I got some great information on the forum when I asked about selling and shipping to a C&R.

[Skans]

Keep this in mind as well when dealing with UPS: They will now ask you if what you are shipping is replaceable. If you say it can't be replaced, they will refuse to ship it. I had this happen when I was trying to ship a Python back to Colt for reapir. I made the mistake of telling them that it really could not be replaced by Colt since Colt no longer made them. I was finally able to convince them that it was not "irreplaceable" and that there are many used ones out there. They told me that if it was damaged or lost, that I would be out of luck. I agreed to ship it with only minimal insurance, and they finally accepted it.

The truth is that this particular Python would be very difficult, if not impossible to replace, since it was manufactured in 1957. It got there ok, but this left me with a very uneasy feeling after I dropped it of to UPS. I think I'll use FedX next time.

[Truman]

Keep this in mind as well when dealing with UPS: They will now ask you if what you are shipping is replaceable. If you say it can't be replaced, they will refuse to ship it. I had this happen when I was trying to ship a Python back to Colt for reapir. I made the mistake of telling them that it really could not be replaced by Colt since Colt no longer made them. I was finally able to convince them that it was not "irreplaceable" and that there are many used ones out there. They told me that if it was damaged or lost, that I would be out of luck. I agreed to ship it with only minimal insurance, and they finally accepted it.

The truth is that this particular Python would be very difficult, if not impossible to replace, since it was manufactured in 1957. It got there ok, but this left me with a very uneasy feeling after I dropped it of to UPS. I think I'll use FedX next time.

Why would you not insure it for full value? Truman

[Buckspen]

I shipped a couple of guns by UPS within the last two weeks and they didn't ask me about "replaceability". I ship using a UPS full service shipping facility not one of the local UPS retail "stores". They also have never made a copy of the FFL or checked the number to make sure that it was valid. They do ask me for my ID each time. I always ship next day air express "saver" rate (not much "saving" being done there!), pay for "adult signature on delivery" and insure for full value. Only problem I ever had was a shotgun stock that got busted in shipment about 15 years ago. UPS paid quickly for a replacement stock and fitting.

- - - - Buckspen

[alienbogey]

Good to know not to use the 'irreplaceable' word.

I seem to get a different story every time I ship one. The other day I sent a Python to Colt via FedEx. The first thing the gal said was the needed to inspect it to make sure the firearm was disassembled. I said it was a revolver and there was no way I was going to take it apart. She consulted her manual, backed off on that, then insisted that she did have to see it. I started to dispute that, then the manager came over and told me they had to see it because of my declared value of $1200.

So, I stood there and took apart a practically impregnable double boxed packing job, showed them the item, and got to pack it all up again.

Never had to do that before at FedEx or UPS.

[Skans]

Why would you not insure it for full value? Truman

After trying to back-track on calling it "irreplaceable" for 15 minutes, they told me that if it got lost or damaged, and if it was determined to be "irreplaceable" that the gun wouldn't be covered anyway. So, why would I pay for insurance that is going to simply be void if something happens? I took my chances, insured it for the minimum and it got there. But, this experience with UPS wasn't a pleasant one.

I thought perhaps that I was being singled out because I was shipping a gun. Turns out that while I was convincing them that my Python wasn't irreplaceable, they turned down someone else who wanted to ship an antique collectible for this same reason. Well, they took my 1957 Python, but turned away the lady with the antique - go figure.

Just giving you folks a "heads up" on this irreplaceable language when using UPS.

PS: Whenever I ship guns, I don't seal the box. I find that it is best to have the gun packed, but box not taped up. This way I'm not carrying an unboxed firearm into the shipping place, they can inspect it to make sure its not loaded, and they will help tape it up after this. I don't know about FedX, but UPS wants to verify that the firearm is unloaded. I'm Ok with this, that's not a bad policy and not much of an inconvenience if you know to expect it.

[Malysh]

Calling or visiting different UPS or FedEx branches is like calling any big organization with a question. One doesn't always get the correct answer (or policy). You could ask the same question to a few different employees and get a bunch of different answers. It depends on who takes the call or waits on the customer. Same thing with USPS policies.
The companies have uniform policies, but I've found over the years not all employees either understand or know company policies or rules.
I'm sorry you had so many problems this time.

[Kid Sopris]

Fed Ex,UPS have a Station Manager and USPS has a Postmaster, Keeping a copy of the reg's affecting yor shipment when encountering the species is just good prevention and should be kept withthe FFL when engaging these folks. Don't be afraid to ask for these Superiors, They put their pants on just like you and I. (Be surprised how many don't know their own reg's.)