[Mac]

I understand the requirement to ship via FedEx or UPS and not USPS.
FedEx wants $98 to ship a handgun from me overnight from Colorado to Florida. Dealers here want $25 to $35 plus $50 shipping. Do dealers receive a lower cost for shipping? Also, one dealer wants to see the gun before shipping. Sez they must be sure about what they are shipping.
Some internet dealers only charge $25 total.
Don't understand the difference in charges. Anybody know why the difference?
Mac

 

[elliotf]

I am sure other states have different regulations, however my FFL only charges $30 to ship anywhere in the CONUS. FFL's can use USPS, "if it fits, it ships." I am sure he is making something.

 

[Igor]

My FFL charges me $25 to ship a handgun via USPS Priority Mail flat rate. If it fits in a medium box ($11.85), he makes $12.15.

 

[jcs]

My understanding is that FFL holders can ship firearms via USPS and do not need to do so via Priority Overnight. Non-FFL holders can only ship via FEDEX or UPS and the shipment must be Priority Overnight.

 

[BRG]

Non-FFL holders can ship antiques, prior 1899, via usps.
I have shipped a few this way.
Bill

 

[Matchlock]

Yes, it's called "Capitalism" and that is what makes a great country. There are people out there who will always find new ways to make a buck, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's just that some people aren't satisfied with earning a fair living, they want more, and will do almost anything to get it.

For example, some eBay sellers charge extremely high shipping fees so that they can make additional money on the shipping. Is it fair? No, it isn't fair at all, but the system allows them to do it because it's extremely difficult to "police" such a thing. All other things being equal, it's like the dealer who wants $98.00 to ship a gun where others charge you only $30.00 The issue here isn't why he's charging so much, the issue is, finding one that charges what you are willing to pay.

I know this isn't what you had in mind when you asked, "Anybody know why the difference?", but it's the truth. We live in a "capitalist" society, and I don't think I'd want it any other way.

Some business people are honorable and some aren't. It's just the way it is.

Bud

I understand the requirement to ship via FedEx or UPS and not USPS.
FedEx wants $98 to ship a handgun from me overnight from Colorado to Florida. Dealers here want $25 to $35 plus $50 shipping. Do dealers receive a lower cost for shipping? Also, one dealer wants to see the gun before shipping. Sez they must be sure about what they are shipping.
Some internet dealers only charge $25 total.
Don't understand the difference in charges. Anybody know why the difference?
Mac

 

[Maximumbob54]

It's read tape. You can't ship via USPS but the FFL dealer can for cheap. They can also ship UPS, Fed-Ex, and more for cheap. But for YOU to ship cheap you have to have and in with a dealer.

 

[Rio]

I just received a small derringer from the US via USPS and I think the shipping charge was $25.00

Rio

 

[Rio]

For example, some eBay sellers charge extremely high shipping fees so that they can make additional money on the shipping. Is it fair? No, it isn't fair at all,

Bud

This is their way of getting the buyer to cover their eBay and Paypal charges!

Rio

 

[JudgeColt]

Some get around the inflated common carrier overnight charges by lying about the contents of the package.

 

[Radicalrod]

No need to "LIE" if no one asks....which is how it works when you use UPS and have an account.....or FED EX and have an account ....or USPS PRIORITY and have an account....I have never been asked what is in my package.....just hand it to the driver or clerk and they say THANKS....HAVE A NICE DAY....RR.

 

[snakebit77]

From what I understand to ship a firearm via USPS Postal Service form 1508 must be filled out. It's stipulations are:The undersigned is a manufacturer of firearms or bona fide dealer therein, and the parcels presented for mailing herewith are customary trade shipments or other articles for repair or replacement of parts. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the addresses are manufacturers of firearms or bona fide dealers therein.

 

[ohiobuckeye]

No need to "LIE" if no one asks....which is how it works when you use UPS and have an account.....or FED EX and have an account ....or USPS PRIORITY and have an account....I have never been asked what is in my package.....just hand it to the driver or clerk and they say THANKS....HAVE A NICE DAY....RR.

That is a low risk option. The catch is, they are not required to ask you, but federal law requires you to tell them the parcel contains a firearm, so yes, it is a lie by omission. The odds are in your favor BUT should any damage occur, or anything bring attention to your parcel, your insurance is no good and your firearm will most likely be confiscated...all because you lied to save a few bucks.

 

[broknaxl]

One thing, anyone can ship a long gun via USPS Priority Mail. It's just handguns that need the 1508.

 

[swamprat]

From the horror stories that I have heard and read about collecting on insurance from Fedex and UPS, you are wasting your money to pay for insurance!

 

[BBossman1]

25 or so years ago, you could ship a handgun via UPS Ground. That was until they experienced rampant employee theft and forced everyone to use air services to better track packages.

Years ago, a large UPS hub near me switched out their trash compactor and underneath they discovered dozens of empty boxes that had once contained handguns and even a few that still contained handguns. Within a few months, several employees were arrested for theft of multiple long and handguns. One was selling them from the trunk of his car and ended up being shot by ATF.

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[dfariswheel]

When you ship via UPS or Fed-Ex, you're agreeing to a legal contract between you and the shipper.
If you lie and say the package contains "parts" or "tool's or some other non-gun item, OR if you lie by omission, you've defrauded the shipper and broken the contract.
The rules of the shipper demand that you tell them if the package contains a firearm or the part with a serial number that is considered to be the firearm and meet their regulations for shipping it.
Figuring out some way not to tell them doesn't mean you're clear, it means you broke a legal contract.

In that case if the gun is lost, stolen, or damaged the shipper owes you NOTHING and that's just what you'll get.