You can ship directly to the buyer's FFL
UNLESS the buyer's FFL will only accept shipments from another FFL. This is not part of the law, but merely the preference of the buyer's FFL. However, it is his choice, not yours. Make sure you have this straight
before you ship.
You can ship
handguns via either UPS or FedEx. With either company, you must ship
overnight only. That is the policy of the two companies. FedEx requires you to ship priority overnight, which is more expensive than standard overnight.
Here is a summary of the FedEx firearms shipping policy:
Firearms
FedEx Express will transport and deliver firearms as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, between areas served in the U.S., but only between:
Licensed importers; licensed manufacturers; licensed dealers; licensed collectors; law enforcement agencies of the U.S. or any department or agency thereof; and law enforcement agencies of any state or any department, agency or political subdivisions thereof; or
Where not prohibited by local, state and federal law, from individuals to licensed importers, licensed manufacturers or licensed dealers (and return of same).
If your shipment contains firearms, select the Direct Signature Required or Adult Signature Required Delivery Signature Option, depending on the requirements of your shipment. See the Delivery Signature Options section for details. Firearms shipments are not eligible for signature release or indirect delivery.
Firearms must be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight service. FedEx Express cannot ship or deliver firearms C.O.D. Firearms shipments cannot be placed in a FedEx Express Drop Box.
Upon presenting the package for shipment, the person tendering the shipment to FedEx Express is required to notify FedEx Express that the package contains a firearm. The outside of the package must not be marked, labeled or otherwise identify that the package contains a firearm.
The shipper and recipient must be of legal age as identified by applicable law.
The shipper and recipient are required to comply with all applicable government regulations and laws, including those pertaining to labeling. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives can provide assistance.
FedEx Express will transport ammunition when packed and labeled in compliance with local, state and federal law, and the Dangerous Goods section of this Service Guide. Ammunition is an explosive and must be shipped separately as dangerous goods. You agree not to ship loaded firearms or firearms with ammunition in the same package.
You should read the policy here, by scrolling down to "Firearms" and clicking on that heading:
FedEx Service Guide - Terms & Conditions - Express & Ground
Again, with respect to handguns, UPS requires overnight shipping, but does not stick you with the extra charges involved in priority overnight services. Read this, carefully:
UPS: Shipping Firearms
However, you must ship from a UPS owned hub. You cannot use a drop box, or one of the UPS Store franchises, and UPS won't pick it up. You have to go to the UPS facility.
Regardless of the carrier, you need to insure the gun for its actual value (the price you sold it for). I would not lie about the package contents. Among other things, if the package gets lost or stolen, the insurance is void and you will lose your investment.
I'd recommend charging the buyer actual shipping costs rather than using this as way to put a couple of more bucks in your pocket. Some buyers, like me, will independently check the shipping charges you quote, and if you inflate them, will tell you to buzz off. I know I will.
Somewhat different rules apply to long guns, but I've never shipped one out of state, so I can't be of any help.
If you do not have a good relationship with a gun shop, start to develop one. There are two in my area. One tries to squeeze every damn nickel out of every damn deal. He rarely sees me. The other is a prince. Sometimes, as when the receiving FFL will only accept shipment from another FFL, this guy will handle the shipment for me at his actual cost, which is much less than I can purchase the same service for. He gets all of my business, including the recent purchase of an AR-15.
The forum is a great source of information. But, it is much more than that. It's a friendly place, so participate in the threads on the gun boards, and those in the lounge, where we have a pretty good time.
Welcome.
Bullseye