Customer service question

[Miles2014]

Need to send my Shield in for a repair. Do I need to inform UPS that there is a firearm packaged to be sent back? Haven't needed to s no anything back so I just don't want any hang ups or delays. I live in MA so you can probably understand my concern....

Thanks for your help.

 

[dullh]

If the UPS counter lady asks, tell her. If not, don't answer any questions that were not asked.

 

[much ado]

Repair to S&W

If you have contacted S&W Service and it`s apparent that it`s a warranty repair "they" will send you a a FedEx shipping authorization. Just follow their instructions and the freight is on their dime. Tell FedEx what you`re shipping but it will be pretty obvious per the shipping label. John

 

[colt_saa]

Need to send my Shield in for a repair. Do I need to inform UPS that there is a firearm packaged to be sent back? Haven't needed to s no anything back so I just don't want any hang ups or delays. I live in MA so you can probably understand my concern....

Thanks for your help.

YES you do




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]

https://www.atf.gov/content/may-nonlicensee-ship-firearm-common-or-contract-carrier

 

[B3500]

The half dozen or so times over the years I had to send different firearms back to their mothership, I mention to the person taking it that I am sending an unloaded firearm back to the manufacturer. So far I have not had any issues with saying that.

I do make sure I go to a real carrier hub to drop it off at versus an annex or "store". Imagine some of those "store" type places may not be able to take them for one reason or another. You can probably look those up that information at the carrier's website or give them a phone call.

 

[jepp2]

I have returned several handguns to S&W over the years. They always provided a Fedex 2 day label to me. If I ship and pay, I am required to ship overnight service (2 day not allowed). This happens to be a shipper requirement, not a BATF&E requirement. Both UPS and Fedex have it. You can't ship USPS priority (only FFL's can).

The last time I dropped one off at the Fedex shipping center, the lady at the counter began to argue with me that I must ship using overnight service, not 2'nd day. She wasn't going to yield. Lucky for me a driver was just leaving the store, he motioned for me to come over. He walked outside with me and told me he would accept the handgun and that she was wrong. Next time I will just schedule them to pick it up from my front door.

Best to stop by the store and pick up a few of their 2'nd day shipping boxes so you can pack it at home. They are free.

 

[FredBart]

The reason that UPS and FedEx requires overnight (expensive) air is that firearms have special internal handling. The shipment is signed off by the driver at each stage of the transportation process. If S&W or other Firearm manufacturer pays the return freight for you on a prepaid call tag, that manufacturer is covering the shipment under their own insurance.

My brother in law worked at the huge UPS facility near Chicago. In all big UPS facilities, theft rings are common. For high value shipments, a golf cart brings the packages to the driver and a signed possession chain is established. Your next day air shipment may never go on an airplane. But, there is a record of custody from door to door. Yes, it is expensive and a hassle. Not informing the carrier that you are shipping a handgun is a federal offense as stated above. This applies to the serial number frame only. Listing a frame as "machine parts" will result in possible criminal activity and most certainly no insurance coverage in case of loss or damage.

 

[emory]

First, call the number here:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757817_-1_757814_757812_image

If it is a warranty repair, they will handle it. Otherwise write a letter and ship to the address on the website. If you choose to use ups, make sure to follow their policy here:
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/firearms.html

 

[Vinny206]

Most of the time UPS here in Pittsburgh will make you open the package and show them it's unloaded, they will rewrap it for you...it's a pain but what can you do, also don't try to take it to a UPS store, they will decline it.

 

[OKFC05]

It's not optional, notification is the law:

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]
Firearms - Frequently Asked Questions - Unlicensed Persons | ATF

 

[tonesurfer]

Everytime I've returned something to S&W (that's four times now :< sadface ) they have sent a pre-printed label for Fedex. I take my gun in the blue plastic box, along with the pre-printed label to my local shipping store (handles UPS, Fedex, USPS, etc). I hand them the plastic box, and the label. They grab a Fedex shipping carton, stuff the gun inside, and stick on the label. Done. Of course, this is Texas. YMMV.