Interesting "parts" shipping issue?

Spotteddog

Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2005
Messages
3,949
Reaction score
31
Location
Left Coast
I was trying to ship two items today, both to specialty machine shops. Neither were serial numbered parts (1 slide, 1 barrel). The UPS strip mall box store, told me "We can't ship that from here". I said "It's a non-serial numbered, non frame portion"? He stated, "Your only option is to try to ship @ the UPS area consolidation location". He then said, "We're a franchise operation, and UPS doesn't allow us to clear firearms parts through the satellite stores"? So, off I am tomorrow AM to beg and plead with big brown to please, PLEASE ship my slide and and barrel to two separate locations. I will confess, one of the two places DID specify they preferred FedEx for shipping. I don't know whether this is "state by state" or a system wide policy for the satellite franchisee's? But if you plan to ship, I'd call ahead!
 
Register to hide this ad
From my recent run around from UPS, I would ship by almost any other method. If it is lost, they will not pay you what you think it is worth, but by some low ball figure, about 60% of what you figure it is worth. As you can tell, I'm rather unhappy with them.
They can refuse to pay for a firearm, according to their policy, as I discovered recently, and since they demand certain markings on the exterior of firearms and or ammunition packages, this is often prime target by their own employees. I urge you to look for alternate methods of shipping.
 
and since they demand certain markings on the exterior of firearms and or ammunition packages,
Ammo, yes, because it is hazardous material.
ATF regs specifically state that you CANNOT identify a package containing a firearm as such.

Either mail the parts, or have them securely wrapped and taped up and/or boxed when you go to the UPS store, and tell them "machine parts". You won't be breaking any law.
 
Originally posted by J. Galt:
How would they know what you are shipping?

+1. It's "parts for repair," "small machine parts," or "metal toolings." I recently sent a magazine back to Para Ordnance for repair/replacement. They were adamant that it just be addressed to "Para," with no mention of "Ordnance" or "guns," or anything like that. I know this is because they don't want to invite thievery during shipping, but I also agree that there's no reason you need to tell the shipper what's in it (unless it's something specifically regulated by law).
 
Thats why when I send payment for a gun I won on Gunbroker, it always get addressed to "Bob's Sport Shop", not "Bob's Gun Shop". About 30 years ago I was a licensed Class 3 dealer. I remember having a German WW2 MG-34 sent to me from the shipping address "ABC Carpeting Company". The importer had a policy not to use anything in shipping that was gun related, and as I said, that was 30 years ago.
 
I have sent many slides and barrels both UPS and USPS, the UPS goes from the local pack and ship. I think your guy doesn't understand the UPS rules.
As to addresses: some use initials on their labels, many do not like the label to say something like;"George's Very Expensive Guns" for obvious reasons.
For example; many sources will change sights on auto loaders you just send in the slide, return shipping is usually about $9.
 
I think some people just look for reasons to be indignant about UPS/FedEx or the USPS.
icon_wink.gif
 
I thank Lee and the rest of the folks!
It's been so long since I've had to have anything done "outside" I didn't realize the ongoing nonsense the active dealers have to endure?
Thanks for putting up with the B/S in order to continue to do so guys!
(EDIT) BTW J/G: When you walk in with a stripped slide expecting to purchase bubble wrap and packaging from the purveyor, it's pretty tough to convince them that it's NOT a "gun part"? Especially when the manufacturers roll stamping is on the side of the slide!
 
Back
Top