ORM-D Labels ? ? ?

Indiana George

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Not sure where to post this, so my apology if it belongs in the Ammo Section or elsewhere.

Question: What is the latest requirement for ORM-D labels? I've heard that the required label type has changed in 2011.

I will be shipping some ammo via USPS to a friend in California.
That is if the Peoples Republic of California allows it! ~Grin~

Thanks for your info/input.

George
 
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I just received a considerate PM from one our esteemed members reminding me that shipping ammo via USPS is prohibited. THANKS!

The only other time I shipped ammo, I utilized a local shipping center that uses USPS, FedEx & UPS. It must have gone common carrier at that time and I had forgotten.

Thanks "Bob" for saving me some embarassment at the counter!
 
ORM-D.jpg


Here's what I read:

---- Updated thread for new rules in 2011 ---
"ORM-D labels are being phased out by DOT in order to harmonize U.S. shipping rules with United Nations standards. Here's the new "Limited Quantity" label to be used on ammo shipments from now on...

The good news is the new label doesn't have any indicator that the package contains ammunition. The bad news is the new label is gigantic compared to the old ORM-D label.
Here is a link to a PDF file for a sheet of these "Limited Quantity" labels. You are required to use one of the larger labels on one side of any package containing ammunition. If the package is too small for one of the larger labels then you are permitted to use one of the smaller labels instead. Because of the size requirement in the regulations, you only get two of each label on standard piece of printer paper...

http://www.type03.net/ammo/limitedquantity.pdf
 
You may not need to do anything if your friend lives in Los Angeles as our stupid city doesn't allow ammo to be shipped to it's irresponsible residents.

Edited to add: I know we can't buy ammo online...not sure if a PP can ship it to us...
 
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Thanks Sip!

Garden Grove, outside of San Diego, but I'll check with FedEx to be sure.

I may be wrong but I believe UPS is the only carrier that allows small private ammo shipments. You should also be able to find ORM-D info at the UPS website.
 
FedEx allows small arms ammo shipment, but requires a dangerous goods declaration. I tried them once, and all three people in the office I went to stated there was a $35 surcharge. Not a hazmat fee, but a surcharge.

UPS shipment is regular ground shipping rates, plus $3 if you request home pickup. I have done that several times.

Home pickup requires the package be labeled and fee paid. You would need an account for that.
 
The last time I shipped ammo (case) I had to take it to a UPS hub that is manned by ups employees and they furnished the labels. Sometimes I had to get them to call their Haz-mat help desk if the clerk on duty did not know their own regs.
 

I haven't found regs yet, but in your post # 3 the last line of your source (Calguns) was not included. Last line is:

You can continue to use the old ORM-D "Cartridges, Small Arms" labels until December 31, 2013 if you wish. So I will leave the original post below unchanged until then...

Edit: Below is blurb from Regs (49CFR) to support 2011 use of old stickers:
§ 172.316 Packagings containing materials classed as ORM-D.

(a) Each non-bulk packaging containing a material classed as ORM-D must be marked on at least one side or end with the ORM-D designation immediately following or below the proper shipping name of the material. The ORM designation must be placed within a rectangle that is approximately 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) larger on each side than the designation. The designation for ORM-D must be:


(2) Until December 31, 2013, ORM–D for an ORM–D that is packaged in accordance with §§173.63, 173.150 through 173.155 and 173.306.
 
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Thanks for the clarification, bobelk99. I knew there was a reason I didn't use FedEx for ammo.
 
Ammo Shipment

Just to clarify a bit . . .

I shipped 5 boxes of handgun ammo via the United States Postal Service this morning to California with no problem.

Great big poster in the lobby outlining prohibited & allowable items. Ammo was shown on the 'allowable' section and noted with two different ORM-D labels.

At the counter, I asked the clerk to check their regs to be sure. She did and said that the ammo can be shipped via the USPS, by a private individual, as long as it is clearly marked with ORM-D labels and can only be shipped by ground. As she weighed the package she attached a red sticker that showed that the package was NOT allowed to be shipped by air.

As a side note; WAY cheaper than UPS or FedEx! $18.00 for five 50 round boxes with $100 insurance and delivery confirmation.
 
George, USPS?? That's great news, always thought that was a no-no. Maybe they're looking for revenue considering they lose a couple billion a year.
I sent some ammo on Thurday via Fedex, attached the "new" label, they didn't say boo. Usually with the blue ORM-D labels they say "this is ammo, correct?". Well yeah, it says "small arms ammunition" right on the label.:rolleyes: Maybe they're not "up to speed" on the new labels??
I'll be shipping USPS from now on, knowing they allow ammo shipments. Btw, no "surcharge" via Fedex. Standard ground rates apply.
 
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Some months I don't win anything.

I use two small post offices. Both have a big plastic 'guide sheet' on the wall. First item states handguns and all ammunition cannot be shipped.

I will go to a bigger 'local' PO at first chance to see what they tell me.

I have researched their regs more than once, and found in the regs what I believe to be authorization to ship DOT Class 9 Stuff (ammo). Then the PO says No, look at the chart.

If I can get a pic of the chart that says OK to ship, then I will get district supervisor to contact my PO and straighten him out.

Thanks for info.

To OP: Thanks for PM.
 
Please look at the last line of section C below and tell me what it means? The more stuff I look up, the more conflicts I find.
----

United States Postal Service Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail
January 2008

341.21 Nonmailable Explosives
Nonmailable explosives found in the mailstream must be immediately
reported in accordance with POM 139.117.
Nonmailable explosives include, but are not limited to, the following:

c. Small Arms Ammunition.
Ammunition is classified as a Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4 explosive, depending on the degree of hazard.

Ammunition that is regulated as a Class 1 explosive and designed to be fired from a pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun, as well as associated primers and blank cartridges (including those designed for tools) and propellant powder for use in any firearm, is prohibited from mailing.
 
Interesting, Bobelk99. And I am no less confused!

I'll see if I can't get a publication number from the poster on the wall and a photo of it.

As a side note: The company I work for often has the occasion to communicate with the Indiana Departent of Environmental Management. (IDEM) Pose the exact same question to 10 different IDEM representatives and you will get 10 different interpretations of their requirements.

This could well be an example of the same . . .
 
Interesting, Bobelk99. And I am no less confused!

I'll see if I can't get a publication number from the poster on the wall and a photo of it.

. .

Publication # would be wonderful. I didn't think of that. I could give # to my postmaster and get him in sync!

Thanks for idea.
 
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