Questions about how to send guns I sell online

[jimmywalkabout]

I have some guns listed on a classifieds web site and now I need to figure out the best, cheapest, LEGAL way to send them across state lines. I live in Idaho and I do know that if I sell them to someone who also lives in my state, all I have to legally do is ask to see their driver's license to verify that they are an Idaho resident...then hand them the gun as they hand me cash. I'm sure it's a good idea to write down their DL# and name and address and phone # just for my records. But if I sell a gun across state lines and need to ship it, what do I do?

I have called several gun shops here in town and they all told me that I have to send guns from an FFL holder to be received by another FFL holder in the buyer's state....then the actual buyer can pick them up there....that obviously incurs fees on both ends. HOWEVER...a guy that wants to buy some of my guns I'm selling has told me that all I need to do is send them myself to his local FFL holder and that's it. That way all I have to pay for (or he has to pay for) on my end is the cost of shipping. Is this true? I'm thinking that if it is true, the shops in my town are all greedy liars that just want another piece of the pie that's not rightfully theirs. I was also told by the shops I called that if I'm sending a hand gun that it would have to be shipped out no slower than 2ND DAY AIR.....however, if it's a long gun, it could go out any speed I choose. Also, I was told that they all need to have an adult signature upon delivery to the FFL holder on the buyer's end.

Please set me straight on this process and help me understand clearly EXACTLY what I need to do to keep these firearm transfers legal and keep myself out of trouble. Also, which parcel carriers tend to charge less or be better with firearm shipping and what kind of ballpark costs are involved to ship them insured and with the signature delivery confirmation? I'm talking about guns worth in the $350-$650 range. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me.

 

[DiscoRacing]

you can ship thru ups... you dont need to have an FFL to ship it... but you can only ship to someone who HAS an FFL license.

 

[ia1727]

I have received guns from individuals that will include a copy of their drivers license along with the gun but it had to be shipped to my FFL. It's all about records and accountability so the FEDS and lawyers know who to go after if something happens. Hope this helps.

 

[35Rem]

I have some guns listed on a classifieds web site and [bold]now[/bold] I need to figure out

NOW is not the time to figure out how to ship a gun. You really should have had all that figured out BEFORE trying to sell. That would protect both you and your buyer.

Welcome to the forum, there is plenty of information here to help you out.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

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

 

[jimmywalkabout]

Anyone know about rules regarding shipping long guns? Also, what's kind of standard pricing in your area regarding FFL fees? I've been quoted from $20-$50 locally here in Boise. If there's anyone in my area that's reading this and knows of a better dealer, please share!

Thanks!

 

[ia1727]

Jimmy--

Mine charges $20.00 for anything that goes on his books--wether or not you're sending or receiving. I've heard of charges up to $50.00 but the 20-25 dollar figure is usually pretty much the norm. You just have to look at it as another cost of doing business--just like freight--tax., etc.

Steve

 

[gunlovingirl]

One here charges $25, one is $20, and one I called wanted...ready for this....$80! Most ffl charge $20-$25. If you go to GunBroker, they have a listing by state of ffl and fees. Although the listing isn't all inclusive, you might find one in your area whose fees are reasonable.

 

[H Richard]

To standardize, I'd recommend selecting a local FFL you normally deal with, and get his price to ship for you. If he charges you $25 plus actual shipping charges it is usually much cheaper than the $50+ it costs to ship via overnight express at UPS Or Fed EX. You are covered legally on both ends, save money, and make a friend of your local FFL which may result in a good deal down the road. Your local FFL can ship through USPS and it's about $13 to ship a handgun.

 

[rjroberts]

If you are sending long guns, all you need is an FFL on the buyer's end who accepts from individuals. That is a matter of policy on the part of the FFL; there is no legal requirement that an FFL receive from an FFL. All you need is the recipient's FFL. Send via USPS, it's cheapest and they're fine with it.

Handguns cannot go from individuals via USPS but must be from FFL to FFL. However the same rules regarding the FFL apply: you can ship directly to an FFL but must do so via FedEx, and they will require you to ship overnight - read that $50. including some insurance. If you can find a local FFL who is reasonable about charges for outgoing shipments, that is the best way as that FFL will ship via USPS, which is a LOT cheaper. A handgun generally goes in a Flat Rate $10.40 box, add maybe $5. for insurance and your good to go (plus FFL fee)