How to Ship Ammunition Via UPS - Yes It Can Be Done - Follow The UPS Rules

[mfraser264]

Hope this stays up a while but after talking to the UPS Store and a bit of research we can ship ammunition!!! Not all the time but from time to time this may be of benefit.

Please see this link: https://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/prepare/packaging/guidelines/ammunition.html

Please note that it must be taken to a UPS Center, not a drop off or UPS store. Tough for me to get to as the local UPS center closes early and is 20 miles away from work...

Have not see this link posted in all my reading here so hope this is of value to the other members.

[petroid]

I've done it. It works. Follow their guidelines and you should have no trouble

[jrdztech]

Thank you for sharing this information.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

[bullet maker 57]

You can also ship ammunition through Fed Ex. Same rules as UPS.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

The link has been posted on the 12th post of the sticky above, titled "Shipping Loaded Cartridges"

[cstrickland]

Actually it is quite easy. As stated read the rules and follow them. I had to return several boxes of PPU due to a recall. The guy at the counter actually thanked me for doing the leg work and having everything in order.

[abunaitoo]

Easy for those in the lower 48.
For Hawaii, and Alaska, it's still a no-no.

[Shawlerbrook]

I print my UPS mailing label, put the ORM-D /Ammo sticker on it and bring it to the cycle shop in town. I spoke to my UPS driver and he said he stops there almost everyday and it is totally legal as long as the shop keeper agrees( which he does).

[Hogtamer]

I've had no problem taking to local PO, box in a box, wrapped and ORM-D symbol drawn on package that indicates ground shipment only.

[str8wal]

Please note that it must be taken to a UPS Center, not a drop off or UPS store.

I believe you can still arrange for carrier pickup. Also can hand the package directly to a UPS driver if you come across one.

[badbob454]

My ups box store
Accepted my shipment 18 lbs of 270 ammo he asked what I was shipping I told him ammunition. Cost 49.00. But worth it.

[Shawlerbrook]

If you schedule a pickup it's going to cost you an additional $10-15.

[Ed in North Texas]

My only problem is the cost. I bought a Frankford Arsenal Benet (inside) primed .50-70 collector cartridge some years back. IIRC, the cartridge cost me $25.00 and the UPS shipping on the box containing one live cartridge cost $18.00.

[cstrickland]

My ups box store
Accepted my shipment 18 lbs of 270 ammo he asked what I was shipping I told him ammunition. Cost 49.00. But worth it.

Now I must say they will not do this in my area. The ONLY place that will accepted it around here is a main distribution location. neither FEDEX nor UPS satellite store take it. Once they see the ORM-D sticker its like you have hazardous waste in your box. !!

[sig2009]

What in the world is this metal clip thing they talk about? I asked a friend of mine that moved a while back and he said he just boxed it up and shipped it without any of this ORD ****.

[rfd]

only in america are the fed, state and local laws so ridiculously fuzzy and skewed. vendors have no problem shipping live ammo direct to their completely unknown customers, but a private american citizen can't ship ammo to another private american citizen. and to boot, while vendors ship live ready-to-shoot ammo with no hazmat fee, a hazmat fee is required for primers they ship out to their customers. that sure makes sense - not.

[Andy]

I haven't actually done it yet but my understanding from speaking with fedex reps on the phone is that I can schedule an at-home pickup for an ammo shipment without much hassle, the only additional requirement over a normal ground shipment is that you put the correct "orm-d" type label on the box from what they have told me. I believe one important aspect of this is that they don't ship it air ever if that label is on there.

I have read that it is not called orm-d anymore in the fedex regs but I still get packages labeled that from fedex so I don't think they care too much for a domestic shipment. They switched to the diamond label with black corners is my understanding. Lots of aerosol sprays and even many perfumes fall in this category so they shouldn't give you too much trouble shipping it if you follow the labeling guidelines.

The post office says no ammo, no exceptions that I am aware of, so don't get caught shipping ammo via usps. It is too bad as that would be by far the cheapest way with their flat rate boxes.

[mooman76]

USPS will NOT ship anything like that. UPS does though with proper labels and air shipments are NO.

[am44mag]

I followed all their rules, and the UPS manager refused to ship my ammo. Didn't even bother to look at it. Just flat out refused to take it. I took it to FedEx and it was "misplaced" half way to its destination. :mad:

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[lightman]

I just shipped some, and it was a pain. Fed EX and UPS employees are not sure about their own rules and you get the runaround. I called FED EX and was told no. I called UPS after reading what was on their web site and the lady that answered the phone had to yell across the room and ask someone every question that I ask her. In the end I used factory cartridge boxes with the individual compartments, wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in a bigger box, severely taped up. Just like they advise on their web site. When I went into the store and said I was shipping small arms ammo I was told that they could not ship firearms for an individual. Go figure! I had to explain the difference between a firearm and ammunition to the clerk. Fortunately the manager was sitting close by and things went ok after that. They furnished the required ORM-D stickers for me and were nice enough. Use the smallest box that you can get by with, it was pretty pricey. Just to be sure, I ask at the Post Office. I get along with them pretty well. They said no.

[Andy]

I have some old collector ammo to sell and that will probably motivate me eventually to give this a try with fedex sooner or later. I'll write back to this thread when I do so as I'm looking to hear from people who have scheduled a pickup of ammo before and so far it seems no one has in this thread unless I missed something. I'm really far from a shipping center and the drivers are very friendly here so I have a feeling it will all work out but I want to try it one time to be sure before planning on it.

[Sawfish]

Even though the policy is the same, the implementation varies from location to location.

[Steve Steven]

How is the shipping label handled at the UPS customer service center? Does UPS generate it, or do you have to put a generic label on and UPS puts on a cost label

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I just shipped some, and it was a pain. Fed EX and UPS employees are not sure about their own rules and you get the runaround. I called FED EX and was told no. I called UPS after reading what was on their web site and the lady that answered the phone had to yell across the room and ask someone every question that I ask her. In the end I used factory cartridge boxes with the individual compartments, wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in a bigger box, severely taped up. Just like they advise on their web site. When I went into the store and said I was shipping small arms ammo I was told that they could not ship firearms for an individual. Go figure! I had to explain the difference between a firearm and ammunition to the clerk. Fortunately the manager was sitting close by and things went ok after that. They furnished the required ORM-D stickers for me and were nice enough. Use the smallest box that you can get by with, it was pretty pricey. Just to be sure, I ask at the Post Office. I get along with them pretty well. They said no.


How is the shipping label handled at the UPS customer service center? Does UPS generate it, or do you have to put a generic label on and UPS puts on a cost label

I've always provided my own.

[Steve Steven]

I was able to sign up on UPS website and input my package data and print out a paid label, Lady at the UPS counter weighed it, my weight was low by 2.6 pounds, she said that was close enough and off it went.

[Walks]

I don't bother to tell UPS or USPS anything, everthing is "Machine Parts"

[fc60]

Quoting Walks...

"I don't bother to tell UPS or USPS anything, everthing is "Machine Parts" "

This is similar to the axiom I learned earlier in life. "It's only illegal if you get caught."

Cheers,

Dave

[btreanor]

222354

[RogerDat]

Quoting Walks...

"I don't bother to tell UPS or USPS anything, everthing is "Machine Parts" "

This is similar to the axiom I learned earlier in life. "It's only illegal if you get caught."

Cheers,

Dave

I'm reminded of the axiom that the squirrel has to beat the dog to the tree or the fence every time, the dog only has to get there first once, by skill or by luck it sure doesn't matter one bit to the squirrel that didn't get away fast enough that one time.

UPS will do it legal if you follow their rules, the USPS it's not going to be legal. Me I think I would avoid the yard with the dog. Dog might be slow but still get lucky. And it isn't like there has never been a box split open by any of the shipping operations.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I'm reminded of the axiom that the squirrel has to beat the dog to the tree or the fence every time, the dog only has to get there first once, by skill or by luck it sure doesn't matter one bit to the squirrel that didn't get away fast enough that one time.

UPS will do it legal if you follow their rules, the USPS it's not going to be legal. Me I think I would avoid the yard with the dog. Dog might be slow but still get lucky. And it isn't like there has never been a box split open by any of the shipping operations.

This topic reminds me of a trade I did many years ago, with a member who is now on the deadbeat list. Of course he wasn't on the list, when I did the trade.
anyway, his part of the trade was to send me some used 44 mag cases. What I got in the USPS flat rate box was a mix of 44 and 45 colt brass, some with live primers, and some were live ammo, loaded with cast boolits. While it went through the post office with no one the wiser, I often wondered if the box did get inspected (or broke open), if I as the recipient was liable for anything. So, if a sender is breaking the USPS rules, they may be putting at risk another party, who doesn't have a clue to what was done.

[Tatume]

My ups box store
Accepted my shipment 18 lbs of 270 ammo he asked what I was shipping I told him ammunition. Cost 49.00. But worth it.

My local UPS box store refused to ship a wooden rifle stock. I explained that the content of the box was 100% wood, didn't matter. They said they would not ship a gun. I explained that this wasn't a gun, it was a piece of wood; no metal. Didn't matter, they won't ship a gun.

This all came about because it was an expensive rifle stock, and I wanted to insure it. When I asked to insure the package for $1000 they insisted on knowing what was inside. I thought that was reasonable, but the outcome was very unreasonable.

[Traffer]

I think the bottom line is that the clerks no longer represent their companies policies, They exercise control of the shipping by reason of their political ideology. I went through the same thing with FedEX. The "woman on the phone" told me stuff that was directly different and opposed to their written policy. Godless workers have no compunction to tell the truth so they give you the run around.

[Thin Man]

A few months ago I tried to ship live ammo at our Fedex hub location. Usually I go there to send out a firearm but this visit was only for an ammo shipment. Their clerk told me they do NOT accept ammo shipments at their hub location, only from an FFL storefront with a pre-scheduled pickup appointment. This sounded wrong from everything I have read so far, but she was the only one there I could speak with. It also sounded like they would not carry a shipment from one private person to another, only business shipments. I then asked if she had the blue ORM-D stickers I could apply to future shipments. She responded "no, ask our drivers for those." All of her answers sounded very odd for a hub location's operations. I will make a few calls and try to find out what the Fedex regulations currently state for this activity.

[TNsailorman]

I have shipped before by FedEx and UPS (live ammo & primed brass) and all the Government regulations require is the label as shown by Btreanor. IF it is loaded ammo, it needs to have the Cartridges, small arms label on it(you can print the one he shows or a hand printed label works), or if it is primed cartridges cases--not loaded ammo--you only need the label without the Cartridges, small arms(only needs to read ORMD-D(I think the D no longer needs to be on the label). USPS will NOT ship either loaded or primed and it is illegal. Your call as to whether it is worth the chance. The last time I shipped ammo, the local UPS store owner told me that UPS now was requiring it to be brought to a UPS hub store that had Hazmat trained employees. But he took it and mailed it for me anyway saying "once I accept it they will ship it and just warn me not to do it again" "I have done this before for customers". Your call, james

[rfd]

Shipping Ammunition
How to Ship Ammunition (Cartridges, Small Arms)

UPS accepts for transportation such ammunition as constitutes "cartridges, small arms," as defined in 49 C.F.R. § 173.59. All other allowable ammunition shipments are accepted only on a contractual basis, and must be prepared under the rules for a fully regulated hazardous material.

Ammunition will be transported only when packaged and labeled in compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 172 (Hazardous Materials), and must be shipped in accordance with the UPS Guide for Shipping Ground and Air Hazardous Materials. To meet the exception for Limited Quantity/ORM-D, ammunition can be shipped via UPS Ground only within the 48 contiguous United States, UPS Ground Intra-Oahu and Intra-Alaska.

To qualify as "Cartridges, small arms ORM-D" or limited quantity, ammunition must be:

Ammunition that does not exceed 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol cartridges or 8 gauge for shotgun shells; or
Ammunition with inert projectiles or blank ammunition

How to Package Cartridges, Small Arms

Ammunition must be packed in inside boxes, partitioned within a snugly fitting outside box or in metal clips. Cartridges must be properly cushioned and protected from accidental initiation. The inside boxes, partitions or metal clips must be packaged in securely closed outside packaging that will not open during transit. The package may not exceed 66 lb. (30 kg).
Is a Hazardous Materials Label or Marking Required?

Yes, (until December 31, 2020) packages that meet the definition of Cartridges, small arms must be marked with the proper shipping name "Cartridges, small arms", and designated as "ORM-D". Materials marked "ORM-D" and shipped by UPS Ground within the 48 contiguous states, UPS Ground Intra-Oahu and Intra-Alaska do not require hazardous material shipping papers. This marking may either be in the form of an ORM-D sticker, or written by hand. If written by hand the letters "ORM-D" must be enclosed by a rectangle that is ¼" larger on each side than the designation "ORM-D". (Note: The image below can be printed, cut out, and securely taped to the box with clear packing tape.)
ORM-D Cartridges, Small Arms

Alternatively, a black and white limited quantity marking (approximately 4 X 4 inches) may be used. (see example).
ORM-D Cartridges, Small Arms

Print the ORM-D or Limited Quantity marking and securely affix to your package. If using the limited quantity marking, please place on package as a "square on point" or "diamond".
Getting the Package to UPS

Cartridges, small arms may be shipped only through a UPS Scheduled Pickup Account (specifically, Daily Pickup, Daily On-Route Pickup, UPS Smart Pickup®, and Day-Specific Pickup), or through a UPS Customer Center (counters at UPS operational facilities). Note: Cartridges, small arms are not accepted for shipment via UPS Drop Boxes, and may not be tendered to or dropped off at locations of The UPS Store® or any third party retailer or UPS Access Point™ location.

Domestic Cartridges, small arms shipments that meet the exception for Limited Quantity/ORMD packages and that comply with all UPS requirements for the shipment of ammunition (as set forth above, in the "Shipping Firearms or Ammunition" guidelines, and in the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service and the UPS Rate and Service Guide in effect at the time of shipping ("UPS Terms")) may be delivered by UPS to a third party retailer or UPS Access Point™ location in the United States.
Will I Pay An Additional Fee For Shipping Cartridges, Small Arms?

When shipping ORM-Ds or Limited Quantities of hazardous materials by UPS Ground within the 48 contiguous states, UPS Ground Intra-Oahu or Intra-Alaska, only the standard shipping charges apply. There are no "accessorial" or additional charges.
Important Additional Information

Ammunition may not be packaged with firearms
Ammunition may not be shipped to individuals under the age of 18
Ammunition is not accepted for shipment internationally


For additional information regarding firearm and ammunition shipments, see "Shipping Firearms or Ammunition," at the link below, or contact UPS.

Shipping Firearms or Ammunition

UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions (U.S)

All shipments tendered to UPS for service must meet the terms and conditions of service found in the UPS Terms. For specific information applicable to the shipment of ammunition, please follow the link below, download the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service - United States and go to Section 3.6:

UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service

[Stewbaby]

A trick I use on pickup shipping is to have the prelabeled package on the doormat on a day when an Amazon or such package is arriving. I just put a post-it note on it with ‘UPS, please take with you, thanks much’.

...always need something from Amazon or Midway or such.

Print label from UPS.com, label package with the ORM-D and done.

[MarkK]

Heard there were some new UPS rules around shipping loaded ammo. Something about different labels. Last time I shipped, the box needed to be shipped from a hub with ormd sticker. What’s the skinny? Anything new?

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

need the black and white diamond label for Hazardous Materials

https://www.ups.com/us/en/help-center/packaging-and-supplies/special-care-shipments/hazardous-materials/shipping-ammunition.page

[Epidote]

Thank you for this. I may need it in the near future.

[MrFrog]

The black and white diamond marking and a UPS customer service center (not a satellite service center) should work. I have done without issue. Note that UPS stores are not necessarily customer service centers.

[rfd]

The black and white diamond marking and a UPS customer service center (not a satellite service center) should work. I have done without issue. Note that UPS stores are not necessarily customer service centers.

Yup, did that 9 times already, no problem. So far. All good things will end eventually, however.

[HARRYMPOPE]

Yup why he said

Slap on the new ORMD diamond sticker and ship from a UPS hub.its ok per their policy.

[farmbif]

does anyone know if these new labels can be ordered online or do I need to get a printer

[fc60]

Greetings,

Check with UPS/FEDEX; but, I believe these are what you seek...

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-18719/Regulated-and-DOT-Labels/DOT-Labels-Blank-Limited-Quantity-2-1-4-x-2-1-4

In the past, I have downloaded the image and printed out what I needed.

Again, check with UPS to be sure of the label position. I recall it has to be on at least two sides of the box. Also, Ground Shipping only.

Cheers,

Dave

[Scorpion8]

Just tried to ship a box of shotgun test loads from Aberdeen, SD to Mitchell, SD via UPS and they stated "we don't ship ammo", because it had the small-quantity ammo image graphic on the side of the box. My wife stated "That's a UPS form, so of course you do" and they still refused. She drove over to FEDEX and they shipped the box without a comment. How in the world we ever got to the point that folks could refuse to do their job despite the rules stating otherwise, is beyond hope with me.

[FishHunter357]

In NH you can only ship "dangerous goods" like that from the UPS or FedEx distribution center near the airport. One shipping site for the state doesn't make sense. The person working the desk at the dist. center told me I couldn't ship it the first three or four times I shipped from there until I had them call to verify. The rules are complicated but I would think they should know the rules instead of assuming and turning away business.

[ridenclimb]

Have shipped ammo in the past but ups recently announced they would no longer ship gun parts. So will they still ship ammo from a distribution center? Anyone here have first hand report of shipping ammo via ups recently?

[HumptyDumpty]

Have shipped ammo in the past but ups recently announced they would no longer ship gun parts. So will they still ship ammo from a distribution center? Anyone here have first hand report of shipping ammo via ups recently?

Yes, I've shipped ammo within the last week,and will do so again today. Their new policy pertains to firearms, not ammunition. It specifically sates that firearms may be shipped via a scheduled pickup, or a dropped off with a prepaid label. That is, you can print out a label at home, slap it on the box, and take the gun to your local UPS Customer Service Center. That's straight from the horses mouth; the clerk at my local hub showed me the pop-up on his computer screen. The intention seems to be, that employees no longer be given any chance to learn of the package's contents. For what it is worth, all the folks at my local hub have made it clear that they are quite unconcerned with what I ship.

[dtknowles]

.......How in the world we ever got to the point that folks could refuse to do their job despite the rules stating otherwise, is beyond hope with me.

It has always been this way. It is going to get worse. Employees don't have to do anything they don't want to do, and managers can't replace them if they fire them.

[Horn Ridge]

I haven’t shipped ammo in over a year, but even prepackaged and shipping label printed at home, I was asked what was in the box and had to show my drivers license when I dropped it off.

[johnho]

Yes, I've shipped ammo within the last week,and will do so again today. Their new policy pertains to firearms, not ammunition. It specifically sates that firearms may be shipped via a scheduled pickup, or a dropped off with a prepaid label. That is, you can print out a label at home, slap it on the box, and take the gun to your local UPS Customer Service Center. That's straight from the horses mouth; the clerk at my local hub showed me the pop-up on his computer screen. The intention seems to be, that employees no longer be given any chance to learn of the package's contents. For what it is worth, all the folks at my local hub have made it clear that they are quite unconcerned with what I ship.

I tried printing out a label a few months ago for shipping a rifle. Refused to issue the pre-paid label so had to go to CS center. They had to print out the label for me. Said can't do it on line. I guess it's all a moot point now as they will only accept shipments from FFL to FFL.

https://www.ammoland.com/2022/09/ups-releases-new-woke-rules-for-shipping-firearms/

[smkummer]

My local UPS store will ship ammo. I used a blazer 9mm ammo box that originally held 500 rounds and had the correct labels on it to ship. I am in So. Indiana.

[TNsailorman]

I got a surprise when I tried to ship a Garand to my son in Washington. FedEx has always been very accommodating in the past and cheaper than UPS, so I used them. Not to mention that the Fed Ex shipping terminal is just about 2 1/2 miles from my home. Walked into the Shiping counter and the guy asked "what's in the box". I answered my usual "rifle". He looked at the box and said, "I can't ship it without you printing the shipping label". He said that FedEx had changed their policy on shipping firearms and he was no longer allowed to print the labels, the customer has to do that. I asked "how do I do that?" and he said "buy the scales and printer and sign onto a customer service with FexEx". I walked out and took the rifle to USPS and mailed it. Very easy and no hastle. But the downside was that with shipping charge by weight, extra for the longer length of the box, and $2000.00 insurance, it cost me a little over $100.00 to mail it. The last rifle I mailed about 2 years ago cost me a grand total of $40.00 and that was with $1000.00 worth of insurance. I understand that UPS has started the same policy as FedEx. It looks like the liberals are taking over the shipping industry as well as everything else. Just another way of throwing roadblocks in the path of firearm owners. james

[PvtJoker]

So, what's the latest on shipping ammo? I know that you can't send it through USPS. Not sure with the latest changes about UPS or Fedex for ammo, though.

[scattershot]

I used to ship ammo through UPS. Now I ship car parts. Just sayin’.

[Ken]

now they tell me thay will not ship anything gun related period. I tried to ship a rifle stock from a hub and it was no go. New policy!!!

[hk940]

A few years ago I bought some .300BO from a member on another forum, they arrived in a USPS medium flat rate box! When I told the seller that ammo thru the PO was a no-no, his reply was if it fits it ships!
I think the last time I shipped ammo was last year, I have a UPS account and print the label at home, I just fill out the form and say small arms ammo where asked what the contents are.
I think they stopped the ORM-D label some time back, now only a diagonal black diamond on the box.
I ship out of a UPS store as a CS center is about 55 miles away.

[smkummer]

So my local UPS store said they can’t ship ammo but an actual UPS sort/hub can. So that’s were I went. They gave me grief before went I didn’t have it pre printed but this time it went smooth and my name is in the system now.

[hk940]

My local UPS store is not a hub but I have shipped ammo from there many times, I think about a year ago they stopped using the ORM-D label and started using the black square set on a diagonal.

[hk940]

I am working part time for a Gun dealer/restoration service. A few weeks ago two sisters came in with a lot of high grade Brownings. On one of the shipping boxes for a shotgun had a UPS postage label on it for $3.99 (dated 1984).